Satellite TV Info

Comparison shopping is always the best thing to do for purchase decision making. Buying satellite TV is no different. So you may already known DIRECTV and DISH Network are the two major players in the Satellite TV field. Both are reliable companies serving millions of customers with top notch programming and services. A side-by-side comparison of DISH vs DIRECTV will help you make an informed decision when choosing the right Satellite TV provider for you and your family.

DISH vs DIRECT TV: Free equipment and Free installation
Both DISH Network and DIRECTV offers first-time new customers with a free satellite TV system that includes a satellite dish, receivers hooking up to 4 rooms, and remote controls. Both companies will dispatch a professional technician to customer’ house for free installation. Typical installation leading time is 1 to 7 days.

With DISH Network, you can upgrade to a DVR (digital video recorder) or an high-definition (HD) receiver for free. No mail-in redemption is required. DIRECTV, however, will also give you a free DVR receiver or an HD receiver upgrade only after a $99 mail-in rebate.

DISH vs DIRECT TV: Pricing
DISH Network is best known for its “lowest all-digital prices nationwide” slogan. DISH Network offers 6 different tier of programming packages starting from $19.99 per month, while DIRECTV offers 4 major programming packages starting from $29.99 per month. So it seems the monthly package prices of DIRECTV packages are generally higher than DISH Network. However, keep in mind that DISH Network charges $5/month extra for watching local channels, which is actually included in all DIRECTV base packages at no additional cost. In addition, DIRECTV usually provides more channels in its packages than its DISH counterparts. So when you compare pricing of DISH vs DIRECTV, you have to keep these factors in consideration.

DISH vs DIRECTV: Programming
DISH Network and DIRECTV offers almost identical programming and channels towards customers. DIRECTV offers a couple more sports and HD channels, such as NFL Sunday Ticket. However, DISH Network offers some sports and HD channels that may be exclusive to DISH. So you might not be able to find these channels on DIRECTV. DISH Network is better than DIRECTV in terms of ethnic channel offerings such as Latino, Chinese, Arabic, South Asian and other foreign language programming.

DISH vs DIRECTV: Current Promotion
Both DISH Network and DIRECTV now offer great promotional incentives to first time new customers. DISH Network providers $180 OFF ($15 off per month for 1 year) in addition to 3 months of HBO and Showtime movie packages FREE . DIRECTV, on the other hand, offers $21 off per month for one year.

DISH vs DIRECTV: Customer Satisfaction
Both DISH Network and DIRECTV have ranked higher than cable TV in customer satisfaction for eight years in a row according to the annual American Customer Satisfaction Index and JD Power & Associates surveys. DIRECTV scores a bit better than DISH Network, but not to a significant extent.

I hope the side-by-side comparison between DISH vs DIRECTV helps you decide which Satellite TV provider better fits your needs.

What is DISH TV HD Box? It is actually referring to DISH Network HD receiver. If you have HDTV at home, then you need a DISH Network HD receiver in order to play DISH Network HD channels on your TV. All DISH Network’s HD receivers include on-screen Electronic Programming Guide and Parental Control locks, so you can restrict the TV programs your children watch.

There are different types of DISH TV HD Boxes offered by DISH Network: Standard Solo or Duo HD receiver, HD Solo DVR and HD Duo DVR. A stanard DISH TV HD Box is the entry-level DISH Network HD receiver. There are two different popular models of standard DISH TV HD Box. HD Solo receiver (model: ViP 211K) allows you to enjoy the crystal-clear HD picture and sound on one TV. DISH Network’s easy-to-use Electronic Programming guide allows you to access to programming listings and information, so you can easily see what’s on each channel now and later. HD Duo receiver (model: ViP 222K) can hook up to 2 TV units, which means you can enjoy different HD channels on two independent TVs at your home.

HD Solo DVR (Digital-Video-Recorder) is a step up from the standard DISH TV HD Box. With DISH TV HD DVR receiver (popular model: ViP 612), you can watch a live program on one TV while recording another show at the same time. Besides enjoying the best picture and sound quality from DISH Network HD channels, you can get all the cool features from DVR: pause, rewind and record live TV. Record all the episodes of your favorite show with the push of a button. And you can search the on-screen Electronic Programming Guide up to 9 days in advance.

