The way Americans access television and streaming content has changed dramatically over the past decade. With viewers demanding more flexibility, wider channel selections, and better pricing, traditional cable providers like Midco are losing ground. Many subscribers point to rising monthly rates, limited premium content, and inconsistent customer support as their reasons for moving on.
If you're exploring alternatives, DirecTV brings a competitive package to the table. Integrated sports coverage, exclusive programming like NFL SUNDAY TICKET, flexible HD and 4K options, and advanced DVR features give customers more control over how they watch TV. In addition to entertainment, DIRECTV also simplifies the setup: customers can bundle DIRECTV satellite service with high-speed internet—cutting clutter, consolidating billing, and upgrading performance all in one move.
Is it time to rethink your cable service? Let’s compare the switch step by step.
Midco's introductory TV package, Basic TV, starts at $42.95/month and includes approximately 35 channels. Their most popular option, MidcoTV 3, runs $109.99/month with access to about 170+ channels. DirecTV's satellite-based Entertainment package begins at $69.99/month for 75+ channels. Stepping up, the Choice package, which includes regional sports networks, is priced at $84.99/month with over 105 channels.
Bundling options show a notable divergence in cost efficiency. Midco offers a cable TV plus internet bundle starting at approximately $127.94/month for its standard MidcoTV 3 and a 200 Mbps plan. DirecTV, partnered with AT&T for internet bundles, starts its Triple Play bundles around $134.99/month, including the Entertainment package and 300 Mbps internet from AT&T Fiber (available only in select zip codes).
Both providers use introductory pricing, but only DirecTV locks in promotional prices for the first 24 months on qualifying packages. Midco applies lower rates for the first 6 months only, after which monthly costs rise by $10–$30, depending on the package. Over a two-year period:
The difference—over $1,000 in savings—stems from DirecTV's extended promotional pricing and multi-year offers.
Midco charges a monthly rental of $10–$14 for each set-top box, along with an activation fee of $10–$25 depending on the service area. An HD technology fee of $9.95/month also applies for HD access. DirecTV includes the first receiver with service costs and charges $7/month for each additional TV receiver. There’s a one-time activation fee of $19.95, but no separate HD fee.
While equipment costs are similar, Midco’s separate line items—HD fees, activation tiers, DVR add-ons—add complexity and increase effective monthly bills. DirecTV rolls most of the costs into simplified line items, giving customers a clearer sense of total expenses right from the start.
DirecTV offers more than 340 channels across its top-tier lineup, while Midco Cable typically provides up to 145 channels in its most comprehensive package. Even at the entry level, DirecTV’s Entertainment package includes over 75 channels, exceeding Midco’s basic packages in both scope and entertainment range.
With DirecTV, users gain access to a broader spread of genres — from children’s programming and international content to niche specialty channels. Spanish-language packages, such as Óptimo Más, and exclusive foreign offerings like Filipino On Demand or KoreanDirect™, further enhance its global channel inventory.
Sports fans meet a significant upgrade with DirecTV. NFL Sunday Ticket, a marquee feature not offered by Midco, provides access to every out-of-market NFL game, all season long. Regional Sports Networks (RSNs), including Bally Sports and YES Network, are widely covered depending on ZIP code, whereas Midco’s sports reach is more localized to the Upper Midwest.
In terms of 24/7 news access, DirecTV carries a more diverse mix. CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, CNBC, Newsmax, BBC World News, and Bloomberg are all standard in various packages. Midco includes mainstream news sources but offers limited international coverage.
Both providers include local broadcast affiliates (ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, PBS), though Midco’s carriage can depend on specific local market agreements. DirecTV uses satellite-delivered local channels based on ZIP code and supplements with national feeds where necessary.
DirecTV gives subscribers streamlined access to premium networks such as HBO Max, Showtime, Starz, Cinemax, and MGM+. These can be purchased standalone or bundled into discounted “Premier” or “Ultimate” plans. Customers commonly receive free trials — often 3 months — with new subscriptions.
