This still doesn't answer the question guys--and gals--why is Direct ahead and why have they been ahead for so long now? It used to be generally acknowledged that Direct was the sports place and Dish was the movie place. Go with whom you felt give you the most of which. As it stands, and has stood for far too long now, Direct is even more the sports place and now a better movie place. Better movies mean national channels, premium channels. Direct has them, Dish does not. I just called Direct to talk about switching from Dish. When I was through, I got an offer for more HD movies and sports for less money. Figures don't lie, kids.