HD Duo DVR (Model ViP 722K) is the higher-end receiver among all DISH Network HD receivers. The major difference between HD Solo DVR and HD Duo DVR is the latter model can hook up to 2 HDTVs, so that you can watch different TV shows on two TVs at the same time. No need to fight over remote control any more. In addition, HD Duo DVR has a larger hard drive, so you can record and store more of your favorite shows into the receiver.

I hope the quick overview of DISH Network HD Receivers above help you get a better idea of DISH Network HD equipment offering.

As prices continue to fall on large HDTV’s, more and more homeowners are looking to hook up with the best HD content. So who offers the best HD programming in the US, cable, DIRECTV or DISH Network?

It is easy to take cable off the table, because Satellite TV providers more national HD channels than any cable company in the US. This is because of the different delivery method employed by satellite and cable providers. Cable company must have the proper network structure in place before they can add a significant number of HD channels. While with DIRECT TV and DISH Network, they can deliver as many HD channels as possible as long as they have enough satellite capacity available.

It’s a bit complicated when you compare DIRECTV to DISH Network in terms of HD offering. Both DIRECT TV and DISH Network claim they have the most HD channels in the US. So who is telling the truth? And who provides the best HD option? I will compare HD programming provided by DIRECT TV and DISH Network side-by-side in order to draw an unbiased conclusion here.

As the No.1 Satellite TV provider in the US, DIRECT TV currently offers over 130 National HD channels , as well as local channels in HD (where available). In comparison, DISH Network offers around 140 national HD channels plus local HD channels (where available). It doesn’t necessarily mean DISH Network beats DIRECTV because both companies pad their numbers by using pay per view, regional sports networks, and on-demand channels as cable TV does. Almost all the important national HD channels are available on both Satellite TV platforms.

Both DIRECT TV and DISH Network offers HD package on top of the basic standard-definition programming package for additional $10 per month. With this $10/month HD package, you can get HD versions of all channels included in your standard-definition package. For example, if you get ESPN and TNT in your base package, then you’ll get ESPN HD and TNT HD as well.

So I hope you have a better understanding after I compare DIRECT TV to DISH Network.

Are you considering switching to DISH Network and looking for purchase DISH Network receivers?

So what is DISH Network receiver? A receiver is an electronic box that looks like a VCR. It decodes the satellite signal into programming and sends off to your television. In addition, you will be able to change your channels with the receiver and remote control. DISH Network’s receiver also has an on-screen electronic program guide that allows you to access to program listings and information up to 2 days, so you can easily see what’s on each channel now and later. And it includes parental control locks so you can restrict the TV programs your children watch.

If you are first time DISH Network customer, you don’t have to purchase DISH Network receivers. As a matter of fact, DISH Network offers “No equipment to buy” equipment-leasing program, which offers new customers to lease the satellite dish and receivers connecting up to 4 rooms. As long as you stay with DISH Network as a subscriber, you don’t have to purchase the equipment. Once you decide to disconnect DISH Network service, you just need to return the receivers back to DISH Network. DISH Network will provide a box with prepaid postage for you to ship back the equipment. It is really simple and straight forward.

As a new customer, you are eligible for free DVR (digital video recorder) or HD receiver upgrade. In other words, you can lease a DVR receiver or HD receiver instead of standard receivers. DVR receiver has all the cool features of a standard receiver, plus you can pause and rewind live TV just like Tivo. You can also record and save up to 100 hours of your favorite shows with DVR. If you have HD programming and HDTV at home, then you need a HD receiver to watch channels in the best HD quality. $5.98/month DVR and HD fee will be charged respectively.

So to sum up, you don’t have to purchase DISH Network receivers , if you just need to hook DISH Network service up to 4 rooms at your home. However, if you want to have receivers connecting more than 4 rooms, then you have to purchase DISH Network receivers. A standard DISH Network receiver costs $100. DVR and HD receiver costs even more.

Some cable companies let you believe Satellite TV providers such as DISH Network and DIRECTV don’t provide high-speed internet service. This is not true. As a matter of fact, both DISH Network and DIRECTV offers two kinds of high-speed internet to bundle with their Satellite TV services. Now let’s take a quick look at the DISH Network high speed internet here.

