I guess I don't get the hatred of TV folks.

I don't get the "I don't want that crap in my house" thinking that has been prevalent for several years. What crap is allowed in that you can't manage? Most modern systems have parental controls and timers for usage.
The system I just got with Direct TV now allows me to click on a channel and watch any show that has played in the last several weeks without commercials. The system is turning in to an on demand programming to go along with the DVRs that record what you want and allow you to watch it when you want it.

And as far as crap goes, I found many (please don't assume that I assume you are) of the anti-teeveeites to allow their kids way, way more freedom on games and reading books and many times its as bad or worse then what they are trying to prohibit on the tv.

Personally, I watch college football during the season and that alone is worth the monthly rate. I also watch Giants baseball and Kings basketball. I will turn on the news channels when something interesting is happening or watch History channel programs when I just want to veg.

It provides entertainment for my whole family but most importantly lets me watch live or later in the day if I had a conflict, BYU football 13 times a year. At $60/month that is $720 year and I waste my money on things to entertain myself and family that costs way more than that on a yearly basis.