Satellite tv is still cheaper for programming than cable,but equipment fees and Dvr fees is where they pump up the price you pay. IF it is just you or your wife and one receiver , you will come out cheaper than cable. IF you have more than three people the equipment fees start stacking up. Tivo is just like DISH . They charge over $500.00 for their latest Premeire receivers and around $14.00 for their recording fee or dvr fee. DISH has decided to pump up their fees for Hoppers to $14.00 as well. Directv is higher than DISH on programming and they have fees that are higher ,by I think it was a dollar more for the same whole house dvr,than DISH does. The DISH Vip class of dvrs is worse for equipment fees, than the hopper. You pay around $17.00 for an additional Vip dvr like the 722/722k on your account.
Dead on correct. The plus is those who least can afford to pay much, can get a decent package and an excellent DVR receiver with Dish (or Direct) for generally much less than Cable. As you want more equipment the difference in price to Cable (And Direct TV) narrows.