The big problem is the network bundling and the solution is ala carte channels. Ala carte channels are inevitable but, as all involved understand, it is certain doom for most of the fluff channels out there. With DirecTV your bill includes probably $2 - $2.50 a month for Al Jazeera America. Due to clever bundling you cannot opt out with out losing some channels you want. Would you ever pay to watch Al Jazeera America? I didn't think so and they know you won't, so they fight ala carte cable channels tooth and nail.
The demand is there and someone will figure it out an exploit it. I believe the first mover in that direction will grab markets hare at a rate that will cause heads to spin. I have tried everything except any offering from Apple or AT&T because I don't do business with either of them at any level. Roku isn't quite there yet with the offerings.
Be very careful if you go with Comcast. Your cable modem will have a wi-fi connection that other Comcast subscribers can log into. It can be disabled but is on by default and how many people do you know that can log into a cable modem and change settings? If you think I'm kidding, Ixquick (yeah I don't do business with that other search engine either) for "public wifi hotspot comcast router."
Net net, they all suck but DirecTV appear to suck the least for right now.
minor correction
“All Jazz” is costing the providers about 4 cents per month, it’s one of the very cheapest channels, not surprising given its trivial viewership.