Hi, Kathy! R. may decide to move this into the Off-topic forum, but for now...
I guess it sort of depends on your needs and what you are willing to pay each month. You obviously read David's comments from a few days ago. (I took that from your "hilly comment."
) For my family, the small dish has been a godsend. We can get our local TV channels, as well as all the pay-per-views, all the cable nets, sports, etc. in one neat place for one payment each month. So, it's perfect for us. I'm not sure if everyone can get local channels on satellite, though, so check into it for your area. That might influence your decision, with Meat probably coming on some Network programs in the future (He said a while ago that he'd be making an appearance on Leno, for instance.).
And of course, it's basically the same for cable. You have your specific packages that you can order, depending on what you want to get and how much you are willing to pay.
In our area, we were having lots of cable problems, though, with the cable service going out all the time. It got to be incredibly frustrating. So, even with a cable modem for our computers, we've found the dish to be our best way. And the satellite has been MUCH more reliable for us.
Perhaps it would be good for you to call your local cable company and find out exactly what is offered in your part of the country and the cost for it. Then call BOTH DirecTV and the Dish Network to see what they have to offer and their prices. Some people seem to prefer the other satellite company. Our DirecTV came with the new house, so that's the way we went and have been extremely happy with it.
I'm sure that others will come along and share their points of view with you, though. But it's always best to do some research in Columbus (
my hometown, by the way--I was born and raised there until most of my family moved out west and we've been here ever since. ) and find out what is offered where you are.
Some cable companies offer "packages", which include a cable modem along with the television channels you want. So check that out as well.
The last time I read, there are over 75 million cable subscribers in the US and there are over 20 million dish owners. So, I guess, it's really a personal preference based on needs and the available services in one's area. But you're likely to catch most of Meat's upcoming appearances either way you go.
I hope this helps a little.
Love,
MB
xxx