Midco Cable also offers premium content, but fewer bundling discounts and promotional offers are tied to these networks. DirecTV further enhances the value with features like HBO Max app access and simultaneous device streaming at no extra charge.
DirecTV offers more modular control. Users can start with a base package and selectively add genre-specific packs — Movies Extra, Deportes, Family, and International. This level of customization enables viewers to align their channel lineup to their interests without upgrading the entire plan.
Midco’s customization options work around “add-on tiers,” though these are pre-bundled and less flexible in selection. Customers looking to scale content by interest areas — particularly for international or on-demand content — will find DirecTV’s structure more adaptable.
Switching from Midco Cable to DirecTV involves a shift from a wired cable setup to a satellite-based system. Once your DirecTV order is confirmed, a certified technician schedules an installation appointment, typically within 1 to 3 business days depending on availability in your area. On arrival, the technician assesses your home’s layout and determines the best spot for the satellite dish—often the roof, side wall, or a secure mounting pole in your yard.
The setup includes running coaxial cables from the dish to each television that will receive service. The installer also mounts the receiver boxes and configures your TVs. Signal strength tests are run before finalizing the system install. Most complete installations take 2 to 3 hours.
DirecTV requires physical satellite installation pointed toward the southern sky, which demands a clear line of sight. The dish is non-intrusive in size—about 18 to 36 inches wide—but visibility considerations matter for homeowners in regulated housing communities or condos. Cable from providers like Midco doesn’t require outdoor hardware; instead, it uses underground or aerial coax connections terminated at the home’s junction box.
This physical distinction changes installation flexibility. DirecTV installations sometimes require landlord approval or Homeowner Association (HOA) coordination, particularly in multi-unit buildings.
DirecTV standard professional installation is included at no extra cost with most new customer plans. Complex custom routing, like attic cable runs or non-standard mount requirements, may add charges that vary by location and complexity. In contrast, Midco typically includes standard hook-up in package pricing but charges separate service fees for DVR setups or additional outlet connections.
From scheduling to live service, DirecTV setups usually finalize within a week. That timeline includes appointment confirmation, equipment delivery (if applicable), and technician dispatch.
DirecTV does not provide internet service directly, but customers can bundle it with AT&T Fiber or other participating ISPs, depending on availability in their area. Through AT&T, DirecTV customers can select high-speed fiber internet plans that complement their satellite TV service. In markets where AT&T is not the preferred provider, DirecTV coordinates partnerships with regional ISPs to offer bundled packages.
Bundling TV and internet usually translates to simplified billing and, in many cases, exclusive promotional rates that are not available when services are purchased separately.
Midco offers coaxial cable and fiber internet services with download speeds ranging from 100 Mbps to 5 Gbps across select regions. Its plans include unlimited data on higher tiers and in-home Wi-Fi equipment at no added charge with some packages. According to the FCC’s 2023 Fixed Broadband Deployment Report, Midco provides over 90% coverage in North and South Dakota, with expanding infrastructure in Minnesota and Kansas.
Midco’s residential plans are tiered by speed. For example, the "Midco Gig" plan delivers up to 1 Gbps download and 20 Mbps upload — suitable for heavy streaming, gaming, and multiple users.
DirecTV’s collaboration with AT&T Fiber yields a cleaner edge in areas with fiber access. Subscribers benefit from higher upload speeds, better streaming stability, and premium channel offers. AT&T’s Voice over IP (VoIP) service adds another layer of convenience when phone service is bundled in.
Midco’s Triple Play bundles include digital phone service with unlimited local and long-distance calling, but their pricing per megabit and upload limitations become noticeable when compared side-by-side with AT&T Fiber’s offerings.
In areas where both providers are available, DirecTV bundled with AT&T Fiber delivers faster internet, better streaming capabilities, and often lower monthly costs — especially during new customer promotions.
