I just did a comparison of my comcast to direct yesterday, prices are about the same after the 'first year trial offer.' Dont let either of them fool you, $99.00 a month is just the base price. Youll have taxes, fees, etc etc on top of that. Plus, if you have the digital or HD receivers, you have to rent them as well ($16 or $17 for the DVR, $7 for the regular box with the guide), they give you two basic boxes (required now that they are digital) free, but they do nothing at all other than let you watch the cable itself (you used to be able to just plug in your tv, now a box is required for ALL tvs).
Make sure you look at all the small print and extra fees. My $95 or so a month plan is actually $133.00 a month after all the additional fees for cable and internet, NO PHONE.
As for internet, I have the economy from Comcast, 1 Meg download speed, for 24.95 a month, that was comparable with my DSL once upon a time (DSL may be better now.)
But like I said, the competition really isnt any better after the promotional offer. Comcast does the same if you hound them about it, even if you are a current customer.