I'd also figure out how HDTV fits into your plans. Currently, many
cable providers offer the
local networks in HD, while the sat providers, do not. With Sat, you
still need to use an antenna
to receive the locals in HD. The sats do have an assortment of 8 or so
other HD channes, eg Discovery,
HBO, etc avail in HD as do many of the cable companies.

And don't forget internet access. By bundling that into the deal,
cable becomes more attractive.