Compare Dish Network vs. DIRECTV®

Here we will attempt to give a comparison between the two main satellite TV service providers, Dish Network and DIRECTV®. When you have finished comparing Dish Network vs DIRECTV®, you should have just about all the information that you would need in order to continue with the online ordering process.

Lowest Base Package Price

Right now, Dish Network is offering the lowest base price packages starting at $24.99 per month. DIRECTV® is not too far behind with their lowest package price at $29.99 and it should also be mentioned that you may find that you get more of the channels that you are interested in with the DIRECTV® base package. Of course, there are many variables when it comes to pricing. Whether or not you want to include HD (high definition), DVR (digital video recorder), local channels and other items that can change your overall monthly price.

Free Equipment Offered

Dish Network is offering a free HD DVR upgrade and up to three free HD receivers. An HD DVR is just an HD receiver with a built in DVR. DIRECTV® is offering a free HD or DVR upgrade plus you can get free HD for life. To get the free HD for life promotion you do have to sign up for auto bill pay and the service is made free via a rebate.

Channel Selections

Both Dish Network and DIRECTV® are currently offering free local channels with most packages. This is something that you should check on from time to time because the offers to tend to change about once every three months. In a nutshell, both Dish Network and DIRECTV® offer hundreds of channels for you to choose from. It just depends on which package you choose (how much you want to spend per month).

Dish Network generally offers more channels but some of these channels are fairly obscure. For instance, if you are into foreign programming then you will certainly want to check out what Dish Network has to offer. DIRECTV® offers just about as many channels as Dish Network with more of an emphasis on sports programming. Dish Network has more movie and music channels.

The HD Controversy

These days, one of the biggest battles between the satellite TV companies is over high definition programming. This is due to the fact that just about everyone has caught on to the fact that HD is so superior over regular resolutions. With HD the scenes really seem to come to life. Both companies claim to have the most HD content. However, Dish Network probably does have more channels in HD. DIRECTV® claims to have the most ‘full time’ channels in HD. This is because some of the HD channels on Dish Network are not available on a full time basis. Overall, you should probably not choose one over the other just for their HD capabilities as they are fairly similar.

Summing it Up

In general, if you are big fan of movies, International programming and satellite music then you might lean toward Dish Network. The thing to be careful with is the programming packages. Dish Network boasts the lowest priced base package but you might find that it doesn’t include some of your favorite channels.

If you are a big sports fan, you will definitely appreciate what DIRECTV® has to offer. Also, you may find that some of their less expensive packages have many of the channels that you would pay the most attention to.

The best thing to do is to actually visit each of the dealer websites below and just start the ordering process. You can do this in two different windows on your computer. It’s easy and there is no risk because you don’t have to give any personal information until you actually check out. Once you start to build your packages, you will begin to see the differences in pricing and content. Everyone has a different idea of what they expect from their television entertainment so no two people will end up choosing one or the other of these two satellite TV providers.