I had trouble with Directv myself after switching over from Dish Network in hopes of getting National Geographic and the Military channels. It didn't work when I first ask directv if we can get Military channel in Alaska they said yes with the total choice plus package, but after installation I got the NG channel, but was told this was a blackout area for Military channel and I needed to wait this summer for some type of new satellite that was going to be lanched. But I cancelled them because the wind misaligned the 1.2m dish and after 3 times of trying to get somebody to fix it nobody showed up. Now I have cable with the local cable company General Communications Inc. There are some avantages to cable because when you look at Dish and Directv they are both huge bureaucracies who do have a challenge to satisfy customers in all 50 states. Some avantages to cable are no dish required, heavy clouds don't block the signal, free technical support, equipment, and repairs, and local channels are in HD, also cable prices have come down to be more competitve. So if cable is available in your area I suggest you try it because your cable company is mostly just a local company with a local number to call and they repair any defective equipment for you as long as you have their service.
