Dish
Network and DirecTV are basically the only two satellite TV providers.
They are continuously running specials and promotions for first time
subscribers and the promotions are continuously changing. Many people
wonder which one is best, Dish or DirecTV, so I did a little research
and came up with a few snippets written by others.
"I can't see how
someone could claim that the Dish Network rep was lying to you from
what little you wrote. (Why are so many minions out there doing free
propaganda for Directv?) It doesn't matter which company you use....
but check it out for yourself: Today, for basically the same programming,
Dish Network is $24.99 and Directv is $29.99. Both offer free installation,
but Dishnetwork offers a lifetime warranty on the equipment and if
you choose to upgrade to something fancy you will find that it is
way less expensive and much better quality for Dishnetwork. Also
I don't have to pay $5 extra to get local channels. Dishnetwork is
a better deal. But you go see for yourself. All I can suggest is
check out the offers, and go to sites that specialize in the technical
aspects of satellite tv viewing. Get them both.... what's thirty
bucks? Then you'll know. As for Tivo vs. any other recorder: that's
also pretty obvious, I would much rather have a DVR that simply records
whatever I want to and does it well. Since I already know what they
are, I don't need a machine to make assumptions about my preferences
for me. A lot of really stupid people will think that this is a "feature".
It is not! It's a hassle and an intrusion. (May 25, 2004)"
"DirecTV and Dish Network both have the latest technology
and their equipment is well made. The cost of the equipment is about
the same. At times you can get either system for free after a rebate.
Sometimes installation and shipping are thrown in. They want your business!
But if all you want is the $27.99 programming package, it may be best
to pay the $25.00 for the single LNB system and let them keep the rebate
rather than committing to a more expensive package that has programming
you may not care about.
If you don't want to worry about
the maintenance of the satellite TV system or the possibility that
it may break down, you may be interested in Dish Network's Free
Lifetime Warranty.
Whether you will be happier with
DirecTV or Dish Network may depend on the programming you want. They
both have at least the amount of programming you get with cable.
If there is a show you like, make sure it is included in the programming.
If DirecTV has programming you want that Dish doesn't have, that
is reason enough to go with DirecTV. If Dish has programs you want
that DirecTV doesn't have, get Dish. Don't let the number of channels
a provider or programming package has influence you too much because
you may not be interested in a lot of those channels. Generally,
DirecTV has more sports programming and Dish has more international
and religious programming.
You also need to consider how you are going to get your
local channels and the networks. Since DirecTV's and Dish's satellites
are not in the same place in the sky, you may be able to get your local
networks from one and not the other."
DirecTV started in 1994 and has the largest base in United States
but giving it tough competition is Dish Network, dazzling its viewers
with its largest number of channels. The Dish Network bringing more
sharpness to the picture and clarity to the sound by digitalizing the
TV programming pioneers the concept of HD TV. Today Dish Network caters
to more than 10 million satellite TV consumers and its consumer base
is just widening.
People with foreign origin can heave a sigh of relief as Dish Network
provides you host of foreign programming and channels. You get to see
a lot of channels in Spanish and Mandarin. Recently they have come
up with Bridges TV Network targeting American Muslim population covering
Muslim cultural programs besides usual package of cartoons, news, and
music and movie channels.
Viewers of Dish Network have another reason to smile as it has acquired
various Voom HD channels which will not only provide better quality
of picture and sound but will offer them more variety to choose from.
Karaoke channel is going to add another feather to its cap. This is
going to be another first from Dish Network in the interactive channel
segment.
Dish Network is the first choice for those who spend most of the time
in their homes. Elderly people and housewives can kill their boredom
with Dish Network Satellite TV package that includes your favorite
movie channels, news coverage, informative channels etc. However, if
sports are your great past time and if you follow the sports religiously,
choosing DirecTV will be a better choice.
People whose job requires frequent shifting should opt for Dish Network
for its easy mobility. Dish Network provides its own equipment and
Satellite TV connection making smooth transition from your cable TV
to Satellite TV. In contrast DirecTV respects your freedom of choice
and allows you to purchase the equipment from anywhere else.
Certain sports channels and leagues such
are available only on DirecTV because they have negotiated exclusive
tie up with them. Just recently, the NBA League Pass and the NHL Center
Ice package have become available on Dish Network as well. It is possible
that over a period, Dish Network will offer similar packaging as DirecTV.
However, as of now, DirecTV is superior when it comes to sports channels.
Both companies will give you adequate
parental control over what your children watch. DirecTV also allows
you to control your pay per view expenses.
If you compare the monthly subscription charges of these two Satellite
TV providers, you would find Dish Network slightly cheaper than its
rival. The same is true in the HD TV segments as well. Here Dish Network
has not only edge over pricing but also on the number of HD channels
which are almost double than the number of HD channels provided by
DirecTV.
My conclusion is that unless you are a big sports fan,
Dish Network is the way to go. At least for now. Of course, their offers
and prices may change in the future. I have had Dish Satellite TV for
over two years and have had no problems. Prior to Dish, I had DirecTV.
The only reason I changed to Dish was to get the free receivers for my
other 2 TVs. Unfortunetly, DirecTV would not match Dish Network's offer
so they lost my business. To find out more about the current specials
that each one is offering, you can click the links below. (September 11,
2005)