DirecTV vs. cable

[over the mountain]

just signed up for cable and internet w comcast.

$129.98 a month for their double play preferred package (hbo plus 220 channels, 2 HD boxes 1 of which is dvr as well, im supplying my own modem).

normally i can negotiate a discretionary discount but this time it was tough, the sales people literally wouldnt budge on anything. i was able to get them to reduce the professional installation fee from 69.95 to 39.95 but that was it (new building, never had cable set up, the guy will probably have to install boxes and wires etc in the basement = pain in ass).

my last hope is to call them in 29 days and say i am unhappy with the service and see if i cant get a discount or at least free showtime or something.

direct tv really isnt an option since Comcast is the only internet provider for Baltimore = how is that not a monopoly? how is the govt' allowing ppl to get bent over the barrel? this is ridiculous and getting out of hand.

[skinsguy]

Honestly, I would rather assume have a roof top TV antenna than to pay for cable or satellite. While there are a couple of TV shows that my wife and I like to watch on cable TV - you can catch most of those shows on that station's website.

My only reason for having DirecTV is having access to NFL Sunday Ticket. I can't watch all of the Redskins games down here - and good or bad - watching each game is very important to me. I don't subscribe to any premium channels. I do have a couple TV shows that I like to watch on cable, but you can honestly watch just about anything you want to on that stations' website.

I have considered going the route of unhooking from DirecTV altogether, just having the TV antenna, and buying the NFL recap games on iTunes or that NFL replay thing for $50 a season (I believe that's what it is.) But I don't know if I could stand not being able to watch the game as it's played out live.