DirecTV vs Dish Network – Solving the Dilemma

It’s normal to have satellite TV shoppers ask about whom to go for between Dish Network and DirecTV. Due to the fact that both satellite TV providers are offering their services based on the same technology, their deals are pretty much the same. First time customer will normally get a few free satellite decoder systems, free installation services, free movie channels, along with a bunch of incentive gifts.

So how do Dish Network and DirecTV perform when match up with each other? Is Dish Network better than DirecTV, or vise versa?

Knowing more on DirecTV and Dish satellite services

Hughes’s DirecTV is the first paid TV services based on DBS system in United States. They went live in 1994 and the number of DirecTV subscribers had grown up to 20 millions today. While for Dish Network, the satellite company is owned by Echostar. They went ‘on-air’ officially in year 1995 and although not as popular as DirecTV, Dish Network too accumulates quite a big amount of subscribers (more than 15 millions) in United States and grew into a well-known house hold name.

Both DirecTV and Dish Network originally used an 18-inch satellite dish called DISH 300, which allowed subscribers to receive a signal from one satellite location. Nowadays, Dish Network uses 20-inch satellite dishes called DISH 500, which allows subscribers to receive satellite TV signals from two satellite locations simultaneously. Slightly larger, 36″x20″ dishes (called SuperDISH) are being introduced with capability to receive satellite signals from three satellite locations simultaneously.

Both DirecTV and Dish Network originally used smaller 18-inch satellite dishes to receive its signals. As the technology advanced, slightly larger, 18 x 24-inch (also known as DISH 500 for Dish Network), oval satellite dish is used (instead of the original small dish) to access multi-satellites are becoming more common as DirecTV and Dish Network tried to squeeze more programming into their growing systems; particularly local television network affiliates stations as well as hybrid systems that also receive broadband satellite Internet service.

Comparing DirecTV and Dish Network

Cost, programming packages, and service quality – these are a few factors that shoppers normally look into.

The service quality of both Dish Network and DirecTV are reputable. Both provide reliable TV entertainment with 100% digital picture/audio quality. In term of customer service quality, both earned excellent credit from J.D. Power Association’s consumer survey.

When comparing on the cost of Dish Network and DirecTV, you might find Dish Network is slightly cheaper than its rival. Dish Family, America’s Top 100, Top 200, and Top 250 are the standard programming packages for Dish Network. These packages were priced from $19.99/mo to $89.99. While the more-or-less the same programming channels are packed into DirecTV Family, Choice, Choice XTra, Plus, and Premier, DirecTV charge a little higher for their monthly subscription fees, which is $29.99 to $99.99.

In term of programming coverage, Dish Network is doing better in term of HD and International channels while DirecTV covers more on Sports. With Dish Network service, you can get dozens of Spanish and Chinese channels in the infamous Latino Dos package and the Great Wall TV package. DirecTV on the other hand covers more sport actions around the States. NFL Sunday Ticket and Nascar HotShots are the sport packages where you can only find with DirecTV!

Dish Network or DirecTV?

Honestly, there’s no fix answer for the answer. Dish Network service might be perfect for you in case you want to have your HD television in full use; however DirecTV might have the best for your die hard NFL fans neighbour. The best answer lies within you and you should always choose the service that suits your needs the best.