Satellite TV Programming Comparisons - DIRECTV vs. DISH Network

Satellite TV Programming Comparisons

At first glance DIRECTV and DISH Network seem pretty similar. But when you take a closer look and compare the two you'll see some big differences when it comes to satellite TV programming and prices.

Cheapest Satellite TV Programming Packages

* DISH Network has two inexpensive packages. The Dish Family package is $19.99 and includes 40 family-oriented channels like The Biography Channel, Discovery Kids, Food Network, Hallmark, and Nickelodeon. Their America's Top 60 package is $19.99 and has 75 channels with a variety of programs like A&E, CNN, CNBC, Discovery Channel, The History Channel, The Home Shopping Network, Lifetime, Nickelodeon, and TV Games Network.

* DIRECTV's least expensive package, Total Choice, is $41.99 per month and has 155 channels including A&E, Bloomberg Television, CNBC, CNN, Comedy Central, Discovery Channel, Disney Channel, Food Network, FX, Videogame TV, Galavision, National Geographic, Nickelodeon, The Histoy Channel, and 50 XM satellite radio chanels.

Mid-Size Satellite TV Programming Packages

* DISH Network has two mid-size packages. America's Top 120 is $29.99 per month and has 230 channels including all of America's Top 60 channels plus channels like AMC, Animal Planet, ESPN, Fox News Channel, NFL Network, Disney, Telefutura, and 60 Sirius radio stations. America's Top 180 package is $39.99 per month and has 318 channels including all of America's Top 120 channels plus channels like Biography, Bloomberg, FOX Movie Channel, The Golf Channel, and The Movie Channel.

* DIRECTV's mid-size package, Total Choice Plus, is $46.99 per month and has 185 channels including all of the Total Choice channels plus channels like Boomerang, Discovery Home, Discovery Kids, The Biography Channel, The Golf Channel, The Science Channel, and 67 XM radio channels.

Top-Of-The-Line Satellite TV Programming Packages

* DISH Network's high-end package, America's Everything Pak, is $74.99 and has 350 channels including all of America's Top 180 channels plus 31 movie channels from Showtime, Starz, HBO, and Cinemax. You also get DISH Network HD programming.

* DIRECTV's top TV package, Total Choice Premier, is $96.99 per month and has 250 channels including all of the Total Choice Plus channels plus 31 channels from HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, and Starz.

Note: The subscription fees for DISH Network's America's Top 60, Top 120, Top 180, and The Everything package are for the first ten months. After that they are $10 more per month.

Miscellaneous Programming Comparison

DISH Network offers individual HBO, Cinemax, Showtime, and Starz movie packages, plus sports packages, adult channels, international channels, HD TV channels, and more than 1,600 pay-per-view programs per month. Local program channels are $5 per month.

DIRECTV offers individual HBO, Cinemax, Showtime, and Starz movie packages, plus sports packages (including NFL Sunday Ticket), international channels, adult channels, pay-per-view programs, and HDTV channels. Local program channels are $3 per month.

Visit http://www.thesatellitetvguide.com to see all the current satelliteTV channel listings. Click on the following link for ordering information and to see all the DISH Network channels. Click this link for ordering information and to see the complete DIRECTV channel lineup.

The author, Brian Stevens, is the senior editor for TheSatelliteTVGuide.com and has written extensively on satellite TV programming comparisons.

HD Satellite TV -- Compare HDTV Services

HD Satellite TV

HD (high definition) refers to the quality of the picture being transmitted to your television set.

Picture quality is measured in scan lines. The more scan lines that are transmitted to your TV, the clearer the picture.

For instance, analog (over-the-air) TV has 525 scan lines per image. HDTV, on the other hand, has up to 1,080 lines per image -- almost twice as many lines of resolution giving you twice the clarity of analog TV.

There's a huge difference between watching TV on a regular TV set as opposed to watching an HD TV. The HD picture is sharper and the colors are brighter. The picture is so realistic it's almost like watching a scene through a window.

HD Satellite TV Features

Here are the main features of HD satellite TV:

* High resolution picture -- HDTV produces a super-sharp image, resulting in a clearer, more lifelike picture.

* Widescreen picture -- you get a full-width picture just like you see in the movies.

* Digital audio -- HD audio programming is broadcast Dolby Digital format so you get a three-dimensional surround-sound listening experience.

