comcast vs. directv

Well, after three and a half years as a Directv customer, we switched to Comcast digital cable. When we originally signed up for Directv, it was a better deal than cable - more channels for less money. Plus, we've had very good service from them.

But now that we want HDTV service and DVR, the pendulum has swung the other way. Directv wants you to shell out hundreds of dollars up front for their HD-Tivo box, and then still pay a leasing fee on top of that. With Comcast, I pay $10/month for the HD-DVR (dual tuner) box and no up front fees. Also, no contract! With Directv you're always signing one or two year contracts when you upgrade to new equipment.

Granted, the Comcast DVR is probably not as nice as Tivo, but...Comcast and Tivo have signed an agreement, so we'll see what happens in the future. The whole family really likes the Comcast "On Demand" service, too.