Can't speak for xfinity. I live in an area that requires satellite, and have tried both Directv and dish.
Dish is the biggest p.o.s. I've ever dealt with. Way more blacked out channels while they 'negotiate' contracts with providers.
Directv has been great. Better packages at better prices (I.e., the channels I want are on the cheaper packages, unlike dish...)
Plus, Direct offers a s-ton of price cuts. Do you have AAA? $10 off a month, auto bill pay? $5 off/mo....and there are more.

Anyone thinking of starting with Direc, send me a pm. We'll both get $100 off if I give you my account number.