Cable and Satellite Tv Questions?

I currently have a BASIC subscription to Directv. Meaning I only have just a few channels to watch which most of these channels are paid programming shows or infomercials after 10pm & they do me no good to even have! Im paying about almost $80.00 each month with no extras whatsoever on a basic subscription which stinks! Charter cable at my house goes out for hours and hours everytime the wind blows to hard or it rains, I cant afford the start up charges for Dish Network, and a digital converter box will not do anything where I live! Is there any easier way to watch at least something on tv without all the hassle and outrageous charges? Ive had to downgrade everything because I cant afford the high prices anymore. How does Tivo work or is there any other alternatives?