May 17, 2008
Dish Network vs DirecTV
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The constant competition between TV service providers particularly between Direct TV and cable TV companies has benefited the consumers because this on-going war has made the prices for TV services cheaper for them. Everyone is concerned of the numbers of channels that they can get and which is the cheapest provider with the best service? Those are the important details that consumers look for when they hunt for a new TV service provider. Here is a comparison made between Dish Network and Direct TV to give you an extra opinion on which service provider to choose from.
Which provider gives you more channels?
Up to date, Dish Network has a list of 350 channels while Direct TV only has 250 channels for you to choose.
What sort of programming do they offer?
Both Dish Network and Direct TV provides programming services like movie channels, sport packages, variety channels, commercial-free music channels, international channels, pay-per-view channels weather channels, special events and news channels.
In detail, Dish Network has the most variety of movies, music, international programs, HD programming and pay-per-view movies and events. Direct TV offers more on sports packages.
Which one is the better deal?
For the lowest price package, Dish Network offers their DishFamily Pack which costs $19.99 per month. Direct TV offers their lowest priced package at $41.99 per month. For the top-of –the –line package with 350 channels, Dish Network will charge $74.99 per month while Direct TV with 250 channel access will cost $96.99 per month.
Do Dish Network and Direct TV apply charges on their equipments?
Both these company will provide consumers with the equipment needed. They will provide the dish, up to four receivers plus free installation when you subscribe to one of their programming service. However, Dish TV will charge $19.99 for shipping fees.
Is the DVR free?
Dish Network will give you a DVR for free while Direct TV will give you the DVR after a $99 mail-in rebate. This magnificent DVR device will enable you to digitally record, pause, and fast forward live satellite TV shows.
What is the cost of the High Definition receiver?
You can enjoy HD television for free with Dish Network. For Direct TV, it will be free after the $99 mail-in rebate. In order to enjoy HD quality pictures, you must have a HDTV.
How many international channels are there?
For Dish Network, you can choose up to 21 international channels which includes channels from African, Arabic, Armenian, Caribbean, Chinese, Farsi, French, German, Greek, Israeli, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, South Asian, Spanish, Tagalong, Ukrainian and Vietnamese.
Do Dish Network and Direct TV offer music channels?
Dish Network provides commercial-free 52 music channels and 60 Sirius satellite radio channels. Direct TV has 67XM satellite radio channels.
May 4, 2008
Dish Network vs DirecTV
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On first look the satellite TV giants DirecTV and Dish seem to be a lot similar with an array of channels to their credit. The customer thinks they are almost same. But on closer assessment one can spot some major differences.
Here’s a complete dissection of the satellite TV giants that show those differences so that one can make a decision that would prove beneficial for him. Dish Network offers five different packages. Prices range from $19.99 to $74.99 depending on the number of channels. They cover all types of channels to cater to the needs of different age groups. Drama, music, comedy, sports, parenting, religion and you name it they’ve got it.
They contain 350 channels with 25 HD channels, 31 movie channels, 52 music channels, 60 Sirius radio channels, 24 international channels, and 75 pay-per-view movies a month. Local channels are charged $5 per month.
DIRECTV provides three programming packages with prices ranging from $41.99 for the package that comprises of 155 channels and up to $96.99 for their package of 250 channels. Their programming also has everything you would want including drama, sports, variety, comedy, games, movies, news, and weather.
They have 250 channels comprising 31 movie channels, 14 international channels, 8 HD channels, 67 XM satellite radio channels, and 60 pay-per-view movies per month. Local channels are priced at $3 per month.
When subscribed to their satellite TV service DISH Network offers the subscriber a free satellite TV system that consists of a satellite dish, a four-room receiver system, and remote controls. Installation is free of charge and the installer will illustrate you how to maneuver all the components and answer your questions.
The subscriber can upgrade to a HD (high definition) receiver or a DVR (digital video recorder) receiver at no extra cost. The DVR receiver enables one to digitally record 100 hours of one’s much-loved shows and to pause and replay live TV. The HD receiver offers the customer access to high definition broadcasts for superior picture quality. Their combination DVR/HD receiver is priced at $199.
