but that's another story).
Weeks after even power was restored here after Rita (which was weeks as well), still no cable. I wasn't mad, like some people were, I just wanted to get away from the cleanup and watch something at night. I know they were working their tails off, with extra people brought in, but the damage here was unprecedented. Anyway, DISH was here within a few days and I saw clear, color TV again.
A few apparent misconceptions. Brent, you don't need a receiver for each TV. They have dual receivers so you get 2 rooms with one receiver. I got in with a free DVR and HD upgrade, so I've got a DVR for 2 rooms and my HD receiver is only on one TV because only my big screen is HD ready anyway. Free installation, first month free. A bunch of HBO, Showtime and Cinemax channels free for 3 months. HD free for 6 months. DVR receiver was free but the service is only $5/month, compared to $18/mo for cable (for receiver and service).
I've got the 120 package and it's only $37.99/mo. + $5 for my DVR service. Time Warner cable's 77 channels is $41.51/mo.
I've been able to take care of my only satellite hesitation (local channels) by keeping basic cable for $13.50/mo - I did that because you get a $10 Roadrunner discount for being a cable customer so it's like getting my locals for $3.50. DSL isn't available in my neighborhood or I might go with that since it's a lot cheaper and almost as fast.
Brent, if you'll notice on the satellite price increases, they were also adding a lot more channels during that time, so it's actually quite reasonable.
As to satellite going out every time it rains, I was worried about that. But either some people are just unlucky or their satellite dish is in a bad spot or maybe the newer dishes are better (?) because I haven't had that problem since getting it. We had quite a few storms today, even Severe Thunderstorm Warnings (although it was just heavy rain and windy here) and I never lost satellite once. Last Saturday, it stormed or rained most of the day, same thing - it never went out once. Even if it did, from what I hear, it comes back right away. With cable, it can take hours, or after a hurricane named Rita, a few months.
So although I was hesitant to try Satellite, I must admit that I'm very happy with it. The picture is crystal clear and I don't know how I ever lived without the on-screen guide. With one click, you can see what you're watching, what it's about, who's in it, the rating, etc. And while you're watching something, you can search what else is on, or coming on (even many days ahead) and see what that's about. If you want to record it, click click, done. It's set.
. He was bringing up the same points you are. We're going to get a killer deal for 6 months and then after that, if we're not happy with the new cable company(I've heard some bad things about it), then we might switch to DirecTV or Dish. The thing is... the cable company doesn't have the ability to give you ONLY cable internet, so since we'll be keeping it no matter what, we'd still have basic cable as well. 