What is the best connections for TV and Internet? Not getting the full power of my server!?

I have had so called high speed cable internet connection for years and cable TV too. At first it was great. Not so great now. I live in a Suburb south of Chicago. What is better, Dish, or Direct TV and why? I am also wanting to go with a different internet. Yes, I will call everyone to see what is offered but they are sales people and only a few know what they are trying to sell. So I trust you. Some evenings I record 2 shows and watch a third. Can you do this on yours? So which service do you like? When it comes to internet, can you send and recieve photos and animations? – ( I use Incredimail).. I will choose my own programming, ( movie packages etc), just want to know about your service and quality of the service you are happy with. Customer service is important as well. The best picture is so important as we know as well as getting the full stereo sound. General Manager’s order’s only last so long, then they cut back. Too many folks on the same node for internet too. Thank you .

TV:
Direct TV satellite TV by far!
#1 reason quality communications very little downtime.
#2. Customer Service & technical support – superior! While I had many problems to solve initially, they were timely, efficient, and owned the problems as well as the solutions.
#3. Fair in pricing.
#4. Installation techs were respectful of me and my property.
#5 Mulltiple room packages available -yes, we record on one TV, I watch one, the cats watch the other one and my dear hubby watches the last one – all simutanieously!

Dish TV – HATED IT! We really gave it a chance – 6 months hoping it would get better – it didn’t.