How We Determined Your Selection:
High Definition Channels
While there is much controversy over which provider, DirecTV, DishTV or Cable provide the most High Def channels, the answer becomes quite clear when you rule out On-Demand (Pay-per-view) type channels. At that point, DirecTV is the clear victor.
Sports Channels
This one is actually quite easy. With NFL Sunday Ticket, NBA TV, ESPN U, CBC College Sports, Fox Soccer and many more, DirecTV is the unquestionable choice. Your next best bet, especially for local sports, would be cable.
DVR (like Tivo)
Any of the providers should be able to assist you with this, although with current deals I believe DirecTV is the only one that will offer a free High Definition DVR. Don't quote me on that though. Remember, it is always best to call to verify offers.
Fewer Outages
Satellite gets a bad wrap on this. In reality, satellite companies have fewer outages on average than Cable and - more importantly - they tend to be quickly remedied unless damage is done to the receiver. DirecTV or DishTV would be your better option here.
Movie Channels
This one is a close tie, but I believe that DirecTV edges them out with a couple of extra offers and in general better pricing for the same service levels. All options do provide Pay-Per-View and On-Demand type services.
Music Channels
Now that DirecTV offers XM Satellite Radio music, there is no comparison. Chalk this victory up to DirecTV.
Local Channels
Cable used to have the advantage on this one, but now pretty much all local stations are available via Satellite providers. DirecTV, DishTV or Cable should be fine on this.
International Channels
The satellite services definitely win this one. Tons of multi-lingual options are available on satellite that you just can't get with cable. I am not familiar with DishTV's offerings here, but I know DirecTV offers 15+ international type packages which, if I could speak a foreign language, would be immensely valuable.
