[mythtv-users] DirectTV vs Dish for myth compatibility (serial ports, etc)

[Chris Petersen]

I just realized that I'm paying almost $46/month (after tax) for sh*tty 
analog cable from comcast.  For that price, I can get a similar package 
with better picture quality from Dish or DirectTV (and as I understand 
it, not have the same taxes added on), but since much of what I watch 
goes through the myth box, I'm wondering what those of you out there in 
mythtv-land have to say about the services.

How reliable is the IR blaster (eg. does it ever "miss" and not change a 
channel, etc)?  Is there a way I can make sure to get a 
serial-controlled box?  Etc....

-Chris