Welcome to our guide to satellite TV services. Here we will briefly discuss the burning question of which satellite TV service is best for you. This can be a difficult choice, so let me tell you about what I've found.
First of all, both services are excellent and offer many great features at a reasonable price. In most cases, both are also more affordable than cable television. Either service would be fine for just about anyone, but there are certain features that may attract you to one or the other.
Let me begin this discussion by putting to rest the huge controversy over HDTV channels. Both services offer about the same number of channels and both are of equal picture quality for the most part. Both of these companies are adding new HD channels all the time as more and more of them become available. So when it comes to HD, don't be fooled. For all practical purposes, these services both offer a large number of HD channels that should keep just about anyone happy.
Our next topic will be local channels. Many people ask if they are included in package prices and if so, what channels will you get? Be assured that both services offer your main local stations at no additional charge. However, in my personal experience, Dish Network does offer more local networks in my area than Directv does, but that will vary from location to location I'm sure. When you click one of the links at the end of this article you'll be able to see exactly what is offered based on your location.
While we're on the topic of programming packages, let's examine the main advantages of each service when it comes to basic channel offerings. For the most part, both services have all the major channels that most customers will be interested in, however, there are differences when it comes to special types of channels. For instance, Directv is the exclusive provider of the NFL Sunday Ticket which allows customers to view almost any NFL game they want each week. Directv also exclusively offers the YES! Network for complete New York Yankees coverage. Those options may be very appealing to some customers, but there is a substantial fee involved for the NFL Sunday Ticket. Dish Network excels in its own way though as they offer unsurpassed variety in their availability of international and Latino programming. Both services also offer MLB, NBA, and NHL packages to keep their sports fans happy. Satellite radio is also available from both services, depending on your preference. Dish Network carries Sirius Satellite Radio while Directv carries XM.
Now I'd like to discuss the satellite equipment including dishes, receivers, and even DVR's. Both services offer free equipment and free professional installation. However, Dish Network seems to be giving out more of their most expensive units for free as compared with Directv. Dish Network also has dual-tuner technology that allows two TV's in the home to be operated independently by a single receiver, thereby reducing the additional receiver fees that Directv charges for each TV after the first. As far as DVR service is concerned, both services do vary somewhat as of now. Dish Network allows the sharing of a single DVR between 2 rooms, while Directv now offers whole-home DVR service that can be shared with as many as 15 HD receivers in the home. However, several fees apply with this service. In general, both services have easy to use DVR's and offer about the same amount of storage space for recorded shows. As far as the dish antennas themselves, both models are around the same size and shape at this point. The main difference with installation is that Directv often charges an additional fee to have the antenna installed on a pole instead of directly to your house, to where Dish Network will do this for free if you choose that option. Both services give you free installation for up to 6 TV's.
The last issue I would like to touch on here is price. In general, satellite TV service is less expensive than comparable packages offered by cable TV providers. Now, many cable companies today offer bundled services for high-speed internet and cable telephone services. Dish Network and Directv are also now able to offer their customers similar services in most areas by partnering with local phone companies such as Verizon and Frontier. So don't let the cable companies persuade you with their bundled services, as they are usually more expensive. The satellite companies are also able to offer their customers broadband satellite internet which the cable companies do not have. High-speed satellite internet is available to customers living in areas where the cable company does not offer service and where the local phone company does not provide high-speed access. That means you can get high-speed internet just about anywhere since it is all handled over the satellite system. With that being said, we move onto the price comparison between the satellite providers. From my experience, Dish Network has always had somewhat lower rates for their programming packages and their use of dual-tuner receivers helps to keep the cost of their service even lower.
In summary, let me say that both services offer incredible picture and sound quality with every channel delivered to you in 100% digital quality and both services are just as reliable as cable TV, even in bad weather. With that being said, I'll leave it up to you do decide which service best meets your needs. Simply click the links below for information on programming packages, pricing, and ordering information. Thanks for stopping by. I hope this article has helped you make the choice that is best for you.
Click here to choose Dish Network.
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