It works quite well without it. When I moved the Tv across the room, the line wouldn't reach so we went a over a year without it. It got reattached when we upgraded. It is nice if you chave caller ID, you can see who's calling on the screen.

 

I had both Directv and Dish for about 4 years each. Can't complain except for the heavy rain periods but thats what my PVR setup is for. I haven't done the math in sometime but it is alot more economical doing satellite over cable. But now with the triple services being offered out there with cable, phone, internet. Its been mighty tempting.

 

I also have DirecTV and love it. Had it for as long as I can remember. I love having the DVR now so I can tape everything. Does anyone know if they have any plans to have something like the On Demand? Where they will have tons of music videos and movies to watch 24/7?