| |
Satellite TV Provider Comparison -- DISH Network and DIRECTV
By Brian Stevens
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 375 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 60 Sirius 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 radio 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 $19.99 for 40 program channels including the Starz Movie Pak, and go up to $74.99 for 375 channels, including 60 Sirius radio channels, HBO, Showtime, and Starz.
DIRECTV program packages start at $41.99 a month for 155 program channels including 50 XM radio channels, plus 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 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 offers free receivers after a $99 mail-in rebate.
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
DISH Network offers a lifetime warranty on their satellite TV systems.
DIRECTV offers 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.
About the Author
Brian Stevens is the senior editor for www.TheSatelliteTVGuide.com and has written extensively on satellite TV provider comparisons.
Visit http://www.TheSatelliteTVGuide.com for more details on free satellite TV systems and service, ordering information, plus the latest special offers and free bonuses from DISH Network and DIRECTV satellite TV. Copyright 2006 http://www.TheSatelliteTVGuide.com
Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/25216.html
| If you wish to add the above article to your website or newsletters then please include the "Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/25216.html" as shown above and make it hyperlinked. |
| Some other articles by Brian Stevens | Satellite TV Dealers -- Who's The Best
Satellite TV Dealers
In the world of satellite TV there are satellite TV providers -- the companies who provide satellite ...
Satellite TV Packages -- Get the Best for Less
Satellite TV Packages
Between the two satellite TV providers -- DISH Network and DIRECTV -- you can get more than 256 different channels of TV ...
HD Satellite TV -- Compare HDTV Services
HD Satellite TV
HD (high definition) refers to the quality of the picture being transmitted to your television set.
Picture quality is measured in scan lines. ...
Satellite TV Programming Guide
Satellite TV Programming
With more than 375 channels to choose from, satellite TV programming offers far more TV listings and viewing options than cable or over-the-air TV.
Satellite TV ...
Satellite TV FAQ
As the owner of a satellite TV website I get asked a lot of questions, so I decided to write a satellite TV FAQ (frequently asked questions) article to answer the most commonly asked questions.
...
DISH Network Satellite TV -- What You Need to Know Before You Order
Launched in 1996 by EchoStar Communications, DISH Network is the second-largest satellite TV provider in the world, with 11 million subscribers and 9 broadcast satellites.
In addition to TV programming, DISH Network ...
|
|
| |
|
|
|
