I use Directv also and I am happy with it. If it were not for exclusive rights to the NFL package I may have switched to cable for more covenient hdtv since using an antenna is not what I consider moving up in the world of technology. That said, the Directivo is worlds better than cox or time warners dvr's. I can't comment from experience on other dvr's but I hear its pretty much the same thing. Another thing that bothers me about cable is the best channels are done in analog and they look like crap once you get used to watching ESPN or Comedy Central on a digital feed.