DIRECTV will also provide you a free satellite dish and a four-room receiver system, however you’ll need to pay $19.95 for shipping and handling. Installation of the system is free and your installer will show you how to operate it.
One can upgrade to a HD receiver or a DVR receiver free after a $99 mail-in return. The receiver can record 100 hours of programming and can pause and replay live TV shows. The HD receiver gives you access to HD programming. An assortment DVR/HD receiver is $499 subsequent to a $100 rebate.
When it comes to getting the most out of your money DISH Network emerges as the clear winner. They offer the most number of channels for the money, more movies, numerous pay-per-view channels, and more music channels as well. DIRECTV offers the NFL Sunday Ticket package for sports enthusiasts, an area where DISH Network has not entered.
April 27, 2008
Dish Network vs DirecTV
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Anyone who’s looking for satellite TV deals will be asking this common question: Dish Network or DirecTV? Both Dish Network and DirecTV offer quite the same programming packages in close price ranges; more over, their satellite system, DVR functions, and promotion free gifts are quite alike as well. Considering all the similarities on their services, it is not surprise that most satellite shoppers faced dilemma when choosing between Dish Network and DirecTV. However, there are still substantial differences between these two satellite companies when you dig deep enough. The purpose of this article is to sort out the plus and minus point for both Dish and DirecTV which in turn, help you to choose between them.
Dish Network
There are lots of advantage with Dish Network when compare to DirecTV.
If you own a HD television, I am sure you wish to have as much HD channels as you can. In this case, Dish Network is the choice you should go with, as Dish Network is offering the most HD channels in the States (31 national HD channels plus a big chunk of local channels in HD including their latest release in HD regional sports network). In contrast, DirecTV has less HDTV programming to offer (11 national HD channels at time of writing).
Despite HD channels availability, monthly subscription fees is also lower with Dish Network. Dish Network monthly fees starts from $19.99/mo (with DishFamily); DirecTV, $29.99/mo (with DirecTV Family). Both programming package offers 40+ programming choices but the monthly price turned out $10 in difference.
For other standard programming packages, Dish Network America’s Top 100, Top 200, Top 250, and Everything Pak cost $29.99, $42.99, $52.99, $89.99 monthly; compare with DirecTV similar package: Choice $39.99/mo, Choice Xtra $54.99/mo, Plus $59.99/mo, and Premier $99.99/mo – the difference should tell you clearly who’s the winner.
On the other hand, there is weakness with Dish Network services as well. The main negative point with Dish Network services is their customer service. Dish Network does provide 24-7 live call customer support. However, the quality of the support is where it should be improved. Many complain that the persons who answer customer calls hardly speak English and do not have sufficient technical knowledge in answering their questions. A simple search of ‘Dish Network complains’ on the Internet should provide you enough customer feedbacks on the problem.
DirecTV
DirecTV is so far the top satellite company in United States in term of customer subscriptions.
The main advantage DirecTV has in the competition is their special sport package subscription. On top of their standard programming, DirecTV subscribers get more sport actions than Dish Network users. A good example is DirecTV’s NFL Sunday Tickets; you will get 14 live games per week! That’s a whole lot more NFL actions than what Dish Network subscribers getting. Beside NFL, DirecTV also owns some other sport event broadcast rights such as HotPass (for Nascar race) and Mega March Madness (extra college basketball games). The amount of live sport game broadcast in DirecTV is incredibly big.
Nevertheless, as said at above, there are a few minus points with DirecTV when compare with Dish Network – mainly in term of the price and the HD channels.
Conclusion
The choice between Dish Network and DirecTV is simple. If you want the tons of live sport games more than anything, DirecTV is your choice. In case you can live with a little lesser live sport games on your TV, but more HD programs and in a cheaper monthly price, then you should go with Dish Network.
