Re: What are my options?
I’ve not signed up on anything yet…I’m only thinking of getting dish network so I can use all the tips here 
The reason I “have” to go for 18 months contract is because with that the hdtv dvr comes only around $5 a month lease. If I don’t sign contract then I’d have to buy the dvr and it costs $675+ according to amazon: http://www.amazon.com/DISH-Network-VIP-722-DVR/dp/B000VA76Q0/ref=pd_bbs_2/002-4426021-8932801?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1190408218&sr=8-2
kirkit is only bonus sorta thing…I was just curious..if it’s not there then that deosn’t really matter…I can get the highlights via youtube. 
bad weather reception once in a while is probably not an issue either…I’m sure I’d have enough content recorded on dvr on any give time to flip through to mind occasional inconvenience.
I’ll see if I can get away with leasing the dvr but not signing the contract.
any other suggestions/tips are welcome and appreciated. thanks.