Friday 30 August 2013

Comparing Satellite Television Providers - Which One Is Better?

By Brian Stevens


When you first have a look at Dish Network and DirecTV, the two satellite TV service providers appear basically very much the same. However look just a little closer and I think you'll discover there are a number of difference. This is a review of both companies that will show you what those difference are.

DIRECTV and DISH Network Programming Options

DIRECTV offers 265 satellite television channels, while DISH Network has got 320 channels. Dish Network features 320 channels, DirecTV has 265 channels. The satellite channels from both service providers offer a selection of categories which includes motion pictures, news, sporting events, variety shows, network broadcasts, weather, reality shows, special interest programs and also foreign channels.

DIRECTV rates start at $29.99 a month for 150 channels, which includes local channels - ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, together with the CW channel. Program fees for Dish Network begin at $24.95 for 190 channels including your local channels including NBC, CBS, FOX, along with ABC.

Movie Channels

Both providers feature 31 movie channels from HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, plus Starz. Package prices begin at $13 a month for Showtime Cinemax, and Starz, and go up to $16 a month for HBO.

Streaming Video Service

Streaming videos are the latest technological advance in satellite TV programming. Streaming video service gives you access to online movies, TV shows, and games that you can watch on your television, cell phone, computer, or tablet pc. Dish Network offers access to more than 25,000 streaming videos, while DirecTV offers more than 10,000 streaming video.

DIRECTV and DISH Network Pay-Per-View Features

Pay-per-view service will let you watch the latest motion pictures in the comfort of your own home without the need to go to a video store to rent them. DIRECTV offers 60 movies monthly, along with sports and special events, with rates starting at $3.99 per movie. DISH Network features 75 motion pictures a month, in addition to sporting events and special events, with fees beginning at $3.99 for each movie.

Satellite Radio stations And Music Services

With DIRECTV you can get 9 Sonic Tap music channels plus 56 XM satellite radio channels. With DISH Network you can get 64 SiriusXM satellite radio channels plus 52 music channels. Each provider's music stations are commercial free and are transmitted in digital audio for CD quality sound.

DIRECTV and DISH Network Equipment Products

DIRECTV gives you a totally free 4-room satellite TV system, which includes installation, once you order one of their program packages. DISH Network provides a free 6-room satellite system and free installation whenever you purchase one of their program packages. Both companies give you the option of upgrading your receivers to an HD receiver for high-def reception, a DVR receiver to be able to record your TV programs, or even a combination HD/DVR receiver to get the best of both worlds.

Customer Support

Both DIRECTV and DIRECTV make available totally free customer service via telephone, email, and Internet chat service round the clock 7 days a week, so you will get support when it's needed.

Bottom Line

You'll find that there's little difference in quality between DIRECTV's satellite television equipnent and DISH Network's satellite TV equipment, but, personally, I've found that DISH Network's program guide is much easier to use, and their remote is much more user friendly.

With regards to the programs offered by the two companies, Dish Network has the most TV channels, the most variety, the most music stations, and also the most pay-per-view movies and events. DIRECTV has the most sporting events programs including the popular NFL Sunday Ticket.

With DIRECTV you will get 160 high-def channels. With DISH Network you receive 200 high-def channels.

If you want the best variety plus the best rate for satellite TV service, then your best choice will be DISH Network. If you're looking to receive the most sports programming, such as NFL Sunday Ticket, then I recommend going with DIRECTV.






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