#1: Types of Packages Available

With more than 200 individual channels available on both systems, it may seem impossible not to find exactly what you’re looking for every time you turn on your TV. But, being satisfied with your programming depends a great deal on the type of package you choose.

For instance, both providers offer basic packages that offer the standard local and national channels (ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, PBS), but may vary a great deal on the other channels they offer. For instance, one company’s “family package” may offer a dozen national-feed PBS stations offering round-the-clock children’s programming, while the other provider’s “family package” may include channels for older kids like Disney, Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon. Neither is better or worse than the others, you just have to carefully weigh which programming options best suit your family’s individual needs.

#2: Sports Options

The simple fact remains: Direct TV is generally touted as the sports authority when it comes to the types and quality of games they offer through the network. Although Dish Network may not yet offer the major sports showings of their competitor, many non-traditional sports enthusiast do seem to enjoy the offbeat and international offerings Dish provides. While football and baseball fans will really need Direct TV to get the best coverage

#3: Pricing

Pricing, too, can vary between the two providers, depending on the program packages they provide. But, both seem to offer starter basic packages at around $20 per month, with more complex premium style packages at $50-$65 dollars a month, and of course more add-on sports, movie and specialty programming running as high as $100 or more per month.

#4: Availability

Both Direct TV and Dish Network tout broad availability almost anywhere in the United States. The main difference between the two is that Direct TV pulls its signal from the southern sky, while Dish Network gets its signal from the opposite direction (the northern sky). So, if a consumer does not have a clear view of either of these horizons, it could interferer with signal reception from one particular company.

#5: Installation & Equipment

Both companies may officially charge for installation and equipment, but considering that both Direct TV and Dish Network both seem to offer continuous special promotions and sales, no one should ever have to pay for either installation or basic equipment from either company.

The only thing to really shop for between the two for is how many free or low-cost extras they happen to be offering at the moment. One month Direct TV may offer 10 free pay-per-view movie passes with installation, while Dish Network gives away 3 months service to the movie channel of your choice, or even a free upgrade in package. Take your time to review each company’s specials and promotions to get the best deal you can.

#6: Service

It really doesn’t matter which satellite service provider you choose: Direct TV or Dish Network – they both tout an excellent service record with few interruptions and fast and easy trouble shooting guides. So now that you know what to compare when choosing your satellite TV service, get out there and cut the cable cord!

About DirecTV

In 1991, PrimeStar became the first satellite service in America, but its competitor DirecTV, launched in 1994 by Hughes Electronics, eventually absorbed it. DirecTV has since become the largest satellite TV provider in the United States, with over 15 million customers as of the end of 2005.

DirecTV provides premium channels (such as HBO), nationwide turnaround channels (such as ESPN), and local programming (such as ABC). It also has several HDTV channels, showing about 900 hours of high definition content a week. In addition, DirecTV offers XM Satellite music channels, and some pay-per-view and video-on-demand services.

The company also provides digital video recorders (DVRs) to its customers – its first DVR was licensed from the TiVo company, which brought “pause-live-TV” technology into the public eye, but DirecTV now uses the internally-developed XTV system. Its receivers also have a built-in parental control system, allowing parents to block certain channels, or shows with a certain rating, from being accessed without a password.

DirecTV offers free professional installation with all of its packages.

About Dish Network

The other major satellite TV provider in the United States is Dish Network, which was launched by EchoStar Communications in 1996. It has grown steadily in popularity, with about 11 million customers at the end of 2005.

Like its competitor, Dish provides premium channels, turnaround channels and local programming. It has also added 29 HDTV channels, acquired from a failed satellite company called Voom, which competed briefly with Dish and DirecTV between 2003 and 2005 by focusing on high definition television channels. Dish provides over 1400 hours of HDTV programming a week.

Digital video recording (DVR) technology is also available with all Dish packages, and the company has recently offered a “PocketDish” portable DVR device that can download and view media (TV shows, music, photos and games) that is recorded and stored on the set-top device.

Dish also provides pay-per-view, video-on-demand, interactive TV, and Sirius Satellite Radio channels, as well as parental control features, and they provide free installation for their satellite TV equipment.

Competition is good

Dish Network and DirecTV both provide the expected packages of satellite TV channels, and both have great customer service. The competition between them to provide more programming choices, better technology, clearer picture, fewer interruptions in service, and lower prices is making satellite television better for everyone.