But who has the best service and the best prices? Let's find out ...
DIRECTV vs. Cable TV Fees
Cable TV service fees vary depending on where you live, however the national average is $39.95. If I were to subscribe to my local cable company's service it would cost me $37.30 per month for 64 program channels, and an additional $10.95 to add a few of their digital channels.
DIRECTV's basic programming package is $29.99 for 155 channels and that includes 50 XM satellite radio channels. DIRECTV broadcasts all of its satellite TV programming in digital format so you don't have to pay extra for it.
DIRECTV vs. Cable TV Programming
DIRECTV offers 250 satellite TV channels which is way beyond the technical capabilities of most cable television systems. In addition to their regular satellite TV programming, DISH Network programming includes 31 movie channels, 67 XM satellite radio channels, 60 pay-per-view movie channels per month, 14 international channels, and 10 sports packages. Local channels cost $3 per month extra.
DIRECTV vs. Cable TV Equipment
With cable TV you are given cable boxes, but if you want a DVR (digital video recorder) you're going to have to pay for it.
When you subscribe to DIRECTV they will give you a free satellite TV dish and a free four-room receiver system. In addition, you can also get a free DVR or a free HD (high definition) receiver.
DIRECTV vs. Cable TV Installation
Installation fees for cable TV vary from area to area. In my area installation would cost me $39.95 for one room, plus $9.95 for each additional room.
With DIRECTV installation of the entire satellite TV system - the dish and receivers - is free. And when the installer is done he or she will show you how to operate the system.
DIRECTV vs. Cable TV Reliability and Customer Service
Outages for cable TV are 3% to 5% per year, and in most areas if you have a problem with your service you're pretty much restricted to calling for help during business hours.
DIRECTV's outage rate is 1%, and they have toll-free and online customer service available 24/7, 365 days a year if you need help.
Bottom Line
The choice between DIRECTV and cable TV is pretty clear - if you want the most channels, the cheapest subscription rates, the most movies and sports, the best picture and sound, and the most reliable service, then you want DIRECTV.
DISH Network has been in a heated battle with U.S. cable companies for a number of years to get your business. While Network has been gaining customers most cable companies have been losing their customers to DISH Network. Here's why ...
DISH Network Satellite TV vs. Cable TV Fees
Cable TV fees vary from region to region, but the average monthly cable subscription fee is $39.95. In my neck of the woods the base fee is $37.30 a month for 64 channels, plus $10.95 a month if I were to add some digital channels.
DISH Network's subscription fees start at $19.99 for 40 channels, and $29.99 for 230 channels including 60 Sirius radio channels. All DISH Network's programming is in digital format and you don't have to pay extra for it.
Cable TV fees have increased an average of 22% over the last three years while DISH Network's fees have remained the same.
DISH Network Satellite TV vs. Cable TV Equipment When you subscribe to cable TV you are usually given free cable boxes but if you want a DVR (digital video recorder) receiver you'll have to pay for it.
With DISH Network you get a free satellite TV dish and a four-room receiver system for free, and DISH Network will give you a free DVR receiver or a free HD (high definition) receiver.
DISH Network Satellite TV vs. Cable TV Installation
Cable TV installation fees vary from region to region. Installation in my area costs $39.95 for one room and $9.95 for each additional room.
DISH Network will install an entire four-room satellite TV system free, and when your installer is done he or she will show you how to operate your system.
DISH Network Satellite TV vs. Cable TV Programming
When it comes to programming there's really no comparison. Even satellite TV rival DIRECTV can't compete with DISH Network's 350 channels, which includes 52 music channels, 60 Sirius satellite radio channels, 31 movies channels, 10 sports packages, 21 international channels, and 80 pay-per-view channels.
With cable TV you only get a few channels in digital format whereas all DISH Network programming is in digital format, giving you a much higher-quality picture and a more realistic sound. DISH Network also has the most HD programming.
DISH Network Satellite TV vs. Cable TV Reliability and Customer Service
Cable TV blackouts average 3% to 5% per year, while DISH Network's average is 1% per year. And DISH Network has ranked higher than any cable company in J.D. Power's customer satisfaction ratings for the last five years in a row.
In most parts of the country customer service is limited to regular business hours. DISH Network offers toll free and online customer service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Bottom Line
It's really a no brainer. When it comes to which service offers the most channels, the least expensive programming and installation fees, the best picture and sound, the highest reliability, and the best customer service, DISH Network is the clear winner.
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