You are correct about how RF cable deteriorates over time.

Also correct about DirecTV being able to use a single dish to pull in
multiple satellite signals -- I have that set-up myself.

As I recall the FCC is mandating that satellite TV providers place local
channels on the SAME SATELLITE if they offer locals in a particular
area. I think Dish is behind the curve on this. This may be why the op
is losing his locals.

As for DirecTV quality, it looks fantastic on a TV with screens 32" and
smaller in my experience. However due to the compression utilized on the
DTV signal there is significant degradation in picture quality when I
compare DTV network HD signals, and DTV local (non HD) channels to what
I receive using a roof-top mounted antenna here in Southern California
when viewing on a large screen (55") high-end HD TV. Granted, I live in
an area where excellent off the air reception is possible, but the
degradation is very very noticeable.

This image degradation issue has also been observed by others with
different equipment so I am 100% confident that this is a DTV issue and
not a problem with a particular TV, set top box, or antenna.

Essentially, DTV (and Dish as well) will compress the signals to allow
more channels to be carried by the satellites. (To them it makes
business sense.) Until the majority of people notice the degradation and
complain about it (or vote with their wallets and cancel their
subscriptions) the compression will still be high enough to cause
noticeable degradation.

DTV also requested some kind of ruling from the FCC to 'Down-Res' HD
content transmitted through their satellites. Down-Res means that they
intentionally reduce the resolution -- supposedly this somehow reduces
the chances that customers will record the HD content. But when you
consider that reducing the resolution allows them to transmit more
channels (and make more money unless people cancel their subscriptions)
it makes sense from a business perspective. But if you like crisp video,
and have a large format TV it is enough to make you scream!

Gosh it sounds like I am really bagging on DTV. Truth be known our
family has had (and continues to have) a subscription for over 10 years
and we like the channel line-up available. I own stock in DTV and used
to work for Hughes for many many years designing satellite hardware,
much of which is still in orbit. I am still in the aerospace business.

It was only 2 or so years ago when we purchased a HD large screen TV
that I noticed the image degradation issue and did testing to determine
the cause. So its a mixed bag, but if you live in an area where local
reception is poor or impossible, its either satellite or cable -- or
pick up a good book

I am hopeful that the launch of additional satellites in the next year
or so will allow DTV to increase their channel line-up, improve image
quality, and provide locals to more areas. But it all comes down to the
business model. DTV's green-visor wearing accountants will probably
argue against improving image quality in favor of carrying more channels
that they can charge extra for.

I will jump ship from DTV as soon as a high-image quality alternative
exists that has a similar channel lineup. As for their stock..... man
has that been a mistake. But I still believe in the idea of satellite TV.

Steve