HD Satellite TV Providers

Both DISH Network and DIRECTV offer HD programming. Here's a rundown on their HD satellite TV channel lineups ...

DISH Network HD Satellite TV

DISH Network offers two HD satellite TV programming packages:

The DISH Network HD Pak

This package includes HDNet, HDNet Movies, ESPNHD, Discovery HD, and TNT in HD.

The DISH Network Voom Pak

This package includes Ultra HD, Monsters HD, Rave HD, Equator HD, Gallery HD, Anamania HD, Rush HD, HD News, Guy TV HD, and Majestic HD.

In addition to the above packages you can also get HBO HDTV, Showtime HD, DISH on Demand Pay-Per-View in HD, and CBS HDTV.

In order to receive HD programming from DISH Network you must have an HD receiver. When you order satellite TV service from DISH Network you can get an HD receiver free.

Note: For more information on current DISH Network HD programming and subscription fees, or to order satellite TV service with a free satellite TV system, click on the links below.

DIRECTV HD Satellite TV

DIRECTV offers one HD satellite TV programming package:

The DIRECTV HD Package

This package includes ESPN HD, ESPN2 HD, Discovery HD Theater, HDNet, HDNet Movies, and Universal HD.

In addition to the above package your can also get HBO HD, Showtime HD, and DIRECTV Pay-Per-View, plus ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, and the WB channel.

Sports packages include NFL Sunday Ticket HD and NFL Sunday Ticket SuperFan HD.

In order to receive HD programming from DIRECTV you must have an HD receiver. When you order satellite TV service from DIRECTV you can get an HD receiver free (after a $199 rebate).

Note: For more information on current DIRECTV HD programming and subscription fees, or to order satellite TV service with a free satellite TV system, click on the links below.

The Bottom Line

The only drawback to having HD satellite TV is the cost. If you don't already own an HD TV set, then you'll have to buy one. And the HD programming fees are another expense that will add to your satellite TV bill.

However, if you want to see your favorite shows in near lifelike clarity and you can afford the extra expense, having HD satellite TV is definitely worth the added cost.

Click on the following link for more information on free satellite TV systems and service, or these links for ordering information, plus the latest bonuses and free offers from DISH Network satellite TV or DIRECTV satellite TV.

Brian Stevens is the senior editor for www.TheSatelliteTVGuide.com and has written extensively on HD satellite TV.

Cable vs. Satellite TV - Which Is The Better Choice?

When considering cable vs. satellite TV it can be incredibly confusing, especially with so many commercials touting one system over the other. They both promise lots of perks such as pay-per-view and other features, and each service provider declares they are the best buy for your money. But there really is no comparison ? satellite TV service providers simply give you the best value for your money across the country.

In order to understand what you are getting for your money, make sure you ask plenty of questions when you compare cable TV and satellite TV. Don?t simply rely on advertising hype and your local cable service provider?s promises.

Why is Satellite TV Better Than Cable? So Many Reasons!

Many people don?t realize how much is offered with today?s satellite TV systems, assuming that they will be expensive or difficult to install. Not so! In fact, most of today?s top satellite TV companies such as service providers Dish Network and DirecTV, will come to your home and do the installation at no extra charge once you have a contract.

Your options are also greater with satellite TV vs. cable ? most of the larger companies offer their services just about anywhere you can imagine, whether you live high in the mountains, remotely located from the world where no cable reaches, or in a crowded city. Being national companies rather than small, locally owned cable services also means you will benefit from quality service at lower prices. It also ensures you are getting the benefit of state-of-the-art technology. Many cable companies today are either replacing old cable or struggling to keep up while satellite TV providers are forging into the future.

Of course, in the final analysis, it all comes down to quality of programming and service reliability when you compare cable and satellite TV providers.

Here are a few things you should know about satellite TV:

FREE Equipment - Take advantage of a free satellite TV system and FREE installation. You can also purchase or lease your equipment depending on what is best for your needs.

TiVo - TiVo is available only through satellite TV providers and enables you to record, rewind and pause your programming.

HDTV - High Definition programming is always available and not dependent on location and company like it is with cable.

Pay-Per-View - There are twice as many Pay-per-View stations and the sports coverage is much more complete ? with no black-outs for local stations.

