subject: Satellite Television Review - Dish Network Plus Directv Compared [print this page] At first glance the two main satellite television providers - Dish Network and Directv - look quite similar. But start looking a little closer and I think you will see there are a lot of difference. Here's a review of both providers that shows you what those difference are.
DIRECTV and DISH Network Programming Services
Dish Network provides a total of 320 channels, while DirecTV has a total of 265. These channels run the gamut of entertainment including network television channels, motion picture channels, sports channels, TV news plus weather channels, special interest channels, and international channels.
DIRECTV fees begin at $29.99 a month for 150 channels, including local channels - ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, plus the CW channel. Program fees for Dish Network begin at $24.95 for 190 channels which includes your local television channels such as NBC, CBS, FOX, and also ABC.
DIRECTV And DISH Network Movies
Both Dish Network and DirecTV give you a total of 31 movie channels consisting of Starz, Cinemax, Showtime, and HBO. Package prices start at $13 a month for Showtime Cinemax, and Starz, and increase to $16 per month for HBO.
Pay-Per-View Services
With pay-per-view you can have a newly released movie sent to your receiver so can view a film without having to stop at a video store to obtain it. DIRECTV offers 60 movies a month, along with sports activities and special events, with prices starting at $3.99 per video. DISH Network features 75 motion pictures monthly, as well as sports plus special events, with rates beginning at $3.99 for each movie.
DIRECTV And DISH Network Music Service
DIRECTV offers 56 XM satellite radio station channels in addition to 9 Sonic Tap music channels, and DISH Network offers 52 of their very own music channels along with 60 SiriusXM satellite radio channels. Both provider's music stations are commercial free and are transmitted in digital audio for CD quality sound.
Satellite Television Equipment
DIRECTV will provide you with a complimentary 4-room satellite television system, including installation, once you buy one of their program packages. DISH Network will provide you with a totally free 6-room satellite TV system along with free installation when you buy one of their program packages. You will have the choice of receiving a free high definition receiver from either company, so you're able to view your shows in high definition, or a free DVR receiver so you can record your shows. You can also receive a combination HD/DVR receiver.
DIRECTV and DISH Network Support Services
Both DIRECTV and DIRECTV offer you totally free customer support by phone, email, plus online chat assistance round the clock 7 days a week, so you can get support when you need it.
In Closing
In terms of equipment, DIRECTV and DISH Network's dishes and receivers are the same in design and quality. However, I have found DISH Network's remote control and their program guide to be more convenient to use than DIRECTV's.
In terms of programming, DIRECTV has got the most sports channels, including the popular NFL Sunday Ticket, while DISH Network offers the most movies, music, international channels, and pay-per-view movies.
With DIRECTV you get 160 high-def channels. With DISH Network you get 200 high-def channels.
If you want the most variety, the most high-def programming, along with the most pay-per-view movies and events at the very best price, then DISH Network will be the best choice. If you're looking to get the most sports programming, such as NFL Sunday Ticket, then I recommend choosing DIRECTV.
