Was it kind of a shock? Well, yeah. But after about five minutes I started thinking about all the ways I could pimp out a place of my own, and I started getting pretty excited.

I could finally have the TV I want, and play it as loud as I wanted, whenever I wanted. Same thing with videogames, my iPod, and on and on.

So as soon as the conversation was over I went online looking for information comparing Dish Network vs Direct TV. No way was I gonna continue watching lame cable in MY place.

Do you have any idea how many websites are out there all claiming to be experts in satellite TV systems? I had no clue there were over a million!

After two hours, I cut the computer off, not knowing much more than I knew when I signed on. Oh sure, I learned a few things about Dish Network vs Direct TV. But not enough to make a decision.

The few things I did learn were that both Dish and Direct TV have a customer service line available 24/7, and are rated numbers one and two in customer service. (Dish Network edged out Direct TV for the number one spot - but the point is, they both beat cable year after year.) Prices for starting packages are reasonably priced by both companies, with about ten bucks separating the two.

Beyond that, I didn't find out much more in my two hours. So how do you figure out who has the best deal?

Well, you can spend hours clicking around to every website known to man, or you can take advantage of my research and just go straight to the two or three sites that are worth anything.

There's a list down at the bottom of this article with the three sites I found that will help you decide. If you go anywhere else, you're just wasting your time.

Listen, at any given time, there are tons of promotions out there and they all sound pretty good. Free HBO, discounted package prices, multiple room installations, but here's the catch. They change ALL the time!

Lucky for me, (and now, because you're reading this, lucky for you, too) I found the three websites below.

These guys stay on top of all those changing promotions, so when I was ready to sign up, I knew I was getting the best and most current deal possible.

After learning more about Dish Network vs Direct TV, I finally decided to go with Direct TV.

While both satellite TV providers offer a comparable number of channels (including my local channels) for roughly the same price, Direct TV also includes 50 XM Satellite radio channels as well. I really liked that perk.

The thing that tipped the scale for me, though, was the awesome sports programming offered by Direct TV. Yeah, it cost extra, but that NFL Sunday ticket blew me away! I'll have access to almost every game in the NFL every week!

Now, don't get me wrong, Dish Network has some pretty incredible deals too, but as a HUGE fan of pro football and a big sports fan in general, I had to choose Direct TV. The bottom line is this: Dish Network and Direct TV both have a lot to offer their subscribers; it's just a matter of personal preference.

The thing is, you need to have enough information to make an intelligent decision. That's why you need to go to the websites listed below. They're the best source I found for clear and concise information about Dish Network vs Direct TV.

And regardless of your choice, you'll be better off than if you were still watching cable!