They're not worried about HDTV. They just want something that covers your basic local and all the extra American channels (like the stuff Directv and Time Warner digital cable offer) but in addition they'd like to get international channels (in particular, European, and if possible, Middle-eastern stations).

Do you guys have any ideas? Does something like that even exist?

Directv and Dish Network offer essentially the same basic and premium cable channels with only minor differences.

You didn't include your parents' city, so locals may be available from both providers, one provider or neither.

Directv offers a bigger Spanish-language line-up than Dish Network -
Directv OPCIÓN ULTRA ESPECIAL - http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/learn/...ice_PlusPT.jsp
Dish Network DISH LATINO MAX - http://www.dishnetwork.com/content/p...ax/index.shtml

Directv also offers Chinese-language Phoenix TV - http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/learn/...rogramming.jsp

Dish Network offers more varied international programming -
ART Arabic Language Package (7-10 channels, several options) - http://www.dishnetwork.com/content/p...ic/index.shtml
South Asian Language Package (2-5 channels, several options) - http://www.dishnetwork.com/content/p...an/index.shtml
TV Polonia Package (Polish) (3 channels) - http://www.dishnetwork.com/content/p...sh/index.shtml
Greek Language Packages (3 channels) - http://www.dishnetwork.com/content/p...ek/index.shtml
Chinese Plus Pack (3 channels) - http://www.dishnetwork.com/content/p...10083&sortby=1
Russian Language Package (2 channels) - http://www.dishnetwork.com/content/p...10206&sortby=1

if they want international channels, i think there best bet would be dish network or digital cable.

Thanks for the help guys. They're in austin, texas btw.

So it sounds like dish network is the best bet.

Austin locals are available from both providers. Since the international offerings are apparently the deal maker, check this link for installation and hardware deals from Dish Network -

http://www.dishnetwork.com/content/g...rs/index.shtml

I've had Dish Network for several years. They are the ONLY company of its type (cable, satellite, ISP, mobile phone, etc.) that I would recommend without reservation. I have never had a problem with their service, nor with customer support.