The Best Satellite TV Provider - Dish Network or DirecTV?

Want to know if Dish Network or DirecTV is the best satellite TV provider? Here's the lowdown on which of these providers gives you the best price, the best satellite system, the most channels, and the best equipment warranty.

Best Price

The good news is Dish Network and DirecTV are always trying to outdo each other on price, so you'll always get a good deal on satellite TV programming.

Dish Network programming starts at $24.99 a month for 120 channels, plus all your local TV channels. This price includes a free 4-room satellite television system, and free professional installation. If you want an HD receiver, a DVR receiver to record your favorite programs, or a combination HD/DVR receiver, you can get them free, too.

Dish Network is currently running a special offer that gives you 3 free months of HBO and Showtime. So for $24.99 a month you get 120 channels, 14 movie channels, 52 commercial-free radio channels, and a free satellite TV system. Not a bad deal.

DirecTV prices start at $29.99 a month for 150 channels, plus all your local channels. This price also includes a free 4-room satellite system, and free professional installation. And DirecTV will give you a free HD receiver, a free DVR receiver, or a combination HD/DVR receiver.

DirecTV is currently running a special offer that gives you 3 free months of Showtime and Starz. That means for $29.99 a month you get 150 channels, 13 movie channels, 47 satellite radio channels, and a free satellite system.

Best Satellite TV System

Dish Network's satellite TV system is state of the art. With their system you get an all-weather dish, a 4-room receiver, and up to 4 remote controls.

Their system has an on-screen electronic program guide that gives you easy access to program listings, parental control locks that prevent your children from watching inappropriate television shows, and interactive TV that gives you instant access to breaking news, sports, weather, games, and customer service.

DirecTV's system is also state of the art. With their system you also get an on-screen guide, parental control locks, and multi-channel capability that lets you watch multiple channels at the same time.

Most Channels

Dish Network currently has more than 350 satellite channels, including
31 movie channels, 95 music channels, 24 international channels, 75 pay-per-view movies per month, and more than 120 HD channels.

DirecTV has more than 265 satellite channels which includes 31 movie channels, 73 XM satellite radio channels, 60 pay-per-view movies a month, more than 130 HD channels, and 14 international channels.

Best Customer Service

Both Dish Network and DirecTV offer free 24 hour, 7 days-a-week customer service online or by phone.

Best Warranty

Both companies offer a warranty plan that pays for service calls and equipment replacement. They both charge $6 a month for this service, and it's well worth it if you have to replace a $250 receiver, or pay for $50 service calls.

The Bottom Line

Dish Network has the most channels, the best prices, and a more user-friendly satellite system. So if you're looking for the most channels for the least amount of money, plus a relatively easy to use system, then Dish Network is your best bet.

DirecTV has the most sports program packages and has a few more HD channels than Dish Network, so if you're a sports fanatic and like to watch your sports in hi def, DirecTV is the best provider for you.

Click on the following link for more information on the best satellite TV providers, plus where to get the best deal on their satellite TV service. You can also see their latest special offers and order their satellite TV service online.
Link: http://www.thesatellitetvguide.com/compare-satellite-tv-providers.htm


The author, Brian Stevens, is the senior editor for TheSatelliteTVGuide.com and has written a number of articles on the best satellite TV providers.