Let the hive mind of Engadget get that for you.
"I've found myself using my PC for a lot of conversations lately, and I'm also considering recording a podcast to share with anyone who will listen. There are tons of USB headset / microphones out there, and I'm hoping someone has some solid recommendations based on experience. I'll consider both headsets and standalone mics, by the way, but I'd like to keep the bill under $100 if possible. Help!"
I would gladly pay an upfront fee if it keeps them from raising the rates every month. DirecTV and Dish have invested a ton of cash in converting from MPEG-2 to MPEG-4 and they are trying to recoup some of their costs. This move might cost them a few subscribers, but in the long run it will probably improve retention. There are tons of people that switch providers each year, but if it costs you $200 out of pocket each time you switch you might think twice about it.
Wait until the cable companies make the switch to MPEG-4 and see what happens to the prices. The public is conditioned to leasing boxes so they are going to have to jack the rates to make up the difference. If will be cheap if you bundle the services, but if
you only want digital cable you'll be paying through the nose.