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With so many satellite TV providers competing for your business, how do you know
who to choose from? Let's take a look at two of the more popular satellite TV
service providers, DirecTV and Dish Network for an apple to apples comparison.
Dish Network
Dish Network Satellite is the nation's second largest provider of satellite
TV. Does that mean that Dish Network offers better service? Not necessarily.
Dish Network does provide most of the satellite TV resources other providers
do, including a satellite TV guide, free satelite TV dishes, free dish network
deals and more. Dish Network also offers customers the option of purchasing HDTV
equipment and service packages, giving viewers access to 8 high definition
channels, a bonus for consumers with high definition TV sets.
In addition Dish Network does have a slightly larger channel selection that
DirecTV which is a benefit to some customers.
Here is a summary of the major services offered by Dish Network:
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More than 180 channels
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HDTV for up to 8 channels
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More than 30 sports dedicated networks including subscription options to
NBA League Pass, and NHL Center Ice
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Foreign Language Programming in many languages
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More than 103 local channels available
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Monthly cost generally less than $100
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Available in all 50 states
DirecTV
DirecTV is the nation's largest provider. Like Dish Network, DirecTV is
available in all 50 states. DirecTV's claim to fame is that they offer more
channels dollar for dollar than other satellite TV providers.
So how do you know whether DirecTV or Dish Network is right for you? Let's
look at some of the specifics of DirecTV. DirecTV does offer fewer overall
channels than Dish Network satellite (but not much fewer) but it does feature
exclusive sports packages including NFL Sunday Ticket, which are a bonus for
avid sports fans.
DirecTV also offers a high definition package including four feature high
definition channels. DirecTV also offers many of the same freebies Dish Network
does, including free Direct TV receivers, free satelite TV dishes and satellite
TV resources.
A summary of the benefits of DirecTV is as follows:
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More than 150 channels
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More than 30 sports networks including special and exclusive sports
package deals
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Foreign language programming in Spanish and Chinese
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Up to 8 HDVT channels
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Approximately 126 local channels
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Monthly costs less than $100
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Available in all 50 states
DirecTV or Dish Network Satellite
So, with an apple to apples comparison, you can see that you get most of the
same benefits regardless of which provider you choose. There are some subtle
differences between the two, Dish Network offers slightly more overall channels
and a larger foreign language programming selection. DirecTV offers some
exclusive sports networks and greater access to local channels. DirecTV Tivo is
an added benefit for DirecTV consumers, which providers channel recording
capability to consumers.
Which provider you select may depend on your location. Some may offer better
deals or service in some areas than others.
Satellite TV vs. Cable TV
The question of satellite TV vs. Cable TV is an age old one. How do you know
which to choose?
Thus the two also deserve a comparison.
Cable TV
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Equipment - Requires a TV set top box in order to access digital services
Transmission - Usually Analog but consumers have the option of upgrading to
digital for a higher premium. Analog channels don't convert to digital in this
situation.
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Programming - Supports more than 260 channels and offers options such as
pay per view, where viewers can buy movies for a small fee. Usually cable TV
offers more local channel options than satellite. Offers fewer HDTV services
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Pricing - Cable is usually more expensive, in part due to additional costs
added onto monthly premium, which may include fees, taxes, pay per view and
equipment
Satellite TV
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Equipment - Requires use of satellite dish and receivers. Many providers
offer free satelite TV systems, free satelite TV dishes to entice customers.
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Transmission - Satellite TV services are all digital, which consumers
usually translate to mean better quality reception. TV reception can be
subject to interference during inclement weather, but this happens with cable
service too.
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Programming - Usually offers 200 or more channels, including more
international and sports channels than cable. High definition channels are
more easily accessed through satellite
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Pricing - Satellite TV can be less expensive than cable particularly if
equipment is thrown in for free. Local channel packages are usually extra with
satellite, but over time the expense is less. So which do you choose?
For many it's a matter of price, and satellite TV seems to be at an advantage
here. Both cable and satellite offer similar channel line ups, though if you
plan on watching a lot of foreign or international films you might opt for a
satellite provider such as Dish Network or DirecTV.
That said most consumers just end up getting whichever is convenient at the
time they are setting up home. No matter your choice, you'll end up with decent
service and a wide channel range which is all most consumers are looking for in
the end. Buyer beware, you should know that cable TV fans are very strictly
cable, and satellite TV fans very strictly satellite.
You could literally cause an argument between two otherwise friendly
neighbors simply by asking them to rate satellite TV vs. cable. That said,
you'll probably find that once you make your selection, you too begin an avid
supporter of one vs. the other.
About The Author:
Antigone Arthur is a successful freelance writer with 10 years of professional
experience providing consumers with informative articles on such topics as
DirectTV vs Dish Network,
Free Satellite
TV Systems, and
Satellite System Tv. | 
