Due to the fierce competition between DISH Network and DIRECTV, both providers are promoting satellite TV offers that include free equipment, free installation, and free HD and DVR receivers in order to get your business. In addition they're also offering cheap introductory programming rates.
Here's a rundown on what DISH Network and DIRECTV have to offer ...
Best Equipment Offer
DISH Network
Acquiring a complete satellite system from DISH Network won't cost you a penny. They're currently giving away everything you need to receive DISH Network programming -- the dish, up to four receivers, and remote controls.
In addition, DISH Network is offering their HD (high definition) receivers and DVR (digital video recording) receivers free of charge too.
Installation also is free, and you can have a system installed in as little as 24 hours after you order a programming package from DISH Network.
DIRECTV
DIRECTV is offering a free dish and up to four free receivers with remote controls when you sign up for one of their programming packages.
HD receivers and DVR receivers are free after a $99 mail-in rebate.
Installation of the system is also free and takes anywhere from one to five days after you sign up with them.
Note: For the latest information on DIRECTV and DISH Network equipment offers click on the links below.
Best Programming Offer
DISH Network
When it comes to the lowest-priced satellite TV package, DISH Network is the hands-down winner, offering their Dish Family Pak for $19.99 per month. This package includes 40 channels of family-oriented programming, plus the Starz movie Pak (8 movie channels).
DISH Network's most popular programming package, America's Top 120, includes 230 channels of programming including 60 Sirius radio channels, and three months of Starz Movie Pak for $29.99 a month.
DISH Network's top-of-the-line package, America's -- Everything -- Pak, consists of 350 program channels including, 60 Sirius radio channels, and 31 movie channels from HBO, Showtime, Cinemaz, and Starz, for $74.99 per month.
DISH Network also offers a variety of sports programming packages, international programming packages, plus pay-per-view movies and special events.
DIRECTV
DIRECTV programming starts with their Total Choice package which has 155 program channels, 50 XM satellite radio channels, and three months of HBO, Showtime, and Starz (31 movie channels), for $29.99 per month.
Their midline package, Total Choice Plus, comes with 185 program channels, including 67 XM radio channels, for $46.99 per month.
DIRECTV's top-of-the-line Total Choice Premier package includes 250 program channels, three months of HBO, Showtime, and Starz, and 67 XM radio channels for $96.99 per month.
In addition, DIRECTV offers sports programming packages, international programming packages, plus pay-per-view movies and special events.
Note: For the latest information on DISH Network and DIRECTV programming offers click on the links below.
Bottom Line
As far as the best equipment offer goes, DISH Network has the slight edge over DIRECTV. Both company's equipment is pretty much the same -- high tech and high quality -- but DIRECTV charges a $19.99 fee to have their equipment delivered.
When it comes to which satellite TV provider has the best programming offer, it depends on what you're looking for.
If you want the biggest variety of TV shows, movies, and International programming, DISH Network is your best bet with 350 program channels, 31 movie channels, and 91 International channels.
If sports is your thing, DIRECTV has the most sports channels including the ever popular NFL Sunday Ticket package and the NCAA Mega March Madness package.
Click on the following links for more information on the best satellite TV offers from or Click on this link for information on , plus DISH Network and DIRECTV ordering information.
For many in the US, satellite is the only option for supped up television viewing. Others enjoy the massive amount of selection that satellite TV offers. But once you've made the decision to go with satellite, which company should you choose? The two are quite different. In this article, we'll read into the fine print and compare satellite TV companies Dish Network and Direct TV.
Compare Satellite TV Companies: Pricing
When it comes to pricing, Dish Network has DirecTV beat by a landslide. With Dish Network's largest package, you get 315 channels for $66.44 while DirecTV offers 21% fewer channels for a 30% higher price. Dish Network beats DirecTV not only in the price of the large package, but in every size of package the two companies offer.
Compare Satellite TV Companies: HD Programming
Dish Network again outranks DirecTV in the number of available HD channels, offering 25 channels as opposed to DirecTV's 8 HD channels. If you don't have an HDTV, this won't be a major deciding factor now, but it could be in the future. If you're planning on purchasing a HDTV, more HD channels means getting more functionality from your new television.
Compare Satellite TV Companies: Selection
Both satellite TV companies offer favorite movie channels like Showtime, Cinemax, HBO, Showtime, and Starz. The greatest difference in terms of selection is the variety of packages and price points. DirecTV's lowest package costs $41.99. Those who don't want that many channels have no options for a smaller package.
For the group that doesn't want to spend 30 minutes flipping through the available channels, Dish Network offers a 'small' package of 70 channels for $19.99 a month. For those enjoy a broader selection, Dish Network offers a $29.95 subscription for 235 channels, which is 80 more channels than DirecTV's $41.99 per month subscription.
Though more expensive, DirecTV has one perk that sports fans may enjoy. DirecTV is the only satellite company that airs NFL Sunday Ticket Exclusive. Sports fans will have to decide if watching this program exclusive to DirecTV worth the extra money. There are however channels that are exclusive to Dish Network such as the 65 Sirius music channels. Dish Network also makes programming available in nineteen different languages.
Compare Satellite TV Companies: DVR
DirecTV has been running a nice promotion for a while for a free DVR. While it is free, you will have to come up with the money for the DVR up front and then mail in a rebate form to be reimbursed. No doubt many people will never get around to sending in the rebate form. If you do remember to send it off, you'll receive your money 6-8 weeks later. With Dish Network, the DVR really is free (no rebate) but you are responsible for paying a shipping charge of $19.99 to receive the DVR.
Both Brian Stevens & Christine Harrell are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Brian Stevens has sinced written about articles on various topics from Satellite, Information Technology and Satellite. The author, Brian Stevens, is the senior editor for TheSatelliteTVGuide.com, and has written extensively on the best satellite TV offers.. Brian Stevens's top article generates over 33100 views. to your Favourites.
Christine Harrell has sinced written about articles on various topics from Mortgage, Careers and Job Hunting and Personal Desktop. Author is a freelance copywriter. For more information on and consumer reviews, please visit. Christine Harrell's top article generates over 550000 views. to your Favourites.