There
are two satellite TV providers in the USA -- Dish Network and Direct
TV. But which one will give you the best programming and the best
service for the least amount of money? This article answers those
questions.
Satellite TV Providers
There are two satellite TV providers that offer satellite TV service in the U.S. -- DISH Network and DIRECTV.
DISH Network was launched by EchoStar Communications in 1996. It
currently has 12 million subscribers, and is ranked #1 in customer
satisfaction among all cable and satellite TV providers by J.D. Power
and Associates.
DIRECTV was the first DBS (direct broadcast satellite) TV provider.
Launched in 1994 by General Motors, it currently has 14.5 million
subscribers, and is ranked #2 in customer satisfaction by J.D. Power
and Associates.
Satellite TV Provider Comparison
Here's a feature-to-feature comparison of the two satellite TV providers:
Programming
DISH Network offers 256 channels of all-digital programming including
movie channels, pay-per-view programs, and sports packages. They have
the biggest variety of movies and shows, and offer 50 Sirius music
channels.
DIRECTV offers 225 channels of all-digital programming including movie
channels, pay-per-view, and sports packages. They have the most sports
packages, and offer 31 music channels.
International Channels
DISH Network offers Armenian, Asian, Chinese, Farsi, French, German,
Greek, Israeli, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian,
South Asian, Spanish, Tagalog, and Urdu program channels.
DIRECTV offers Chinese, Filipino, Italian, South Asian, Spanish, Vietnamese program channels.
Pay-Per-View Movies and Special Events
Both DISH Network and DIRECTV pay-per-view movies are $3.99 each. Special event programming prices vary according to the event.
Pricing
DISH Network program packages start at $31.99 for 60 program channels
including HBO, Showtime, and Cinemax, and go up to $86.99 for 230
channels, including 50 Sirius radio channels.
DIRECTV program packages start at $39.99 a month for 135 program
channels including 31 music channels, plus HBO, Showtime, and Starz,
and go up to $93.99 for 185 channels.
Note: For ordering information and current special offers on program packages, click on the links below.
Activation Fee
DISH Network's $49.99 activation fee is refunded with first bill, so it ends up being free.
DIRECTV's $50.00 fee is refunded with first bill, so it too is free.
Satellite TV System
Both DISH Network and DIRECTV will give you a free satellite TV dish
and 4 free receivers with universal remotes when you subscribe to their
service. Installation is free.
HD (high definition) Receivers
DISH Network offers free HD receivers when you order their service.
DIRECTV HD receivers are $199 each.
DVR (digital video recording) receivers
DISH Network will give you two free DVR receivers. Video-on-Demand
service (the equivalent of TiVo), is free when you order their
America's Everything Pak programming, or $4.98 a month with their other
programming packages.
DIRECTV DVR receivers are free (after a $99 rebate) when you order
their service. TiVo service is free when you order their Total Choice
Premier package, or $4.99 a month with their other program packages.
Warranty
Both DISH Network and DIRECTV offer a one-year warranty on their satellite TV systems.
Installation Times
Installation times for both DISH Network and DIRECTV is usually one to five days from the time an order is placed.
Customer Service
DISH Network and DIRECTV have 24-hour, 7-days-a-week online and toll-free customer service.
Bonus Gifts
Both satellite TV providers offer special programming offers and free
gifts to encourage you to purchase their service. For current offerings
click on the links below.
