March 9, 2008
Dish Network vs DirecTV
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Once the choice to switch to satellite television has been made its important to choose a good service provider. The current market for satellite television providers in America is shared by two industry leaders, DISH network and DirecTV. Both provide a huge variety of channels and varied packages to cater to the needs of all varieties of viewers.
Both these providers offer a wide range of international channels in languages ranging from Chinese to Spanish. These international channels are all available in the various packages offered by the networks, with Dish Network leading with its 19 packages compared to the 13 offered by DirecTV.
Both Dish and DirecTV offer a number of different packages. The difference lies in the fact that DirecTV has a better line up of sports channels whereas Dish has an impressive movie channel lineage. However both the providers have packages with a maximum of 250 channels and Dish network adds another 40 of free satellite radio in association with Sirius. This radio is completely commercial free.
Both the service providers provide a basic core deal consisting of normal television channels, like MTV, ESPN, CNN etc and in addition, additional packages are available to suit your choice of viewing allowing you to view the channels you desire. Dish network provides and economical “Dish family Pak” that provides the basic 40 channels and can suit any household. Other than that they have the “Americas Top” series with 100,200 and 250 channels respectively available in 3 different packages.
The “Americas everything Pack” offers not only 250 premium channels but also the entire repertoire of all the movie channels. DirecTV also provides premium range packages. Their “total choice” series has a variety of options. They offer a different layout however, offering 140 to 185 and then 250 channels in their various packages.
Both these service providers provide HD television quality however Dish network leads here as well with over 30 channels in some areas in HD quality while DirecTV offers about 11.
DirecTV on the other hand focuses heavily on sports and offers many premium sports channels. Hence at the end it all boils down to personal interest.
March 5, 2008
Dish Network vs DirecTV
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Viewing satellite television high definition is the next step in enhancing television viewing. Both the major service providers in America, Dish network and DirecTV offer excellent High definition viewing facilities by addressing this need in their own respective ways.
The service provides the customer with a free of cost satellite TV system which has a satellite dish and a 4-room receiver system. They also provide a free HDTV receiver. This receiver provides the best quality picture in high definition and also provides a Dolby Digital surround system to give you a listening experience that boasts of being three dimensional.
Whilst Dish network provides this HDTV receiver for free, DirecTV customers have to mail in a $99 rebate for the same facility.
Both these providers offer a set of HDTV DVR receivers for $199. By means of this facility you can record the shows, pause an ongoing show and rewatch the whole show if desired.
DISH Network has to offer over 30 channels in HD in their bronze package costing $29.99 a month, which include channels like Discovery HD, Equator HD, Animania HD, ESPN HD, Film Fest, FU, Food Network HD, HD News, HDNet Movies, World Cinema, Monsters HD, Majestic HD, HGTV and many more.
On the other hand DirecTV offers an 8-channel package in HD that includes
HD Net, Discovery HD Theatre, ESPN HD, HD Pay-Per-View, ESPN2 HD, HD Net Movies, Universal HD and TNT HD for $9.99 per month.
Though both the service providers are very similar in their services and the quality of service that they provide, DISH network still takes the trophy with 30 HD channels compared to the 8 HD channel package offered by DirecTV.
March 2, 2008
Dish Network vs DirecTV
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The two giants of television entertainment, Dish Network and DirecTV have been offering their service at an extremely reasonable bargain, as the competition has been steep in the market over the years.
Both Dish Network and DirecTV offer cost free shipping and completely free installation by professionals for their customers. They are both guaranteed to bring the best of digital audio and video quality for customer satisfaction. They have both won J. D. Power Awards for customer satisfaction over all the major cable TV companies. Customers can get free equipment, free installation by professionals, free set-up and great package deals from both. But there is definitely a confusion among customers on which product to choose for they are both the best among the best and offer similar promotional services and arrangements to the customers, so how can the shoppers decide upon which product to buy? Here it becomes essential to cover the feature of these companies in detail.
In terms of Satellite equipments Both Dish Network and DirecTV offer up to 4 room satellite TV receivers and Digital Video recording feature for free of cost. Dish Network however offers HD equipments free of cost; whereas for DirecTV, extra charges are needed for HD equipments.
Nowadays we can notice the trend that a lot of Dish Network dealers have started offering lifetime warranty for their free equipments, this is a huge advantage of Dish network over DirecTV, which so far offers only 2 years of warranty. Thus in terms of warranty Dish Network has the upper edge when compared to DirecTV.
In terms of choice of programming they are both equally matched with high quality digital transmission, excellent audio quality and real life sound effects and world-class entertainment package that are bound to keep you entertained.
In the case of Dish network, they offer over 256 channels many of which are international programmes, which are from across the corners of the globe. This gives Dish TV an edge over the DirecTV as there are 17 Chinese channels offered via great wall TV package whereas DirecTV offers only 9 Chinese channels. This is merely an example of the wider availability in Dish TV for international viewers. The DirecTV gives nearly 225 channels, which in Comparison with Dish Network has a few unique premium packages like NFL Sunday Ticket that Dish Network doesn’t have. DirecTV is the choice for anyone who loves sports or if he or she is a football fans; but if you prefer to have an International exposure of entertainment then Dish Network is your cup of tea.