April 5, 2008
Dish Network vs DirecTV
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The two main satellite television services in the country are Dish Network and DirecTV. These are one of the very few options one has when one is seeking to switch from cable to satellite television. They are both far superior in their quality and customer service, offering the best deals available in the market when compared to any ordinary cable provider. The best deals offered by the service providers, the best packages and their prices are all available on their websites; thus providing a very customer friendly environment. All information regarding the packages and facilities can be obtained from the company’s official website. This not only saves you a lot of time, but also saves you a lot of trouble as all the information you need is available at one place. Let’s see how these service providers fare in regards to the services they provide.
HD/DVR Receivers
HD/DVR receivers are a part of the packages offered by both these service providers. This happens to be the latest development in technology which assists in superior quality viewing. Dish Network has to offer to its customers, two types of receivers: One is a HD receiver that can support up to 2 TVs, along with which they also offer a dual HD DVR receiver for up to 2 TV’s as well. This latest HD DVR receiver offered by them is called ViP722 DVR and it supports two kinds of televisions, both HDTV and SDTV. It is capable of recording over 350 hours of SDTV programs and about 55 hours or more of HDTV programs. This set also provides a satellite tuner that is capable of being viewed in two modes; either a picture –in-picture mode (single mode) or a dual mode wherein one can simultaneously record a program and view a previously recorded program as well. Being very customer oriented, Dish Networks’ service provides for a customer friendly interface allowing for easy- to – use option for searches as well. If the customer desires, the company also provides for an on screen caller ID feature, provided the customer has subscribed for the same with their respective phone company.
DirecTV on the other hand promotes their newest product: Dual HD/DVR receiver a.k.a DirecTV Plus HD DVR, which allows its customers the choice of recording 200 hours (about 8 whole days) of SDTV and 3000 minutes of HDTV. One of the best features offered by this receiver is the a feature known as Series Link, which allows people to record entire seasons, and even adjust for changes of date and time every week. Along with these features the receiver possess another feature known as Media share that gives the customers access to view photos, play their favorite music which can be saved on to an Inter Viiv processor PC. In addition to allowing the caller id facility like their competitor, the TV guide allows its customers to be able to see the schedule for forthcoming TV sitcoms and movies for over 14 days in advance.
Sports
Both the service providers provide an impressive line of football, soccer, hockey and basketball games, allowing the customer to purchase either the individual games, or the entire 4 game package for half to full seasons. DirecTV in addition also provides rugby and cricket with NASCAR.
Music and exclusive programming
Dish TV provides and extensive range of exclusive interactive programs allowing the customers to play games, keep a tab on the weather, read gossip, check your horoscopes, view scores live for different games and shop using the “home shopping network”. By teaming with SIRIUS they provide around 60 different commercial music channels free of cost to suit different tastes, and are provided with several of their packages.
DirecTV, in comparison, provides a range of exclusive programs via channel 101, which includes music and live shows. A channel known as Channel 103 exists, which is dedicated to shows based on faith and inspirational events for the family. Along with this they also offer close to 70 channels of radio with specific packages.
Parental control locks
Both service providers offer the options of parental control along with locks for absolutely no extra monthly charge, allowing parents to lock movies that have been certified in appropriate for viewing by children by the Association of Motion Pictures in America. Dish network also offers an option where extended option allowing parents to view expanded ratings of things such as language, nudity and violence and thereby offering extra protection to the children. These parental locks are also extended to channels that you have to pay to watch or the Pay and View channels.
Both the service providers provide great packages as well as excellent and innovative technologies that are directed to fulfill any family’s entertainment needs, allowing the customer to choose what is best for them.
April 5, 2008
Dish Network vs DirecTV
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For someone who wants to enjoy the goodness of satellite TV and lives in Continental USA of Hawaii, the choices that he has will surely be either Dish Network or Direct TV. This is because there are only two providers of satellite TV that will enable you to access more choices with less money. In most cases, consumers will go for free installation, great package, free equipment and great service. Both Dish Network and Direct TV offer those and both of the top in the competition for satellite TV providers. So, how do you choose among these two giants in satellite TV business?
For Dish Network, their biggest advantage of being a provider is they provide the Digital Video Recorder (DVR) equipment for free. This equipment will allow users to record up to 100 hours of their favorite TV programs. Their second advantage is their pricing which beats Direct TV by a little but beats cable TV by a large margin. However, Direct TV provides packages which have programs like NFL Sunday Ticket which Dish Network doesn’t have.
