Direct Tv Hugh early termination fee! Buyer beware Internet

Ok, first of all let me say that I am a grown adult person, able to read and understand customer service agreements. However, sometimes we don't take the time to do it.

I ordered Directv and got one of their "specials" - I ended up making payments on my bill each month, for the most basic of service! Their customer service keeps saying it's a bill that was 'reversed' way back in September. I explained to them that was because we had to close that cc out due to fraud, and we've been paying with our bank account since then. DUH - THEY need to learn to read and comprehend! I've caught that 55.88 charge up since September, I assure you. They told me last month that if my bill was brought to zero, I'd have my regular charges back of 52.98 a month. Well, this month my bill is 108.00. They told me that it would cost 340.00 to terminate my contract (we already had a satellite dish in the yard, didn't even need to buy their equipment). They can have the box back, don't want it. 
I just want to warn people out there to think very carefully before jumping into these hideous contracts! We didn't think about it, we were just excited to be getting cool satellite service and now we're paying for it. Literally. 
A $340 early termination fee is criminal, low-down, and reeks of thugdom. If you don't pay whatever they charge you per month, they will take that + the $340 directly out of your account, so you are basically held hostage by a satellite company.

Be careful out there people!! Please.