As someone who works for a cable company, I assure you - there is more to DTV than meets the eye.

The basic package may be small, but digital transmission allows for a large number of specialized channels for those inclined (travel channel? home improvement anyone?). DTV (at least ours) also supports interactive features, TiVo equivalent decoders and an increasing number of HD channels.

All in all, there's absolutely no comparison for a slightly elevated cost. Then again, it is my understanding you Americans are used to getting your cable... for free? o_0