DirecTV aggressively incentivizes new subscribers with competitive promotional pricing. New customers can lock in first-year rates as low as $64.99/month for the ENTERTAINMENT package, which includes over 75 channels. For the CHOICE package, which totals over 105 channels including regional sports networks, pricing starts at $84.99/month. These offers are part of a 24-month agreement, with a price increase in the second year. Additionally, taxes and regional sports fees apply.
For those looking to test out more entertainment options, DirecTV currently includes complimentary access to premium networks—HBO Max, SHOWTIME, STARZ, and Cinemax—free for the first 3 months. This bundle typically has a retail value exceeding $45/month, making it a meaningful short-term value boost for new customers.
Midco doesn’t publish standardized retention deals, but anecdotal reports and customer interactions suggest that calling customer service often results in custom offers. These may include:
These offers vary based on subscriber location, tenure, and service bundle. Customers often report different results even within the same market.
DirecTV includes up to three Genie HD DVRs with new subscriptions at no extra monthly receiver fee. The Genie system supports multiscreen recording, 200 hours of HD storage, and 4K capability.
In addition to premium channel trials, DirecTV also offers free access to the NFL Sunday Ticket for eligible customers. This seasonal promotion typically applies to new subscribers with the CHOICE package and above. The benefit provides out-of-market NFL games every Sunday, valued at $293.94 per season (based on 2023 pricing).
Midco offers limited published loyalty perks, focusing instead on indirect retention via periodic speed or service upgrades.
DirecTV, on the other hand, introduces loyalty incentives such as:
When evaluating provider switch incentives, consider both the value offered upfront and the benefits that accumulate over time. Are short-term perks or sustained savings more critical to your household?
DirecTV maintains support coverage 7 days a week, with live assistance available from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. ET via phone and chat. Midco, in contrast, typically offers phone and online support between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. CT on weekdays, scaling back significantly on weekends. This extended availability gives DirecTV an advantage for users who require support outside traditional business hours.
According to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) 2023 report on subscription television services, DirecTV scored 66 out of 100, outperforming Midco, which didn’t meet the sample size threshold for inclusion. However, Midco’s Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile shows responsive handling of complaints, though it garners mixed reviews particularly around billing and outage communication.
DirecTV offers professional technician dispatch for equipment issues and service optimization. Installation usually includes an on-site visit, and follow-up appointments are available without lengthy scheduling delays in most markets. Midco also provides technician visits, but rural areas may face wait times up to 5 business days, based on user reports from Trustpilot and Google Reviews.
In multichannel support structure, DirecTV consistently delivers faster responsiveness, broader access hours, and deeper technical integration across platforms. While Midco maintains local presence and familiarity, DirecTV offers broader scalability with proactive tools that reduce dependence on technician visits.
DirecTV’s Genie HD DVR outpaces Midco’s TiVo and MidcoTV systems in core DVR functionalities. Launched with multi-room support and a simplified interface, Genie enables recording of up to five shows at once—without needing additional hardware in other rooms. Midco’s primary option, the TiVo Experience, allows up to four simultaneous recordings, but only with the TiVo DVR box present in each room or via adapter expansion.
The storage capacity directly affects how many hours of HD content users can save. Genie offers 1TB of internal storage, which equates to approximately 200 hours of HD programming. Midco’s TiVo boxes range from 500GB to 1TB, depending on the model, but the standard MidcoTV equipment caps closer to 150 hours of HD content when not supplemented by external drives or cloud storage.
DirecTV integrates On-Demand content through a unified interface, delivering over 65,000 titles across movies, network series, and premium channels. Navigating content is fast thanks to recent improvements in their voice-enabled remote and reorganized content tabs. In contrast, MidcoTV splits its interface between cable content and apps like Netflix or Hulu, requiring additional steps to toggle between sources regularly. The disparity in ease of use becomes more apparent with older TiVo units, where response lag and inconsistent menu design slow navigation.
