DTV customer "no service"

Our DVR was not working, and calls to tech support to repair it were unsuccessful. They kindly shipped us a new "reconditioned" DVR. After having our bill increase from $55 to $70 in a 2 year period, we asked to cancel service, since we are past our two year contract date. We were told that since they replaced our non working DVR 1 Feb, 2007, our contract is now extended until 1 Feb. 2009, and cannot be cancelled without penalty fees. So what choice did we have? Continue paying for no service with a broken DVR, or get a replacement on their equipment? We did not know that this action would immed. trigger an extension of our contract. Customer "no service" was rude and pretty much said "too bad" So we just hope that this DVR is functioning thru 1 Feb. 2009, or else we will be re upped for another contract extension if we need replacement. Outrageous.