Digital Direct TV vs HD via Cable

I have Direct TV and also cable, digital for some channels.
I do not have a HD plasma, (my receiver is HD) but the one I have looks good to my old eyes, and was soft on the wallet. Observations are:

HD programs look better than regular ones, even without the HD monitor. I was able to check this out because Direct TV often has the same movie on two channels, one HD, the other not, and I can switch back and forth between channels.

With satelite, all channels are digital, whether or not they are HD. Picture quality is better for these channels.

Local stations are not available for all locations, yet. I was surprised to find that neither PBS channel included on Direct TV had the programming that I like from my local PBS station. I can still get it over the cable, and they say that local stations will soon be available in my location.

Cable has a way of getting knocked out during thunder storms or when people take down poles with their cars. Direct TV has never been interrupted. Surprisingly, my signal strength was unaffected by about one inch of snow clinging to the lower third of the dish.

With cable, you can get broadband connection for your computer.

Edesilva...You are absolutely right that the local cable provider can make or break cable, and your house's suitability for dish location can make or break satelite.

I bought my own satelite hardware and installed it myself without any problem whatsoever. It took me a couple of hours. My signal strength is in the mid 90's, which is considered very good. The ideal dish location, from a reception point of view, happened to be ideal from a cosmetic point of view (hidden away on a back roof). Not everyone will be this fortunate.

If comparing satelite networks, (Direct TV vs Dish Network) check into the dish angles for your locality. Where I live, Direct TV has an elevation angle of 30 degrees, whereas the Dish Network needs 11 degrees. (I don't know why they are different, since all the satelites are in synchronous 22,000 mile orbits). Anyway, 30 degrees makes it a lot easier to see over trees and other obstructions.

Edesilva...The dish has a built-in level, and the adjustments have angular scales, so all you need is a boy scout compass. Clue me in...what is the drinking straw for?