DIRECTV vs. DISH Network Channels and Pricing
The most important question you can ask when considering a cable or satellite TV subscription is how many channels you’ll have access to.
So, obviously, what you should really want to know before committing to a TV service contract is that you’re getting the most channels for your money. And, for their parts, paid-TV service providers know this. That’s why those that don’t offer the most channels employ all sorts of techniques to fool prospective customers into committing to a subscription.
Of course, you might find such accusations hard to believe, considering the folks here at InternetLion.com are openly selling DISH Network® subscriptions. But, then, DISH Network is unique among subscription TV providers in that it is uncharacteristically upfront and honest. Not only does it disclose the full nature of its packages through third-party advertisers like us, but it also engages in as little dissemblance as possible.
In order to prove this point, then, we here at InternetLion.com have taken it upon ourselves to publish the following comparison between lineups from DIRECTV® vs. DISH Network channels. As you’ll see, consumers who order DIRECTV in New York City and DIRECTV in New York state (our sample markets) have access to far fewer channels in their DIRECTV channel lists than DIRECTV would have them believe.
Lineups from DIRECTV vs. DISH Network Channels
At first glance DIRECTV channel lists seem on-par, if not better than, DISH Network lineups. But a closer comparison of lineups from DIRECTV vs. DISH Network channels reveals that DIRECTV’s claims of offering the better deal are only smoke and mirrors.
Compare, for instance, the DIRECTV channel list for the company’s lowest subscription tier, its Choice™ package. With a Choice package from DIRECTV New York City subscribers (those in our first example market of Manhattan) would seemingly “Get Free HD” as per the flashy red and yellow banner on the company’s Web site front page. But those that read the banner’s fine print will notice the following clause: “New Customers Only. Choice Xtra™ Package and Above with Auto Bill Pay.”
DIRECTV New York City Subscribers
In fact, DIRECTV’s Choice package does offer 30 more channels than DISH Network’s America’s Top 120 package for the same price of $29.99 per month. But that’s only counting the standard-definition, or “SD,” channels included in DIRECTV’s offering. For $29.99 per month DIRECTV gives DIRECTV New York City subscribers only SD channels. To get DIRECTV HD channels with their Choice packages, such subscribers have to pay an additional fee of $10 per month for HD service on only one TV, or $20 per month to receive HD service throughout their homes.
DIRECTV New York State Subscribers
Likewise, with DIRECTV New York state subscribers (those in our second example market of Congers, NY) will only receive 150-plus SD channels with a $29.99 per month Choice package for the first year. For HD service they are subject to the same fees as DIRECTV New York City customers. And, both groups are subject to the rate hike on subscription fees after the first year of service to $60.99 per month, and again this is only for SD channels.
Of course, we could go on and on with such comparisons, expanding our range to sample markets even less affluent than Congers. But the fact is that with a Choice package from DIRECTV subscribers all across New York state must pay more for HD and DVR services.
DIRECTV vs. DISH Network Channels, Services and Pricing
In contrast to this, DISH Network’s America’s Top 120 package offers over 120 SD channels and over 105 HD channels free for life for to new, qualified customers who sign a 24-month Agreement and register for Auto Pay with Paperless Billing. And unlike DIRECTV, DISH Network doesn’t hide a major price hike in its fine print either. Prices go up only $15 per month to $44.99 after the initial 12 month promotional pricing offer.
Over two years of service an America’s Top 120 package only costs $899.76 nationwide. Compare DIRECTV vs. DISH Network channels and pricing and you’ll see that a Choice package costs nearly $200 more over the same period for just SD service. Add on HD service to the DIRECTV Choice package and you’re looking at another $240 in additional costs in the first two years. And why would anyone, whether they’re New York rich or not, waste a dime on TV service let alone get less channels?
All things considered, then, DISH Network is the obvious choice for those who want to maximize their channel selection and experience the best in HD image and sound technology without paying more—a no-brainer decision if you ask us.
Click here to learn more about making the switch to DISH Network today. DISH Networking is now offering savings of over $700 in the first year of service to new customers…
Disclaimer: Please note that this article was written when the satellite TV provider DISH was branded as DISH Network. As of 2/1/2012 DISH Network has changed their branding name to DISH. Article post date: 09/24/2011.