The first high-speed internet service that DISH Network offers is high-speed DSL. DISH Network partners with your local Telco companies such as Frontier to offer Satellite TV and high-speed DSL internet bundle service in selected areas. If you live in such areas, good for you. High-speed DSL internet provides the download speed up to 20 Mbps, yet costs much less than average cable modem bills. With high-speed DSL internet, you can download files in a matter of seconds. And you won’t miss phone calls while you are online via DSL internet service, because DSL system keeps the Internet connection separate from your home phone line. You are able to get wireless modem/router options just as what you get from cable companies, except that you pay an average of $20 less per month with DISH Network DSL service.

If you live in an area without DSL coverage, you can still get high-speed internet from DISH Network. DISH Network and WildBlue join together and offer a high-speed internet that covers the whole continental US. So you can get DISH Network high-speed internet, even if you live in a rural area without cable or DSL service coverage. With a download speed up to 1.5 Mbps, you will be able to download music, videos and pictures within seconds via the high-speed internet powered by WildBlue. DISH Network and WildBlue’s high speed internet is more expensive than DSL service, with 3 different plans starting from $49.95 per month. You can choose from Silver, Gold, or Platinum plans and pick one that works best for you and your family. In addition, DISH Network offers one-billing solution for customers that take both Satellite TV and high-speed internet. So all charges will appear on one single DISH Network bill, which means you can receive and pay a single invoice for both services.

DISH Network, also known as DISH TV, is the leading Satellite TV provider in the US, serving almost 14 million subscribers with great Standard-definition and High-definition channels. Best known for its cutting-edge technology, state-of-art equipment and lowest package pricing, DISH Network is the fastest growing Satellite TV provider. This DISH TV guide will explain How DISH Network works, what programming packages and channels it provides, as well as the hottest topic in town: HD offering.

The Colorado-based Satellite TV company launched its first satellite in 1995. DISH Network operates a broadcast center in Cheyenne, Wyoming that receives programming signals from TV Networks in the US and overseas. The broadcast center sends the programming signal to the satellite, which sends the signal back to the earth. The satellite dish antenna installed in the customer’s house receives the satellite signal and transports it to the satellite TV receiver. The receiver then decodes the satellite signal into programming and display it on the TV screen. It may sounds a bit complicated. However, you don’t have to worry about the operation process, because once you decides to sign up with DISH Network, DISH Network will provides you with free equipment and free professional installation up to 4 rooms. You just needs to stay at home for a couple hours to oversee the installation process, and DISH Network technician will finish installing the dish and signal testing for you. The whole process is very similar to that of cable TV installation.

Currently DISH Network offers over 300 digital channels into 6 different tiers of base programming packages.

DishFAMILY is the lowest tier base programming package, featuring over 40 digital channels of family-friendly programming.

Classic Bronze 100, formerly known as America’s Top 100, is the most popular basic programming package of DISH Network, offering over 100 most popular channels such as CNN, ESPN, Disney and Discovery Channel.

Classic Bronze 100 Plus offers all the channels included in the Classic Bronze 100 with addition to Regional Sports Network. The Regional Sports Network is based on the immediate geographical area as determined by your home address.

Classic Silver 200 is a higher-tier package offering all the channels included in the Classic Bronze 100 Plus, with additional news, sports, movies, children and family programming, as well as over 30 music channels and a dozen Public Interest channels.

Classic Gold 250 offers all channels available in the Classic Silver 200, plus over 50 great channels such as History Channel International, Discovery Kids, FOX Movie Channel and more.

America’s “Everything” Pak is definitely the ultimate entertainment for the true TV lover, featuring 31 premium movie channels from HBO, Showtime, Starz and Cinemax, NBA TV and all channels included in Classic Gold 250.

When it comes to the HD offering, DISH Network currently has over 140 channels National HD, plus local channels in HD (where available). Customers can add $10/month HD package on top of any classic packages in order to get the HD equivalent of SD channels included in that particular package.

I hope the DISH TV guide above will help you better understand DISH Network and its service.

Looking for the DISH Network Program Guide to see exactly which kinds of programming/shows DISH has to offer?

DISH Network has almost every channel you might desire, including local channels, movies, sports, news, lifestyle and more.

Click here to view the online DISH Network program guide. You can set up your preferences with DISH Network and your home zip code, in order to customize the programming guide.

Like what you’ve found? Order DISH Network now and start enjoying over 100 most popular channels for just $19.99 per month for 1 yearand more!