The decision has been made

As many of you know, I've been sweating over a decision the past several days.

I have made my decision -- DirecTV.

First off, I'd like to note how extremely difficult the decision was. Both companies had great options and I'm sure that if I chose Dish Network I'd be happy.

What the decision came down to:

Well, Dish Network's prices were a little better. However, I would like to argue that they aren't as good as they might appear. With Dish Network, you have to pay for more extra stuff. With Dish Network you have to pay an extra $5 per month to get local channels. With Dish Network you also have to pay $5/month for your DVR lease. (well, that is you have to pay for those two extra tidbits unless you get one of the higher end, jumbo packages). But with DirecTV you don't have to pay for local channels, they're included. The prices are better with Dish Network, but they're not that much better if that stuff is important to you (which it was for me).

DirecTV gives you more "awesomeness" for only a little bit more money, which really sealed the deal for me...

-The DirecTV customer service people were a lot more willing to help me with the questions I had. The folks over at Dish Network really didn't know how to help me unless I was ordering a package or scheduling and installation. I've always been willing to pay a little more for nice, friendly customer service.

-I'm getting more channels (and HD channels). Also, my channels have content. I don't have to worry about a large chunk of my channels being devoted solely to playing music. Not that I hate music, but I do have an ipod.

-Oh, and I don't know if this stuff is important to you, but DirecTV offers great sports packages and movie packages that Dish Network doesn't. You no longer have to worry about not seeing the beloved cowboys because you are getting a "regional game". Again, I guess that's just another one of those "awesomeness" things. Dish Network doesn't offer any services like that as of yet. But if you're not a sports person, you don't have to go for that.

The equivelant package that I got would be $7.00 per month less at Dish Network AFTER the first year (for the first year DirecTV is about 10 bucks/month cheaper). The way I see it, I'll still be out ahead (12 months of saving $120 dollars and 12 months of "losing (I use this word, but remember the 'awesomeness factor'" $84). I realize this isn't the most intelligent way to view it, but it makes it a lot easier to justify signing the contract. What I plan on doing is at the end of my contract, I'll re-evaluate which of the 2 companies is ahead, and then make the switch accordingly, if needed.

Again, Dish Network, you were a worthy 2nd place finisher. I see no reason why Dish Network subscribers would be disappointed. They're both great. Perhaps at the end of my contract, Dish will have caught up with and/or passed DirecTV. But as of right now, I'm giving the edge to DirecTV.

They're installing Tuesday morning, just in time for The office to get going again, the first week of baseball and the end of March...er...April madness.