I also found it is a bit easier to get Directv up and going primarily because receivers appear to respond quicker to sat dish pointing adjustments. Other than that the processes for either service are quite similar. We use the VIP receivers in our rig and using a compass locate the center satellite, we then run a check switch.
HD is just as easy as SD and only requires the added tilt parameter to attain the outward satellites. With the tilt properly set, once center satellite has been adjusted to max strength other two sats should also be locked in. For us, the dish pointing is the easiest part, it takes longer to unwind coax, level the tripod, and mount the sat dish.