There are only two satellite TV providers in the USA -- DISH Network and DIRECTV -- but each one has numerous independent dealers who offer a variety of different deals on satellite TV systems and service.

So how do you know which satellite TV provider has the best satellite TV deal? And how do you tell which of their dealers can offer you a great deal plus great service?

I've spent the last three weeks researching the Internet to find out which satellite TV provider has the best service, and which dealers are the most reputable and offer the best deals.

Here's what I found…

DISH Network Deal

Program packages: DISH Network offers four program packages. Prices start at $31.99 per month for their America's Top 60 package which has 60 channels, and go up to $86.99 for their "Everything" Pak which has 230 channels.

Equipment: Basic equipment -- the dish, receivers, and installation -- is free. Options such as HDTV (high definition TV) and DVR (digital video recording) receivers may be free or cost extra, depending on the dealer.

Broadcast quality: DISH Network broadcasts all its programming in digital format and offers the most HDTV channels of the two satellite TV providers.

Customer Satisfaction: DISH Network is ranked #1 in customer satisfaction by J.D. Power and Associates.

Best Deal: The best DISH Network deal I found online is offered by AllSat. They've been one of DISH Network's top dealers since 1996, and offer outstanding customer service.

When you order one of DISH Network's programming packages through AllSat, you get a free satellite TV dish, up to four free receivers, and free installation.

In addition, you can get free DVR (digital video recording) receivers so you can record your favorite programs, and up to two free HDTV receivers so you can watch your programs in high definition.

Note: For more details and ordering information on this satellite TV deal, plus the latest special offers and free bonuses, click on the links at the bottom of this article.

DIRECTV Deal

Program packages: DIRECTV offers three program packages. Prices start at $41.99 per month for their Total Choice package which has 135 channels, including 31 music channels, and go up to $86.99 for their Total Choice Premier Package which has 185 channels.

Equipment: Basic equipment -- the dish, receivers, and installation -- is free. Options such as HDTV and DVR receivers may be free or cost extra, depending on the dealer.

Broadcast quality: DIRECTV broadcasts all its programming in digital format and offers a number of channels in HDTV.

Customer Satisfaction: DIRECTV is ranked #2 in customer satisfaction by J.D. Power and Associates.

Best Deal: The best DIRECTV deal I found online is offered by iSatellite. They are one of the highest-rated DIRECTV satellite TV dealers in the USA.

iSatellite is currently offering a free satellite TV dish, up to four free receivers, and free installation when you order one of DIRECTV's programming packages through them.

You can also get free DVR receivers (after a $99 rebate). HDTV receivers are $199 per receiver.