DirecTV and DISH Network – How Do The Two Leading Satellite TV Providers Stack Up?

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 by: C.J.Gustafson

If you live in the U.S. and want satellite TV systems,
you have basically two choices. Yes, there are other providers out
there, but for most viewers, DirecTV and DISH Network offer the most
choices for the least money, although Pegasus and Voom are fast
becoming major contenders in the satellite television industry.
Competition being what it is, both DirecTV and DISH Network offer
similar services and constantly adjust to add features and outdo their
rivals. So how do you choose between the two? A side-by-side comparison
of the services and prices shows some differences that help customers
decide which service best fits their viewing needs. But first, a little
background on each provider might be helpful.

DirecTV

The company known as The DirecTV Group is made up of four
main units, which include DirecTV U.S., DirecTV Latin America,
PanAmSat, and Hughes Network Systems (HNS). As a group, the
organization serves over 12 million U.S. satellite TV customers and
another 1.5 million subscribers in Latin countries. Through PanAmSat,
they operate a fleet of 25 satellites capable of providing satellite
transmissions to 98% of the world. And Hughes Network Systems operates
a satellite-based consumer broadband Internet access service known as
DirecWay. This component of Hughes has over 180,000 subscribers. HNS is
also one of the largest manufacturers of DirecTV set-top receivers. The
four different aspects of The DirecTV Group give the company a large,
comprehensive base of direct and indirect satellite customers. Their
partnerships with technology leaders such as AOL, Microsoft, and TiVo
also add to their customer base.

There are plans for improving and expanding services in
efforts to attract more customers. Hughes Network Services is
developing SPACEWAY, a more advanced satellite broadband communications
package that is expected to provide customers with more affordable
high-speed, two-way data communications. SPACEWAY is expected to be
introduced in 2005.

DirecTV has been actively working to increase the number
of markets where they offer local programming. In January of this year,
the company added 18 new markets that will receive local channels via
the DirecTV(R) programming service. By year-end, the company plans to
offer local channels in a minimum of 130 markets, representing 92% of
U.S. television households. Continued marketing and development of
their HDTV and DVR products will also be a part of their plans to
expand their customer base. Two different basic dish designs and
several different manufacturers provide DirecTV consumers with a number
of dish options.

DirecTV subscribers have a choice of two basic dish
designs for their satellite service. The round dish is the more common
18" design that has been popular across the country. The oval dish or
low noise blockdown (LNB) dish is able to receive information from more
than one satellite and is required for those who want to receive local
channels, HDTV, or Spanish language programming.

Popular manufacturers of DirecTV compatible dishes
include Hughes, Sony, Phillips, and RCA. Current DirecTV sales and
deals offer the satellite dish and other equipment for free with a
one-year commitment. It could cost anywhere from $50 to over $200 to
purchase the DirecTV compatible dish separately.

DISH Network

EchoStar Communications Corporation and their DISH
Network service are Hughes Network’s top competitors. Headquartered in
Englewood Colorado, EchoStar has been a leader in the satellite TV
industry for over 20 years. The company, founded by Charlie Ergen,
began as a distributor of C-band cable television systems and filed for
a Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) license in 1987. The company
received broadcast access in 1992, launched its own satellite, EchoStar
I, in 1995, and introduced DISH Network in 1996.

Today, the company has 9 satellites, and through DISH
Network, provides over 500 channels of video, audio, and data satellite
services to over 8.5 million customers in the U.S. In addition to
satellite television services, DISH Network customers can also receive
high speed Internet, Interactive TV (on demand programming), and High
Definition TV (HDTV).

HDTV is EchoStar's latest innovation, which reportedly
delivers extraordinarily sharp pictures and integrated sound by
digitizing television programming. Broadcasting all DISH Network
programming in wide-screen format and transmitting up to 10 percent
more pixels, HDTV provides a clearer more proportionate picture.

In August of 2003, EchoStar was the first company to
offer a satellite receiver with a built-in digital video recorder
(DVR). A DISH Network standard DVR receiver allows viewers to stop,
rewind, fast forward and record up to 60 hours of live TV programming.
More advanced receivers provide enhanced services.

DISH Network services can be purchased on-line or
through a local retailer. Unlike its competitor, DirecTV, DISH Network
offers equipment installation. This service usually involves a fee, but
often is offered at free or reduced rates through special sales
promotions.

The equipment needed for DISH Network satellite TV is
basically the same as for DirecTV service. You need a dish, a satellite
receiver, and the access cards. Depending on the type of satellite TV
you want, you have several choices for equipment. Whether you want
standard satellite TV or Digital Video Recording (DVR), or High
Definition (HD) options, you will need a dish. Each type of service
requires a different dish, but that is determined for you when you
choose your package.

A Comparison

So how do the two leading satellite television services
compare? Both offer over 200 channels and Pay Per View selections, DVD
recorders, HDTV and seven HD channels each. But from there, things
differ somewhat. Here’s a side-by-side listing of the different
packages and the services provided. Look them over and decide which
satellite TV service is best for your budget and viewing needs.

DIRECTV

Free receivers included with price plan

HDTV Receiver:$399

Dish included

Lowest price plan: $36.99 per month

Highest price plan: $87.99 per month

Satellite Internet: Yes

DISH Network

Receivers are free to $149 depending on selection

HDTV receiver: $449

Dish inluded

Lowest price plan: $24.99 per month

Highest price plan: $77.99 per month

Satellite internet: No

About the Author

C.J. Gustafson is a successful freelance writer for http://www.1st-Dish-TV.net She frequently writes on topics such as satellite TV and car audio accessories. She vows her next car will come with a factory installed satellite radio.

Copyright 2004 1st-Dish-TV.net

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