cable or satellite tv provider?

depends on your needs.

you get more for the money with directv or dish. All channels are digital and you aren't nickeled and dimed for channels like Bravo and Logo or whatever. The quality is pretty good, but yes, it can go out with a major snowstorm. You need to have an unobstructed view (of the southern sky I believe) and good signal strength. It won't go out willy-nilly, though like cable.

You don't have to pay a monthly fee for your satellite receiver, dish or remote control. For cable, they charge you for everything, including the remote.

You have a choice with satellite vs the cable monopoly in your area.

If you already own Tivo or are planning on purchasing it, versus a generic DVR that directv or cable can supply you, you won't be able to record two shows at once because satellite is all digital and Tivo can't record two digital shows at once. (You can with their supplied DVR.)

you won't be able to get any combined cable internet plans but in the end, satellite plus DSL or cable internet ends up costing the same.