A Review of Satellite Dish and Cable TV Companies

The current economical crisis has got many families and households rethinking their satellite TV services and looking for better cable TV rates. Many people are either looking for better cable TV deals or to upgrade their existing satellite dish service. Cable TV companies are aware of this, as are the satellite dish companies, so they are now offering discount rates and better deals, along with all-around improved programming and other perks. Some are even offering packages that come with free satellite dish equipment and accessories, in an attempt to lure new customers. This is excellent news for those of us who are in the market for cable TV deals or satellite TV services.

Satellite TV Reviews: The Two leading Satellite Dish Companies

The two top companies offering quality satellite TV service in the US are DISH Network® and DIRECTV®. This site offers a full comparison of the two, breaking down the different satellite TV services you can expect to receive when subscribing to their packages. This article will present individual reviews of the two leading satellite TV companies.

Satellite TV Review: DISH Network

As of 2008, DISH Network is the fastest growing TV programming provider in the US, with over 13.5 million subscribers. Based in Meridian, Colorado, DISH Network has always been at the technological forefront of satellite TV services, which is why it is now in the midst of switching all its programming to HDTV. This switch is scheduled to be complete before all other satellite dish companies.

Looking For Cheap Satellite TV? DISH Network Is the cheapest It Gets

In terms of programming, DISH offers the cheapest content packages available, making pricing its main advantage over the competing satellite dish and cable TV companies. With ties to all major broadcasting groups, DISH Network allows customers to subscribe to the main channels offered by the leading satellite dish and cable TV companies. Channel packages are highly individualized, and include Premium Movies, all-HD packages, DishLatino, and the best deal on Basic Programming. The equipment includes top notch receivers and high-quality, compatible dishes. Check if you are eligible for free equipment and satellite accessories before you place your order with any satellite dish or cable company. So if cheap satellite TV is what you're after, and you don't want to compromise the programming quality, look into DISH Network.

Satellite TV Review: DIRECTV

Of the two satellite dish companies, DIRECTV is the oldest, having launched their satellite TV service back in 1994. For comparison, DISH Network offered satellite dish service only since 1996. DIRECTV is based in California, and has over 17 million subscribers as of 2008, offering High Def TV services along with all major US programming options. All satellite TV reviews praise DIRECTV’s excellent satellite TV service, both in terms of picture and sound quality, and in regard with programming options and equipment. Keep in mind, however, that any comprehensive satellite TV review must mention the fact that cheaper programming is available through DISH Network, which constantly beats other satellite offers, as well as most cable TV rates and deals.

Cable TV Companies

As of the beginning of 2009, approximately 60% of all American homes receive their TV signal through various cable TV companies. It is also by far the older technology, and was made available in the US back in 1949. Cable TV deals are easy to find, but satellite TV service is generally cheaper than cable TV rates.

There’s no point going through satellite TV reviews without comparing between the different companies and their packages. Before you decide on a satellite dish service, remember to compare cable TV deals with satellite dish rates and offers. Here is a full comparison of the three options we reviewed in this article - DISH Network vs. DIRECTV vs. Cable TV. The comparison breaks down cable TV and satellite TV services and compares them in terms of deals, rates, programming packages, discounts and many other criteria, and is a must-read if you're in the market for a TV provider.