DirecTV doesn’t offer a fully cloud-based DVR for satellite service, but DirecTV via internet (streaming-only version) supports unlimited Cloud DVR storage with recordings retained for up to 9 months. This streaming version competes directly with cloud DVR services from Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV. MidcoTV’s cloud DVR solution, launched in 2022, offers 150 to 300 hours depending on service tier, but the limits reset monthly, which prevents long-term archival of saved programs.
Pausing in one room and resuming in another? Genie handles that without flaw using clients on connected TVs. Midco requires additional hardware or app-based navigation to simulate this function, which introduces latency. Fast-forwarding, skip mode, and smart recording all feel tighter and more responsive on DirecTV's Genie, especially after its latest software updates rolled out in 2023.
When thinking about how your household watches, ask this: do you need long-term recording capability, or is short-term access good enough? If you lean toward the former, Genie gives more room to work with and fewer usage caps to worry about.
Switching to DirecTV involves locking into a two-year contract. During the first 12 months, promotional pricing applies, but starting month 13, standard monthly rates kick in. This contractual structure is non-negotiable and includes a legally binding agreement for both service and equipment. The early termination fee (ETF) is prorated at up to $20 per remaining month on the contract—meaning canceling with a year left on your agreement could cost up to $240.
Midco takes a more flexible approach. Many of its cable TV packages are offered on a month-to-month basis, which means there’s no long-term commitment or early cancellation penalty. However, some bundle deals or promotional packages might carry a 12-month agreement. For those, early termination fees apply but are generally lower than DirecTV’s penalties, calculated based on specific service discounts received during the agreement period.
With the long-term savings from DirecTV's promotional pricing, the contract might be worth it—but only if you're ready to stay put for the full duration. Not sure? Then Midco's month-to-month model might align better with a short-term mindset.
DirecTV, using geostationary satellites, delivers broadcast signals directly to your dish without rerouting through ground infrastructure. This direct transmission minimizes latency and typically maintains broadcast-level picture quality. In comparison, Midco’s cable TV delivery relies on coaxial infrastructure that can experience signal degradation due to network congestion or physical line issues, especially in older neighborhoods.
Independent data from the American Consumer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) 2023 places DirecTV above most cable competitors when it comes to picture consistency, scoring 66 out of 100, while Midco scored 61. This gap reflects noticeable real-world differences, particularly during prime-time usage.
DirecTV offers over 200 full-time HD channels and a growing library of native 4K Ultra HD content, including live sports broadcasts. The service supports 4K via DIRECTV 4K Genie Mini and compatible TVs. Midco’s HD offering, while decent, tops out with fewer full-time HD channels and limited on-demand 4K programming.
Additionally, DirecTV encodes its 4K broadcasts using a high-efficiency MPEG-4 format and supports HDR10, producing deeper contrast and richer color on capable screens. Midco’s 4K on-demand content requires high-speed internet and is available only through its MidcoTV platform, not its traditional cable system.
Streaming on MidcoTV depends entirely on local internet performance. With most Midco internet plans delivering average download speeds of 100–500 Mbps, streaming works smoothly under ideal conditions. But during peak evening hours, congestion can reduce speeds and introduce buffering, especially on low-tier plans.
DirecTV’s satellite service sidesteps this issue by broadcasting over the air, not the internet. Only its streaming tier, DirecTV via Internet, relies on bandwidth, and it recommends a steady 8 Mbps per stream for HD and 25 Mbps for 4K content.
Bad weather presents tradeoffs. Rain fade—signal interference from heavy cloud or precipitation—can momentarily affect DirecTV’s satellite transmission. However, with 99% signal reliability as reported by AT&T internal network monitoring, interruptions tend to be brief and rare with professional dish alignment.
Cable systems like Midco stay largely unaffected by weather but often experience slowdowns during neighborhood peak demand. These performance dips can particularly impact those accessing MidcoTV or other streaming services through shared broadband bandwidth.
So, how do you watch TV? If uninterrupted signal quality and higher channel resolution matter more than total weather immunity, DirecTV brings noticeable advantages right onto your screen.
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