People who have decided to switch to cable will invariably find it very difficult to figure out which of the two are the better service providers. To put things is a nutshell we can safely say that both the providers are over all good, when they are not down that is. Their customer service department does leave a lot of space for improvement.

However, so far as the programs are concerned subscribers to Direct TV have reported that they do have a big advantage over subscribers to Dishnetwork and that is Direct TV's Premier Satellite System Sports Package. This package is rich with more than 21 regional sports channels and over 21 sports networks. These channels include The Golf Channel, Classic Sports Network, Outdoor Life, ESPN, ESPN2, TNN, TBS, WGS, and as many as 55 pay per day channels.

We will list below the advantages and disadvantages of the two giants in satellite TV programming. To begin with we must acknowledge that there are very few disadvantages to the Dishnetwork service provider, nevertheless, there are some drawbacks and we will describe them here for your knowledge.

Dishnetwork subscribers have constantly reported signal loss or bad quality signal during stormy or rainy weather. While the services and pricing are more or less the same for both providers what your decision will depend on the type of program you want for yourself and your family.

We list below direct TV and Dishnetwork's Comparisons and differences

1.Free Offers

Both Dish Network and Direct TV offer their new subscribers free equipment that includes a satellite dish, professional installation, receivers and a few months free subscription.

2.Pricing And Ownership Of Equipment

Dishnetwork

Dish Network will retain the ownership of the equipment they lend to you at the time of installation. This means that if the equipment gets damages you will not have to get a new system at the cost of a new package. The Dish Network will send out professionals to repair it for you, at the cost of a nominal service charge that is.

Direct TV

Direct TV, on the other hand, ?sells? the equipment to you. This means that if it needs repair there is not much choice for you other than to order a new system at the prevailing rates. These rates could begin anywhere upwards of 700 dollars.

3.Cost Of Subscription

Direct TV is offering their cheapest package at 22.99 dollars while Dish Network is offering their lowest costing package at 19.99 dollars.

4.Installation Period

When you pay for your new installation Dish may take a couple of days less than Direct TV to install your new system. However the response time on an average for both is 5 days.

5.HDTV and DVR Capability

Both Direct and Dishnetwork providers support HDTV and DVR compatibility

6.Local Channel Support

Both support local channels but it is advisable to check the programming packages of both service providers.

Among the other advantages and disadvantaged of the two providers is that Direct TV offers as many as 250 channels. Dishnetwork, on the other hand, has 500 channels for their subscribers to pick and choose from. Dishnetwork offers more international channels than Direct TV which has the advantage of possessing the monopoly rights to air NFL Sunday ticket. The disadvantage here is that the package containing this channel may cost as much as 200 dollars a year.