Predatory contract practices

In July of 2010 I purchased services from Directv and had to sign a 2year contract to receive the services.  I have not been very happy with them but I have found that all companies with simular services are just as bad.  This past February (2013) I decided I had had it with all cable and satalite proveders and made up my mind to go with over the air tv.  I canceled my directv service and returned their equipment in the box they supplied. Much to my sruprise got a bill for early cancellation.  When I called them a reminded them that my contracted 2 years were up, I was informed that because I didn't cancel my service after the 2 years were up, they "automatically" rolled me over into a new 2 year contract!  That is dishonest business practice and predatory at the very least.  I have spoken with countless "account amnagers" and the only thing they want to do is offer me a deal to re-start their services! Needless to say, I'm not going to pay them a penny, even if it costs me more to legally fight them!!  So all you Directv subscribers out there BEWARE!  Directv are lying, money-grubbing Theives!