To say which is the best is inconclusive for they are both unique in their own ways with their own gems and coals. Yet the ultimate choice of which suits you the best depends on your needs, taste and your choice and that is what matters in the end. If you wish for price value and guarantee then Dish is the choice but when entertainment and sports is your choice of viewing then DirecTV is the best.
February 2, 2008
Dish Network vs DirecTV
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The services and satellite TV systems provided by DISH Network and DIRECTV are almost similar since both provide more than 250 channels, all digitally programmed, high definition TV options, and Digital Video Recording abilities. On comparing DIRECTV to DISH Network it can be found that the difference lies in programming and subscription fees.
Dish Network vs DirecTV
Ownership/General information – DirecTV is under the ownership of DirecTV group, which was managed by News Corporation. Its headquarters is located at El Segundo at California, USA.
Slogan – Good TV, Better TV, DirecTV.
Dish Network is owned by the Dish network corporation and was launched in March 1996. It has its base in Meridian, Colorado, USA.
Slogan – Better TV for all.
DirecTV characteristically uses a dish antenna of fixed 18 inch diameter to receive its signals. Usually an 18*24 inch elliptical antenna was in use; however the latest installations use an 18*20 inch dish antenna to receive signals from multiple geostationary satellite positions concurrently. Such systems are common nowadays as DirecTV tries to compress more programming channels into their systems. DirecTV is now installing Low Noise block (LNB) converters for the programming of HDTV and local channels in select markets.
Dish Network provides various kinds of satellites receiving equipment for receiving signals from its diverse fleet of satellites. A majority of their consumer boxes are made by Samina-SCI Corporation to the specifications laid down by EchoStar. Prior to the merger of Sanmina and SCI Systems in December 2001 the network receivers of Dish Network were manufactured at factories in Alambama, Huntsville and Fountain, Colorado. At present the receiver manufacturing is done at Guadalajara in Mexico.
Satellite TV Equipment
Direct TV provides satellite TV equipment, installation in up to four rooms for free. If one wants a DVR receiver one will be charged an additional fee of $50. The charge for HDTV receivers is $300. Free satellite equipment, free installation up to four rooms and DVR receiver at no charge is provided by Dish Network.
Programming of Satellite TV
More than 250 channels are offered by DIRECTV which includes music and movie channels, pay per view movies, events. Starting rates for programming packages are around $41/month for 115 channels. At $32/month for 60 channels DISH Network offers programming packages with 256 channels consisting of movie, music and pay-per-view movies and events.
Customer Service
DIRECTV is positioned at #2 position in terms of customer satisfaction among all satellite TV and cable providers whilst DISH Network is ranked at #1 in customer satisfaction among all cable and satellite providers.
The Bottom Line
Both DIRECTV and DISH Network provide top of the line satellite TV equipment and all digital programming for high quality picture and sound available. DISH Network’s fundamental package is cheaper than DirecTV’s, but DirecTV’s Total choice has more channels. DISH Network provides more movie packages and foreign programming, whereas DIRECTV offers more packages on sports.
Article by Teddy
Need a DirecTV bargains; or looking for satellite TV shopping guides? Have everything you need to know about satellite TV shopping at his website: Satellite TV Issue.
January 16, 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.
January 14, 2008
Dish Network vs DirecTV
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For the people who are living in the rural and not so densely populated area the meaning of entertainment by television and satellite television industry can only mean either dish network or DirecTV. Indeed they are a boon to the people who had been suffering from the poor reception and unpredictable service of the cable service. After years of being dependent on the cable service for their entertainment and that too of unpredictable quality and at the discrimination of the operator. But now, all that has become a thing of the past and satellite television entertainment has taken over the entertainment industry for the common man. It offers digital quality entertainment right at the door steps without the hassle of laying mile long cable lines and without having to worry about losing the connection at times of heavy winds.
Both dish network and DirecTV offers the same basic service of satellite television entertainment but with slight variation in their offers in terms of programme choice and extent. They are both very similar in customer service, quality, clarity and satisfaction. They are both very good in all of these fields. Thus on the surface they both seem to be equally matched but if we dig deeper then we can see the subtle advantages of one over the other in various small aspects.
Till recent times DIRECT TV was the only company to offer high-speed Internet via satellite dish. But this is not the scenario anymore as dish network has joined this race with wild blue. The Internet service offered by DirecTV is known as Hughes Net. Both Hughes Net and Wild Blue are both very comparable. The cost required for both of these are the same. Even their monthly subscription rates are the same.
DirecTV customer service is not as efficient and friendly as Dish Network according to a few reports but the wide view suggests them both to be nearly of the same caliber.
Dish Network allows customers to have an on the cart option where they can choose each and every individual channel they wish to have and pay for the same only. If there are channels you wish to have without purchasing a much more expensive package then chose to have the Outdoor Channel and the Encore package. DirecTV also offers the same on the cart feature, however they cost more than DirecTV.
There was a talk about these two giants merging in the past but this never came into being. The merging of these two giants would have left the customers without a choice on the field of satellite entertainment.
Both companies are extremely successful, and they have both been used by millions of satisfied customers. But ever since Dish Network has jumped on the satellite Internet bandwagon, Dish Network is by far, the best company for your satellite needs as it overcomes DirecTV in a few points. The prices are lower, the service is great, and the quality of service has all made Dish network the best in the industry.
January 2, 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.
December 27, 2007
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.
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