DirecTV with a TIVO is TV at its best! My only real complaint is the lack of any HD signal. I hear COMCAST is good with it's digital service and video on demand. I hear they also have a TIVO-like service. Of course, if you can't get COMCAST...
There are some downfalls to satellite:
- Lose the signal during heavy storms
- Need to have one of their receivers in each room
- Need to have RG-6 in the house to each TV location. You need 2 cables if you have TIVO and want to record one and watch another. Most older houses only have one RG-59 cable to each location if they have that.
- You have to pay extra for each additional receiver ($5/mo) and another $5/mo for each TIVO.
The PROS are:
- Crystal clear video/sound on EVERY channel
- Awesome selection of channels for a decent price
- TIVO availability. Record 2 channels at the same time. Instant rewind/freeze/FF of live tv. Interactive TV Guide. Select channel to record at touch of a button.
- You can change your programming packages on the Internet and the changes take place almost instantly.
- Pay-per-view movies (on a pre-determined schedule, not on-demand)
- Built-in TV Guide
You can usually get a 4-room setup with free install for DirecTV. Just check out this page:
http://www.somd.com/mp/tv/