Saturday, October 8, 2011

Direct TV vs Dish Network

Entertainment and media is perhaps the most booming sector currently. With satellite TV services offering hundreds of channels, there was never so much variety to choose from, when it comes to television entertainment. When it comes to choosing a satellite TV service, there are many to choose from. In this article, I present a Direct TV vs Dish Network comparison, which are two of the prime services in demand.

Why choose satellite TV over conventional cable TV? The answer is high definition picture quality and a wider range of TV channels to choose from. If you have already gone through the dish vs cable debate and have decided that you are better off opting for a satellite television connection, then you need to consider the Dish Network Vs Direct TV comparison presented below. Also check out the complete Comcast vs Direct TV vs Dish Network comparison.

DirecTV vs Dish Network Comparison

What are the factors that need to be considered while making a Dish Network vs DirecTV comparison? First and foremost factor is the cost of packages offered, followed by features included, range of channels (programming) provided and customer service. So I have kept this comparison to a bare minimum, while comparing only the prime factors.

DirecTV vs Dish Network: Installation
The installation includes set up of a satellite dish and related equipment. All the basic equipment offered by both networks comes at no extra cost. Even the installation is free. If you need a HDTV receiver upgrade or DVR, you need not pay any extra cost to Direct TV (known by the brand name of 'Directv'). Even Dish Network Satellite TV will provide you with a free HD DVR receiver upgrade. The installation is outsourced to local distributors. For up to 6 DVR receivers, you will be charged a $7.00 fee, while Dish Network will offer the same for a $6.00 fee.

DirecTV vs Dish Network: Packages & Programming
Both networks offer a range of packages for you to choose from including an increasing number of channels. Let us first have a look at Direct TV (Directv) packages. The Direct TV programming packages starts from $29.99/month (family package including 50+ channels), going up to a $58.99/month package (which includes 150+ channels and HD) to the ultimate $114.99/month package (that includes 285+ channels). On the other hand, Dish Network offers programming packages starting from 24.99/month (120 channels) to the ultimate package (America's Everything Pack) for $84.99/month (including 295 channels).

For HD programming, Direct TV and Dish Network, will both charge $10/month. The number of HD channels you get will depend on your package. There are several paid channels like Cinemax and HBO that may cost extra. While the programming packages are quite similar, Direct TV provides more Sports channels, including local channels. On the other hand Dish Network offers more movie channels. Both networks offer excellent customer support services which can be availed 24x7. Refer to the Dish Network TV guide and Direct TV channels list for more information.

DirecTV vs Dish Network - Which is Better?
So you must be wondering what is the verdict regarding the two networks. Which is better? It is really difficult to choose one over the other. Both offer great programming packages and excellent customer support. Compare the channels offered by both networks, which will help you decide. Go for the one which offers all your favorite channels at reasonable prices.

As we saw, both networks provide a wide range of channels, great picture quality and state of the art equipment. The choice will be obviously dictated by the channels you want to watch and the price you are willing to pay. Hope this Direct TV vs Dish Network comparison helps you decide which one would be the better choice for you.