I've got both Direct TV & Digital Cable, as well as Cable Internet (I'll never go back to Dial-up). I have both because I'm in the 'Biz...and thanks for watching!
I've never had any problems with the dish...no snow or rain fade. It really depends if it is in a protected spot.
On my Cable system (ATT), the Digital Cable has most everything, but if you rent a PPV it's not the all day ticket that Direct TV offers. Also, I don't think Cable has all of the sports packages.
I only switched to Digital cable because my wife wanted HBO and it seemed to offer the best package.
As for HDTV....cable will offer it real soon, if that's a concern.
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