A while back Direct TV stopped selling their receivers and started "leasing" them. They say it had something to do with combating pirates. The deal you mentioned sounds reasonable. You can always add channels or get a different package if you don't like what they give you for $34.95, which I would guess is only a teaser price good for a limited time.
If you have Direct TV at home, just add 2 receivers for "home" and put them in the bus.
Some POG members have DISH and seem to be very happy with that. Maybe they will chime in with info on DISH.