I have had direct tv for years and love it. Its much better now than what it was years ago. back then the smallest cloud and you would lose the picture. Its not that way now. It does go out if a thunderstorm comes thru but not long. minutes only usually. I pay around 65. a month. I have all the basics plus starz package and two extra receivers.  I couldnt go back to cable. you should look into it. they are always running promotions. now I think you can get a dvr or something for signing up

I had direct.v  over 8yrs, my husband mess it up everytime he went through all the t.v's in the house something he did wrong, I was going around fixing them, I showed him how to use the remote until the cows knew how to do the t.v, he wanted something idiot proof an so did I..of course you figured out by now he's not computer minded,, also direct. updated there programs my old dish they said I needed a update to get the local channels I would have to pay $80.00 for a tech.to come out,I didn't think that was not fair, that I have been a long standing customer , an plus my t.v was not comming in as clear since they updated so cable was having good deal I decided to try them out I love it my husband has not mess up the channels! even though it maybe a little pricey its worth it to me.

I have DirecTV as well.  I am quite satisifed, so far, with this satellite service.