Kieri is right. Rain fade happens occasionally, usually during a heavy downpour. However, our cable would ALWAYS go out during thunderstorms, so a little rain fade doesn't bother me. It is cheaper than our local cable, the picture is better, and you get loads of choices. I love it, and will never go back to cable.
Thanks for all the info on the dish. Our anniversary is next week. I think I will surprise my long suffering DH with a great present this year.