Hello....

I've had a 5900 for a few years now....and I'm thinking of upgrading to a new unit.
What's the next best in line after a 5900 PVR....doesn't have to be high definition, but it has to be a PVR.

Also....IF I did want to upgrade to High defination, do I have to get a new dish for the roof, or is it just the PVR unit I have to replace. The dish on the roof is the original that came with the 5900.

thanks for any help,

I think the 9241 is the only option currently. If you don't want HD there is no need to upgrade the dish but you may need a new LNB and/or switch and/or RG6 cable. I think Bell will do the upgrade for free if you sub to an HD package or any other channels on the second satellite.

Correct. The 9241 is currently the only PVR available. It's a dual-tuner PVR, so you can record one channel and watch another, or record 2 channels at the same time. You can purchase one for $499, or rent for $13.86/month.

Alternatively, you could get a 6131 and an external hard drive and you'd have a single-tuner PVR, the only difference from the 5900 being that it would be HD. You can purchase one for $199, or rent for $5.53/month.

You could also give Bell a call and tell them you are thinking about upgrading, and see what kind of a deal they can give you. They're more likely to give you a deal if you've been a customer for a while.

The 5900 is a great receiver, the only downside is the small hard-drive. The newer units the 9241, and 6131, are not as good (in my opinion) as the 9242 and 6141 that have OTA tuners, but are no longer available as new units.
I would suggest waiting for the next generation, (not sure when it will be out) if HD is not a priority for you right now, or look for used units of the 9242/6141, and keep your 5900 as there is no additional charge for up to 6 receivers.