DIRECTV vs. DISH Network TV

You may feel a little overwhelmed when trying to decide between DIRECTV® and DISH Network®, the top two satellite TV providers. The two satellite companies have many differences but the truth is that the two satellite TV providers share a lot of the same programming. As someone who’s enjoyed programming from both providers, I can personally state that both offer a huge channel selection, great prices and fast installation. Plus, DISH Network TV and DIRECTV deals are both attractive to customers. Since I have been through this decision process in the past, I am going to do my best to clear things up and provide you with all the information that you need to help you avoid spending countless hours researching.

The satellite TV systems and services that are brought to you by both DIRECTV and DISH Network TV are similar -- they offer more than 250 program channels, all-digital programming, High Definition TV options, and Digital Video Recording capabilities. Both companies offer first-rate services and are constantly trying to enhance their product and image. Therefore, when comparing DIRECTV deals to DISH Network offers, the principal differences you'll discover are in the subscription fees and programming options.

DIRECTV vs. DISH Network - The Equipment

Both Satellite dish companies offer free equipment. DIRECTV offers free installation in up to four rooms, while DISH Network offers free installation in up to six rooms when signing up with Agreement. If you want a DVR receiver or an HDTV receiver, DIRECTV will charge an additional fee, whereas DISH Network offers an HD DVR receiver upgrade, plus HD equipment for up to three TVs, at no extra cost.

Plus, DISH Network is the market leader in product innovation and consistently offers breakthrough technology, like the revolutionary ViP922 Slingloaded DVR, which allows you to watch DISH Network TV on your PC or smart phone. To learn more about this breakthrough technology and other satellite equipment, visit the satellite TV equipment section of our site.

DIRECTV vs. DISH Network - Programming & Fees

In general, there are more DISH Network channels on offer and are priced at a lower cost than DIRECTV Channels. DIRECTV offers 285+ digital SD channels, including movie channels, music channels, pay-per-view movies and events, sports packages and international programming, whereas DISH Network offers over 295 SD channels covering the programming spectrum. Plus, DISH Network is also the leader in international programming, offering over 200 international DISH Network channels in 28 languages.

There are not only more DISH Network channels in SD, but DISH Network is also the leader in HD channel selection as well. DISH Network now offers more than 200 HD channels for their viewers to enjoy whereas there are only 160+ DIRECTV channels available in HD.

Even better, both satellite TV providers are now offering an 'HD Free For Life' promotion where subscribers can enjoy the full range of HD programming that's offered with their selected channel package FREE for Life, with 24-Mo. Agreement and AutoPay with Paperless Billing. Watch out though because DIRECTV does NOT offer this promotion for their starter channel package, the CHOICE package. Subscribers would need to select the more pricey CHOICE XTRA package or higher to receive the HD Free for Life promotion, with pricing starting at $34.99 per month. DISH Network, however, is offering the HD Free for Life option on ALL of their channel packages including the starter package, the America's Top 120 package, with pricing starting at only $29.99 per month, with 24-Mo. Agreement.

Pricing on the DIRECTV CHOICE package (without the Free HD for Life option) starts at $29.99 per month for over 150 DIRECTV channels in SD and 40+ DIRECTV channels in HD. Compare this to DISH Network packages that start at only $24.99 per month for the DISH America starter all-HD package or the DISH Network America’s 120 Package which offers over 120 DISH Network channels in SD and over 105 HD channels to choose from. When it comes to HD channel selection and pricing, DISH Network TV is the clear winner in the DIRECTV vs. DISH Network showdown.

DIRECTV or Direct TV?

If you're looking online for Direct TV deals, don't be surprised if your search for the Direct TV broadcast satellite giant turns up results for DIRECTV instead. Is there a difference between Direct TV and DIRECTV? Not really. While most people think Direct TV is the name of this popular satellite TV provider, the correct name is not two separate words, Direct TV, but only one word spelled D-I-R-E-C-T-V.

Customer Satisfaction

When it comes to customer service, both satellite providers have excellent customer service options with 24/7 online support, and 24/7 toll-free telephone support. But only DISH Network is rated #1 among all Satellite and cable providers in customer satisfaction, according to the 2010 ASCI (American Customer Satisfaction Index) survey results.

DIRECTV vs. DISH Network - Conclusion

Does it still seem like a tough call? I mean, both satellite TV companies offer top-of-the-line satellite TV equipment and all digital programming giving you the best picture and sound available. The way I see it is that the basic difference between DISH Networks deals and DIRECTV deals are the price and selection.

If its price and programming that is your deciding factor, then the DISH Network channels and basic packages are the cheaper of the two options for the most choice in programming including more channels and HD options. And, DISH Network deals have more movie packages and foreign programming, including over 170 international channels in 28 languages.

The bottom line is that although DIRECTV deals can be tempting, ultimately DISH Network gives you the most value for your money. What are you waiting for? Hurry up and order now, before these great satellite TV offers end. Click here to see how you can switch to DISH Network today and start saving!