Since the demise of Pegasus and VOOM, there are only two satellite TV service providers fighting for the top spot: DIRECTV and DISH Network.
Both companies provide excellent service, all-digital broadcast quality, and excellent customer service. The main difference between the two companies is the programming they offer.
How satellite television service works
Satellite television providers such as DIRECTV and DISH Network send a broadcast signal that carries television programming to a satellite orbiting above the earth. The Satellite then transmits the signal back to earth.
This signal is picked up by a television satellite dish and then transmitted to a receiver where it is amplified and sent to a television screen.
Benefits of the Satellite TV Service
* Satellite television is transmitted in a fully digital format, providing the highest quality picture and sound available.
* Satellite TV gives you access to hundreds of different shows, pay-per-view movies, special events, and commercial-free music channels.
* Satellite TV uses DVR (digital video recording) receivers so you can record your favorite shows and skip the commercials while watching live TV.
* Satellite TV is much more reliable than cable or over-the-air TV. Transmission outages average just 1% compared to 3%-5% for cable.
satellite television services
DIRECTV
DIRECTV launched in 1994 and was the world’s first DBS (direct broadcast satellite) service. It is currently the largest provider of satellite television with 14.5 million subscribers. Ranked second in customer satisfaction by JD Power and Associates.
DIRECTV offers more than 225 channels of programming, including movie channels, music channels, pay-per-view movies and events, sports packages, and international programming.
DIRECTV has the most sports programming packages, including NFL Sunday Ticket.
When you request DIRECTV programming, the system (satellite dish and satellite TV receivers) is free for up to four rooms. Installation is also free.
Program packages start at $41.99 per month for 135 channels (including 31 music channels), plus HBO, Showtime and Starz.
Note: For the latest DIRECTV special offers and free bonuses, click the links at the bottom of this article.
DISH Network
DISH Network was launched in 1996 and is the second largest satellite television provider with more than 12 million subscribers. It is ranked #1 in customer satisfaction by JD Power and Associates.
DISH Network offers more than 255 channels of programming, including movie channels, music channels, pay-per-view movies and events, sports packages, and international programming.
Dish Network has the largest variety of movies and shows and the most HD (high definition) programming.
When you order DISH Network programming, the system (TV satellite dish, receivers and installation) is free for up to four rooms.
Program packages start at $31.99 per month for 60 channels plus HBO, Showtime and Cinemax.
Note: For the latest DISH Network special offers and free bonuses, click the links at the bottom of this article.
Bottom line
If you’re a sports fan and want most sports packages, including the popular NFL Sunday Ticket, which allows you to watch almost every NFL football game, then DIRECTV is the way to go.
If you’re a movie buff and want the widest variety of movies and shows, and the most HD (high definition) programming, then Dish Network is what you’re looking for.