I did the switch from Directv to Dish, and so far so good.
Picture quality: HD has been good, SD not bad comapriable, if not a tad better the Direct
Customer service: This may shock some, I have had two calls, they have both been polite and from the sounds of it seemed based in the USA
DVR: I have a 722K and 612, both have been great, I was a little leary, since I was used to Direct's, but I picked up Dish Networks real easy. I like the "On Screen" look. I also like the fact that two TV's can share (1 SD/1 HD)
Not going to Slam Directv, they have a nice service. But thus far my experience with Dish has been good.