[Johnny B.]

I don't think there is much difference unless you're a sports fan. If you are, make sure the teams you want to watch are available on the service you choose.

Either one is more of a hassle than cable, but if cable isn't an option that doesn't matter.

By the time you get the same programming you had with cable, you'll be spending about the same price as cable. Getting the local channels used to be a problem in some areas, but I don't know if that's still true.

If you live in the snow belt, make sure you can reach the dish to brush off the snow. Otherwise, you might not get reception until spring!

What are you doing for Internet access? I hope you have DSL, because satellite-based Internet is terrible. If my only choice was satellite-based Internet or dialup, I would probably pick dialup.

Good luck!

[Yaelle]

We have dish because of that exact reason. You can get “local” sports channels in places where you don’t live, to follow college teams elsewhere.

[faucetman]

“If you live in the snow belt, make sure you can reach the dish to brush off the snow. Otherwise, you might not get reception until spring!”

YES! Dish on the roof is not good during winter. Rain is also an issue. You lose signal during heavy downpours or heavy storm clouds between your antenna and satellite. Just something you have to deal with.