[jcanavera]

Don't hold your breath regarding the Dish/Direct merger. Lots of opposition out there since Dish and Direct are the only 2 companies with sizable small dish service. Lots of concern in rural areas that Dish will raise prices if their satellite competion is gone.

I've had Dish for over 4 years and here are the salient points. Dish will probably be a little cheaper than Direct. Direct has more sports packages than Dish. Direct has more pay per view movie channels. Dish has upgraded the capabilities of its receivers through software downloads. Direct receivers in most cases need to be replaced to get new features.

You probably will be happy with either. If Dish is allowed to buy Direct, the jury is still out as to whose receiver platform will win out. I have heard that Dish will change its service name to Direct TV although the parent company will stay named Echostar.

I normally tell folks that if you want lots of sports and are willing to pay for the sports packages, go with Direct. Pick Dish if you want slightly lower prices and receivers that accept software upgrades through downloads.

Jack