Programming - There are more programming packages and options for you to choose from, so you can tailor something that suits your tastes.

Customer Service - Customer service ranks consistently higher than with cable TV.

Value - Value for the money is superior ? dollar for dollar, you?ll get more channels and a better variety of options with satellite TV than most other cable service providers can provide.
Cable Television vs. Satellite TV is an easy choice once you compare services and know the facts. Millions of people have switched to satellite TV providers DirecTV and the Dish Network and more sign up every week. The best value for your dollar is clear ? Satellite TV.Kevin Urban is a freelance writer for http://www.1st-dish-tv.net,

Cheap Satellite TV -- Who Has the Best Deals?

Just a few years ago there was no such thing as a cheap satellite TV system. A decent system cost anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 for a satellite TV dish and the array of electronic boxes that came with it. Not only that, it cost hundreds of dollars to have a big-dish satellite TV system installed.

Today, because the satellite TV industry has become so competitive, dealers are giving away satellite TV systems to entice people to subscribe to their satellite TV service. Even the installation is free.

So when it comes to finding a cheap TV system, you're in luck. They're not just cheap, they're free.

Satellite TV Systems

Here's what you get when you subscribe to either DISH Network or DIRECTV's satellite TV service:

* A free satellite TV dish and mounting stand.

* Up to four free satellite TV receivers plus universal remote controls.

* Free professional installation of your system in up to four rooms of your home.

* Free DVR (digital video recording) receivers so you can record your favorite programs.

* HDTV satellite TV receivers (optional) for high definition reception.

Note: DISH Network and DIRECTV offer bonus gifts such as a free DVD player and home theater system when you order their service. Click on the links below to see the latest offers.

Cheap Satellite TV Service

When it comes to satellite TV service, you can pay anywhere from $31.99 a month for 60 channels of programming, on up to $93.99 a month for 215 channels.

Both DISH Network or DIRECTV's satellite TV service includes the following:

* More than 225 program channels with digital-quality picture and sound.

* Up to 500 commercial-free movies per month.

* DVR (digital video recording) so you can bypass commercials and record your favorite programs.

* HD (high definition) programming.

* Up to 60 pay-per-view programs per day. * Your local channels with digital picture and sound.

* Commercial-free music channels with all-digital sound. * Toll-free and online 24/7 customer service. Note: DISH Network and DIRECTV offer special introductory programming rates for new customers. Click on the links below for current offers.

The Bottom Line

Getting the cheapest price for satellite TV depends on whether you want the cheapest service, or you want the cheapest price per channel.

DISH Network has the cheapest satellite TV service. Their starter package -- America's Top Sixty -- gives you 60 channels of satellite TV programming, including your local channels, for $31.99 per month.

DIRECTV's Total Choice program package offers the cheapest price per channel at $0.31 per channel ($41.99 ? 135 channels). In addition to 135 program channels, you also get your local channels and 31 music channels.

If television is your primary form of entertainment and you want a wide variety of shows, movies, sports, and news ... if you're tired of fuzzy reception and want digital-quality picture and sound ... if your cable bill is beginning to equal your mortgage payment -- then I think you'll find satellite TV is a real bargain.

Click on the following link for more information on free satellite TV systems and service, or these links for ordering information, the latest offers, and free bonuses from DISH Network satellite TV or DIRECTV satellite TV.

Brian Stevens is a professional freelance writer and webmaster who has written extensively on cheap satellite TV.

Satellite TV or Cable

We had never used satellite services. Therefore, I didn't know if it worked? I decided to do research and find out the truth for myself which I will share with you here. The following quote is indicative of what I found: A recent JD Power study recently rated DIRECTV? and Dish Network higher in customer satisfaction than all major cable companies. Either DIRECTV? or Dish Network has been awarded the top service honors for past 5 years. This report also stated that the satellite providers provide true digital signals. Most cable companies offer analog and digital signals. My old provider charged additionally for what they called the digital tier which excluded all the channels for the major networks. No wonder the local news sometimes had waves across the screen. Furthermore, this report stated that the satellite providers had mastered HDTV technology and the cable companies had not achieved this important standard.

My cable bill had gone from $39.95 a month to over $150. I cancelled and went back to rabbit ears. This lasted about a week. At this point I had basically made up my mind. But how much was it going to cost? Will I have to buy equipment? Well, the answer was I didn't have to buy equipment and I now get better reception for a fraction of the cost. Also, the satellite companies offered more features which we could afford. Now we have switched and we love it.

