After a few years on the cable/satellite abstinence plan we're thinking of signing back up.

I'm reading a seemingly good offer from a DirectTV mailer. Standard promotional rate for 12 months ($30 for Choice) followed by the standard rate of 60 something for the final 12 months. 24 months committment. ETF fee of $20 per month. I'm reading the fine print and I see, "If by the end of the promotional price period customer does not contact DirectTV to to change service, then all services will automatically continue at the then prevailing rates."

What's the point of this?  If you're locked in for 24 months and only 12 is promotional pricing...then why the need for the legalese above?  It makes me wonder if there isn't an "out" by calling at the end of the 12 month promotional pricing to change/cancel service.  

I know many of my other contracts state (in VERY fine print) that if they raise rates you can cancel without an ETF.  I assume this is because legally, if they raise rates THEY are violating the contract that was signed(to provide X service at Y price) and you therefore have the right to not accept the rate change and get out of your contract.

Any thoughts or insight? I want to be able to watch our reality show once it airs, but, don't really want to be locked into a 2 year contract.  So I contemplated going Cableone until hearing horror stories.