[djplong]

I've had Dish Network for 9 years, before that, I had a "BUD" - Big Ugly Dish (10') for about 10 years. I've been a member of dbstalk.com for a VERY long time.

In short:

Programming - in general, Dish is a little cheaper. Look at the packages to see who's package you want. It's more confusing now that HD is in the mix but it's not universal.

If you're a sports fan, hands down, you want DirecTV. You want MLB Extra Innings or NFL Sunday Ticket? DirecTV is your only satellite choice. The fact that I wouldn't be able to get the Red Sox and Patriots if I moved to Florida means that I would seriously consider switching.

DVRs. This is a tossup. Dish has a history of releasing new DVRs before their time. If you get one at introduction, it's typically going to have some very weird programming bugs. Fortunately, they tend to get ironed out in a decent fashion. I've heard many complaints about DirecTV's DVRs but, when they work, *if* you are very technically oriented, they have some features that make up for it (like multi-room viewing - record on one DVR and watch it on another if your place is wired for ethernet). However, Dish is much nicer about adding external hard drives so you can store more programs. (One fee activates this for your entire house no matter how many DVRs you have)

Personally, I have a pair of Dish 621 DVRs, one in the family room and one in the bedroom and I'm very happy with them.

Rain fade - well if EVERY rainstorm is causing a blackout, I'd have an installer come look at the alignment of the dish.

...just my 2 centidollars.