Programming wise, both of these companies provides superb quality transmission. Dish Network has over 256 channels in their programming. They also have 231 NFL pre-season, regular season and post-season playoff games that you can watch without having to pay a costly subscription. Furthermore, it has a more comprehensive international programming.
For Direct TV, they offer up to 225 channels. However, they have special rights to some sports channels which Dish Network doesn’t. To get these channels in your package, you need to some extra fees. Some of the sports cannels available are NHL Center Ice, MLB Extra Innings, NY Yankee Games, NBA League Pass and NFL Sunday Ticket.
The equipment needed for both these satellite TV providers are almost the same. Both require the small dish, a satellite receiver and access cards. However, if you opt for the DVR or High Definition, you will have to go for a different dish.
The Dish Player DVR510 by Dish Network offers up to 100 hours of recording. For Direct TV, their DVR only allows you to record up to 35 hours. If you subscribe to Dish Network, you will get your free satellite TV equipment and free installation in up to for rooms. However, with Direct TV, you would have to pay a certain amount of money for the DVR equipment.
As for customer service is concern, both Dish Network and Direct TV offers great service 24 hours a day will toll- free phone numbers which you can call to report your problem. In addition, they also convenient online services where you can view your account statements, packages and make payment for your account. Furthermore, you can access the user manual and installation guide online.
In conclusion, it may be hard for one to decide which satellite TV service provider to go for, Dish Network or Direct TV? Anyway, no matter which one becomes your decision in the end, you will surely be able to enjoy great entertainment at the comfort of your own home.
March 25, 2008
Dish Network vs DirecTV
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Dish Network and DirecTv are basically the only two companies left that offer satellite service. For those of us who live in the country and do not have access to cable, our only option is satellite television. Well, either that, or buy an antenna and attempt to get the signal of local stations.
DirecTV and Dish Network offer essentially the same service. The quality of the service is comparable. The number of channels is about the same. On the surface there does not appear to be much difference in the two.
Until recently, DirecTV was the only company offering high-speed internet via satellite dish. Dish Network has joined the ranks offering Wild Blue. DirecTV’s satellite internet service, called HughesNet and Wild Blue also are very comparable. The cost for equipment is about the same, the service is about the same. The monthly subscription price is about the same as well. Overall, there is not much difference in the two.
Dish Network offers many programming packages, some starting as low as $19.99, their over all programming packages are a much better deal than DirecTV. Dish Network, I have noticed with Dish Network, weather is less of a factor in reception. Rain and clouds have a noticeable effect on satellite television reception. However, Dish Network has fewer instances of outages than its competition, DirecTV.
DirecTV customer service is not as efficient and friendly as Dish Network. Both offer great customer service but in comparison, Dish Network wins out. A few years back there were talks of a merger of the two companies. The merger never came to fruition, and in my opinion, this was an excellent choice. If the two companies had merged, consumers would have little choice in their options for satellite television. The company’s would have become a monopoly with little to no competition.
Dish Network allows customers more of an ala carte selection. If there are channels you wish to have without purchasing a much more expensive package, Dish Network offers many channels in their ala carte selection. We chose to have the Outdoor Channel and the Encore package. We do not currently subscribe to any of the movie channels.
DirecTV also offers ala carte selections, however they cost more in general. They only offer the Encore channels if your purchase a much more expensive movie channel package. To get the channels you want you often need to subscribe to a much more expensive package.
Both companies are extremely successful, and I have used both of them at different times. Since Dish Network has jumped on the satellite internet bandwagon, Dish Network is by far, the best company for your satellite needs. The prices are lower, the service is great, and the quality of service is exceptional!
So, when doing your satellite dish shopping, let price, quality, service, convenience, and technology be your guide and choose Dish Network over the competition. The service you receive will make your choice worth it! Packages and pricing can be found on the Dish Network website.
