Satellite TV Provider Comparison - DISH Network and DIRECTV

Satellite TV Provider Comparison - DISH Network and DIRECTV

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 12.5 million subscribers, and is ranked highest 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 highest 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 350 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 music channels plus 60 Sirius satellite radio channels.

DIRECTV offers 250 channels of all-digital programming including movie channels, pay-per-view, and sports packages. They have the most sports packages, and offer 67 XM satellite radio channels.

International Channels

DISH Network offers African, Arabic, Armenian, Asian, Chinese, Farsi, French, German, Greek, Israeli, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, South Asian, Spanish, Tagalog, and Urdu program channels.

DIRECTV offers Caribbean, Chinese, Filipino, Korean, Italian, Russian, South Asian, Spanish, Ukranian, and Vietnamese program channels.

Pay-Per-View Movies and Special Events

DISH Network offers 75 movies per month, plus sports and special events.

DIRECTV offers 60 movies per month, plus sports and special events.

Pricing

DISH Network program packages start at $19.99 for 40 program channels including HBO, Showtime, and Cinemax, and go up to $74.99 for 350 channels.

DIRECTV program packages start at $29.99 a month for 155 program channels including HBO, Showtime, and Starz, and go up to $96.99 for 250 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 a four-room receiver system 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 free (after a $99 rebate) when you order their service.

DVR (digital video recording) receivers

DISH Network will give you a free DVR receiver.

DIRECTV DVR receivers are free (after a $99 rebate).

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.

Visit http://www.TheSatelliteTVGuide.com for more information, ordering information, plus the latest special offers from DISH Network and DIRECTV.

The author, Brian Stevens, is the senior editor for TheSatelliteTVGuide.com and has written extensively on satellite TV provider comparisons.