I've had DirecTV since 1998 in two separate houses. During that time, I think I've had weather related problems an average of less than once per year. I originally bought DirecTV for the NFL package, but I don't subscribe to it anymore - - the price has really jumped for it recently. I also used to get the MLB package, NBA, March Madness, etc. They also carry more soccer channels, including Setanta as well as GolTV and FSC. Not sure whether the others have Setanta. I don't really think Satellite is any cheaper than cable (my bill is somewhere around $90-$100/mo, not sure though), but my biggest complaint with DirecTV is that they no longer offer DVRs with TiVo... and TiVo is much better than all other DVRs imo. Hopefully the two of them work something out again soon.