DIRECTV currently has 250 channels of satellite TV programming. They offer a variety of shows, movies, music, international programming, and pay-per-view channels. They have the most sports programming of all the satellite TV providers, including the popular NFL Sunday Ticket and NCAA Mega March Madness packages.

DIRECTV's basic package -- Total Choice -- has 155 program channels including pay-per-view movies and events, three months of HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, and Starz, plus 50 XM satellite radio channels, for *$29.99 per month.

Their midline package -- Total Choice Plus -- has 185 program channels, including pay-per-view movies and events, three months of HBO, Showtime, Cinemax and Starz, plus 67 XM satellite radio channels, for $46.99 per month.

And finally, their top-of-the-line, Total Choice Premier package, offers 250 channels of satellite TV programming including pay-per-view movies and events, 7 HBO channels, 9 Showtime Unlimited channels, 3 Cinemax channels, the STARZ Super Pak, 20 specialty and regional sports networks, plus 67 XM satellite radio channels, for $96.99 per month.

DIRECTV's HD (high definition) Package, which includes ESPN HD, ESPN2 HD, Discovery HD Theater, HDNet, HDNet Movies, TNT HD, and Universal HD, is $9.99 per month.

Local programming is $3 per month extra.

* Note: Programming fee is $29.99 a month for the first three months, then $41.99 thereafter.

DIRECTV International Channels

DIRECTV has six international channels -- Chinese, Filipino, Italian, South Asian, Spanish, and Vietnamese.

DIRECTV Music Programming Offer

DIRECTV offers 67 XM satellite radio channels with categories that include Blues, Rock, Country, Classical, Easy Listening, Jazz, and New Age. Their lineup also includes News Shows, Comedy Shows, Talk Shows, and Sports Broadcasts.

DIRECTV Pay-Per-View Programming

DIRECTV offers 60 pay-per-view movies a month for $3.99 per movie. They also offer special events and live sports broadcasts (prices vary with each event).

DIRECTV Equipment Offer

You get all the equipment you need -- a satellite dish and up to four receivers -- absolutely free, when you order DIRECTV programming.

DVR's (digital video recorders) and HD (high definition) receivers are free after a $99 mail-in rebate.

Installation can be scheduled within one to five days from the day you order and won't cost you a dime.

All of DIRECTV's satellite TV equipment comes with a one-year warranty.

Customer Service

With DIRECTV you can get help 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling their toll-free customer service line, or by going online.

Bottom Line

DIRECTV offers a huge variety of satellite TV programming, and pay-per-view movies and events at a nominal price. They also offer XM satellite radio channels, and the most sports programming of all the satellite TV providers.