March 22, 2008
Dish Network vs DirecTV
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Currently, the top satellite TV companies in the US are Dish Network and Direct TV. Both these companies offer great service and performance and therefore, they remains as the top contenders to be the best in satellite TV. However, there is a great deal of difference among these two companies if you study their offers in detail. After doing that, you might be able to choose which one that will suit you best.
On the monthly subscription fees, both Dish Network and Direct TV charge almost the same. Both companies provide more than 200 programs for their top level packages and about 20 channels for their entry level packages. However, there is some difference in their programming because Dish Network’s DishFamily cost $ 19.99 per month; while Direct TV’s charge $29.99 per month. For the other programming packages, the difference of price is more or less the same. In most cases, Direct TV costs more than Dish Network in similar packages by $10.
As for standard programming, both of these companies provide excellent packages to fulfill their customers with pure entertainment in high quality definition digital transmission. There are over 256 channels available by Dish Network in their programming. In terms of international programming, Dish Network has a slight advantage over Direct TV. To make a comparison, Dish Network offers 17 Chinese in their Great Wall TV package while Direct TV only has 9 Chinese channels. Another advantage that Dish Network has over Direct TV is they offer up to 35 Latino languages in their.
Direct TV only offers up to 225 channels. However, they do have some special premium packages like NFL Sunday Ticket which Dish Network doesn’t have. So, Direct TV would be great for football fans. If someone is more interested in international programming, Dish Network would be the better choice for them.
Considering the market of TV equipment in the US, satellite TV has overtaken cable TV in demand because satellite TV provides free installation. This free installation service by satellite TV providers made most customer change from cable to satellite TV. They can make this switch for free. Therefore, satellite TV has become one of the fastest growing household products. As for which provider is the best bargain? You might find the answer if you study their packages carefully. Both these companies offer free installation, so you would have to look in other areas to find which company benefits you more. Dish Network offers 18 months warranty while Direct TV offers 12 months warranty.
Furthermore, if you want to enjoy you satellite TV in more than one TV, you need to pay $4.99 per TV for Direct TV while Dish Network provides this service for their customers for free. So we can conclude that we get a better deal with Dish Network.
In conclusion, choosing between Dish Network and Direct TV isn’t really that complicated. All you have to do is to determine what sort of program you prefer and the choice will present itself to you.
March 17, 2008
Dish Network vs DirecTV
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They have thirteen million homes tuning on a daily basis. Direct TV offer over 225 channels of digital programming for their viewers. These amounts of channels will definitely keep families entertained. With a study based on El Segundo in Southern California, Direct TV has been providing satellite TV programming to the public since the summer of 1994.
Since the beginning, Direct TV has already built up their system with seven satellites in geosynchronous orbit. This is how Direct TV is able to offer high quality TV to their subscribers. With the improvement of technology, satellite TV users have benefited the most because of the impact of digital compression.
Initially, digital compression technology was only able to let each satellite based transponder to process one channel resulting in only 25-31 channels being transponded per satellite. With this, cable TV companies were able to take advantage over satellite TV companies with the capability of providing more channels. However, this trend all changed in 1993.
Satellite TV started to have an edge over cable TV after the introduction of the first class DBS commercial satellite. After this satellite was launch, it really changed the way of TV entertainment. This new satellite contains 16 onboard radically polarized DBS Ku band transponders. This enables multi digital signals to transmit via the satellite. Each of these satellites can broadcast 120 watts per transponder.
This new technology has turned satellite TV programming as the best TV service for millions of home across North America at a very affordable cost. Before, satellite TV was only popular among a small quantity of viewers because it’s expensive cost and few channels.
In 1994, a new 18 inch dish was introduced by Direct TV that provides wider choice in family programming, a feature that has made satellite TV so popular nowadays. This change to satellite TV began even in 1994 when satellite TV became a very popular product.
Then, Direct TV solidifies their position as one of the best satellite TV providers by launching their second satellite. This new satellite enabled Direct TV to provide over 150 channels. This amount of channels was a great edge over cable TV that was only able to offer 35 channels at most. Since then, Direct TV has never looked back to set new standards in broadcasting offering interactive programming, high definition, multicultural and DVD option to families.
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