Here's a rundown on the programming, equipment, and services provided by DISH Network and DIRECTV so you can decide for yourself which satellite TV provider is the best one for you.
Programming
Programming Packages
* DISH Network programming packages start at $19.99 for 40 channels and go up to $74.99 for 350 channels.
* DIRECTV programming packages start at $41.99 for 155 channels and go up to $96.99 for 250 channels.
Local Channels
* DISH Network charges $5 a month to add local channels.
* DIRECTV charges $3 per month to add local channels.
Music Channels
* DISH Network offers 52 commercial-free music channels and 60 Sirius radio channels.
* DIRECTV: Offers 67 commercial-free XM radio channels.
Pay-Per-View
* DISH Network charges $3.99 per movie, while sports and special event prices vary with each event.
* DIRECTV: Movies cost $3.99 per movie, sports and special event prices vary.
Sports Packages
* DISH Network offers 7 sports packages including NFL, MLB, NBA, and MLS packages.
* DIRECTV offers 9 sports packages including NFL, MLB, NBA, MLS and NFL Sunday Ticket.
International Programming
* DISH Network offers 21 international channels, including Asian, Chinese, and Spanish programming.
* DIRECTV Network offers 7 international channels, including Asian, Chinese, and Spanish programming.
Service Commitment
* DISH Network requires a one year service commitment and charges a fee for early cancellation.
* DIRECTV requires a one year commitment and charges a fee for early cancellation.
Equipment
Satellite TV System
* DISH Network gives you a free satellite dish, up to four free receivers, and free installation when you sign up for their service.
* DIRECTV gives you a free satellite dish, up to four free receivers, and free installation (shipping and handling for the system is $19.95).
DVR (digital video recorder)
* DISH Network will give you a free DVR.
* DIRECTV will give you a free DVR after a $99 mail-in rebate.
HD (high definition) Receiver
* DISH Network offers a free HD receiver.
* DIRECTV offers a free HD receiver after a $99 mail-in rebate.
Protection Plan
* DISH Network has a free 18 month protection plan.
* DIRECTV's protection plan is $5.99 per month.
Conclusion
If you want the most satellite TV channels for the least amount of money, the biggest variety of programming, the most international channels, the most pay-per-view movies, and the most commercial-free music channels, then Dish Network is the obvious choice.
If you're looking for the most sports packages and don't mind paying the extra money for programming, then DIRECTV is what you're looking for.
Click on the following link for more information on , or these links for ordering information, plus the latest offers and free bonuses from or
Satellite Tv Receiver Dish
Here's a side-by-side comparison of DISH Network, DIRECTV, and Sky Angel ...
Company Information
- DISH Network: Launched in 1996, DISH Network has 9 satellites and more than 12 million subscribers.
- DIRECTV: Launched in 1994, DIRECTV has 15 satellites and more than 14 million subscribers.
- Sky Angel: Launched in 1981, they utilize DISH Network's satellites, equipment, and broadcast facilities.
Customer Satisfaction Rating
- DISH Network: Ranked #1 by J.D. Power & Associates
- DIRECTV: Ranked #2 by J.D. Power & Associates
- Sky Angel: Not currently ranked.
Compare Programming
Program Packages
- DISH Network: Packages start at $19.99 for 40 channels and go up to $74.99 for 350 channels.
- DIRECTV: Packages start at $41.99 for 155 channels and go up to $96.99 for 250 channels.
- Sky Angel: Program package is $14.99 for 36 channels.
Local Channels
- DISH Network: Adding local channels costs $5 per month.
- DIRECTV: Adding local channels costs $3 per month.
- Sky Angel: Adding local channels costs $5.99 per month.
Music Channels
- DISH Network: Offers 52 music channels plus 60 Sirius radio channels.
- DIRECTV: Offers 67 XM radio channels.
- Sky Angel: Offers 16 music channels.
Pay-Per-View
- DISH Network: Movies cost $3.99, special event prices vary.
- DIRECTV: Movies cost $3.99, special event prices vary.
- Sky Angel: Included with service.
Sports Packages
- DISH Network: Offers a variety of sports packages.
- DIRECTV: Offers a variety of sports packages.
- Sky Angel: Does not offer sports packages.
Adult Programming
- DISH Network: Offers adult channels.
- DIRECTV: Offers adult channels.
- Sky Angel: Does not offer adult channels.
Internet Service
- DISH Network: Offers Internet service.
- DIRECTV: Offers Internet service.
- Sky Angel: Does not offer Internet service.
Service Commitment
- DISH Network: One year commitment , charges fee for early cancellation.
- DIRECTV: One year commitment , charges fee for early cancellation.
- Sky Angel: One year commitment, charges fee for early cancellation.
Compare Equipment
Equipment Prices
- DISH Network: Free dish and up to four receivers when you subscribe to their service.
- DIRECTV: Free dish and up to four receivers when you subscribe to their service.
- Sky Angel: Charges $149 for one dish, one receiver, and one remote.
Equipment Warranty
- DISH Network: Lifetime warranty
- DIRECTV: One year warranty
- Sky Angel: Lifetime warranty
DVR's (digital video recorders)
- DISH Network: Free DVR receivers ($4.98 per month for service).
- DIRECTV: Free DVR receivers after $99 rebate ($4.99 per month for service).
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 a number of satellite TV Guides.. Brian Stevens's top article generates over 33100 views. to your Favourites.
Budget Travel South Africa Undoubtedly the most popular attraction of the area is the subterranean wonderland of the Cango Caves. The caves with its own museum form the tourist hub of the Klein Karoo and are a must to visit.