I've lived all over the country and had several providers at difference places and times. I have to say that DirecTv is the best out of all of them, but it does come at a price. I think "renting" equipment forever is extortion, but since I'm a big fan of the NFL, Directv has the monopoly on that. No other cable or dish provider has that. I do like the genie, and back in the day was a big fan of Tivo. Their customer service could use some help, especially when they re-direct you overseas (my guess is philipines). I am interested in getting their bridge and mini genie, but that's $200 plus rental fees (absurd). But I'd much rather have Directv than Cable/Dish.