When you place an order online, some allow customers to design systems matched to their home. You will also schedule the time a professional installed will come to your home. The system will either be shipped to you before the installation date or the installer will bring it along. It is that easy. All you have to do is be home for the installation.

The only downside to this happy ending is the whole family now wants a new High Definition television so they can get the maximum picture quality available from a true digital signal.

Ken is the web owner of http://www.tv-satellite.biz Satellite TV, a website that provides information and resources about Satellite TV and discounts for Dish Network and DirecTV. You can visit his website at: http://www.tv-satellite.biz/satellite/satellite-tv-system.html Satellite TV System

Looking For Satellite TV

 by: Gary Gresham

It was 1994 and I had moved into another home and learned that the cable TV line had not been installed to my house. When the cable company told me they would have to dig up my yard to put the line in I wasn't pleased with the idea or the price they quoted me to do it.

Satellite TV was still in its infancy stage with the big monster dishes. While I was browsing in a local electronics store one day I saw a guy giving a demonstration about the new DIRECTV 18 inch digital satellite TV dish.

Needless to say I was very impressed and purchased the satellite TV system on the spot. I knew it would save me from digging up my yard and I could actually get more channels than I got with cable.

After the tech guy hooked it up and left I was like a kid with a new toy. I couldn't believe how it transformed the picture and sound quality on my television. It was like a completely different TV.

DIRECTV channels are 100% digital-quality picture and sound, including local network channels. If you haven't experienced quality like that before you are in for a real treat.

Cable TV tries to compete with digital satellite TV technology by offering digital cable. But if you compare both the picture and sound quality, the DIRECTV super clear picture and crystal clear sound wins hands down any day.

But that was only the beginning of the many things I discovered. I didn't need a TV guide anymore because the on screen programming guide tells me what shows are on, who's starring in the show and what it's about.

I have an incredible variety of over 200 channels of every kind of programming I could think of and some I never dreamed of.

Then, I checked out the pay per view movie service with up to 55 different choices of movies and special events a day that I could easily order with my remote.

Does anyone like sports? What are you kidding? DIRECTV offers sports packages that will put a smile on any sports fans face. How about NFL Sunday Ticket, NBA League Pass, MLB Extra Innings, NHL Center Ice, ESPN Game Plan and ESPN Full Court. That doesn't even include the regional sports networks I now have access to.

If you are a music lover, DIRECTV offers 31 different audio-only channels that range from choices like Soft Rock, Jazz and Country to Hit List, Easy Listening and a lot more.

I work out of my home and by selecting a DIRECTV audio channel to soft music, I can have the music I like in the background when I work.

Having a party? Just turn on any channel you like and you'll never have to touch it again because there are no commercials or interruptions. Just great digital quality music 24 hours a day at your fingertips.

When I moved again to another home, DIRECTV customer service made it about as easy as it gets. I just gave them my new address, and they not only sent a brand new replacement satellite TV dish to my new home, they provided complimentary standard professional installation for everything including the receivers. I didn't pay a penny for anything. How's that for a no-hassle move?

With cable, I would have had to pay another deposit and that is just extra money I get to keep in my wallet instead of giving it to the cable company.

If you're thinking about switching from cable to satellite TV or moving to another home, consider DIRECTV. It's simply a better value than cable and a smart choice you're whole family will enjoy.

With cable rates increasing an average of 8% per year it's no mystery why more than 12 million customers nationwide have made the switch to DIRECTV service.

Over 10 years have gone by now since I bought that first satellite TV dish and I love it as much now as when I first got it. I recommend DIRECTV to so many people because I know they will absolutely love it.

Only once in a great while a product comes along that actually over delivers. DIRECTV can not only save you money each month over cable but is a smart choice and an incredible value.

This article may be re-published "as is" (unedited) as long as the author's bio paragraph (resource box) and copyright information is included. The URLs in the resource box should be set as hyperlinks if used on a web page.

Gary Gresham is the webmaster for http://www.1stopshoppingonline.com. You can experience this same DIRECTV service he mentions in this article for your home or office through this online link: http://www.1stopshoppingonline.com/satellite-tv.html