I recently cut cable and I HATE it, mostly because I miss my DVR. So as I call cable companies today this issue came to mind. I've made up these numbers, of course, but the problem is the same.

I call Cox Communications (a local cable company) to ask them about adding cable with DVR service. Their installation fee is waived since I'm a current customer (now you know I made this up) but has a monthly fee of $60. Then I call Direct TV whose monthly fee is only $40, but I have to pay a $100 installation fee. My question is, at what point (how many months) is my TOTAL cost the same for each option.

Solve this by whatever means make sense to you, but be sure to show us and/or explain how you did it if you want full credit!