Since DIRECTV and Dish Network are direct competitors, with more or less similar kind of products and services, you need to make compare both the networks on the basis of a range of parameters such as prices, technology, channels, etc to make a qualified choice.
We present here a direct at a glance comparison between the two to help you judge which satellite TV service is a better buy.
Let’s begin with technology – the one quality that makes satellite TV a far superior television experience than cable TV or traditional TV.
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Highlighted box indicates DIRECTV has a better feature |
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Highlighted box indicates Dish Network has a better feature |
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Highlighted box indicates both are at par |
- TECHNOLOGY – HD & DVR
- PACKAGES
- CHANNELS
- SAVINGS OFFERS
- VALUE ADDED SERVICES
- PERCEPTIONS
| Parameter |
Features |
DIRECTV |
Dish Network |
| High Definition |
Number of HD Channels |
Over 130 HD Channels |
Over 120 National HD Channels |
| HD Access Programming |
Only $9.99/mo (Add it to any DIRECTV programming package - you'll be able to see the HD versions of channels) |
$10/mo (Add PlatinumHD to any TurboHD package)
$5/mo (Add HD local channels to any TurboHD package) |
| Local Channels in HD |
YES |
NO |
| Activation fee |
No activation fee |
$49.99 |
| The most sports in HD |
YES |
NO |
| 100% HD packages |
NO |
YES – Can also be added to select SD packages for only $10/mo |
| Digital Transition |
Digital TV broadcasts will replace analog TV broadcasts on February 17, 2009. |
Digital Ready. No transition required |
Digital Ready. No transition required |
| DVR (digital video recording) Technology |
Record any TV program and watch it whenever you want. |
Choose from two DIRECTV DVR receivers |
Choose from 4 DishDVR receivers |
| Scope |
Separate DVRs for each TV |
DISH DVR works on two TVs |
| DVR Service Fee |
$5.99/mo |
$5.98/mo |
| Skip button |
NO |
Industry exclusive 30 sec skip button |
| DVR Scheduler |
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With a DIRECTV Plus® HD DVR receiver connected to the Internet you can program your DVR wherever you are with internet access — using your web-enabled mobile phone or computer |
Employs SlingGuide with its line of ViP series of receivers to help you see and manage your DVR from anywhere through the internet, PC, Macintosh or even the iPhone. |
| HD DVR Storage |
Scope for expansion |
NO |
Near limitless DVR storage with the addition of an external hard drive with ViP HD satellite receiver - you can transfer recorded content from the DVR to the external hard drive. The program can be stored, watched, paused from the external hard drive or even sent back to the DVR. |
| Parameter |
Features |
DIRECTV |
Dish Network |
| Packages |
Starting Packages |
Packages start with $29.99/mo (The Family Package) |
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SD (Standard Definition) Packages start at $19.99/mo (DishFAMILY) for 40 channels |
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100% HD (High Definition) Packages start at $24.99/mo– saving of $ 5 + $ 5 without LOCALS |
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| Highest priced package |
$104.99/mo (The Premier Package) |
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$ 99.99/ mo (America “Everything” pack with LOCALS) - saving of $ 5 + $ 5 without LOCALS |
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Packages Line Up |
The Family Package (45+ digital channels) |
$29.99/mo |
DishFAMILY WITH LOCALS |
$24.99/mo |
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The Choice Package (150+ digital channels) |
$29.99/mo (for 12 months)
(offer ends 3/3/09) |
America’s Top 100 with LOCALS |
$37.99/mo |
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The Choice XTRA Package (200+ digital channels) |
$34.99/mo (for 12 months)
(offer ends 3/3/09) |
America’s Top 200 with LOCALS |
$49.99/mo |
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The PLUS DVR Package (200+ digital channels) |
$39.99/mo (for 12 months)
(offer ends 3/3/09) |
America’s Top 200 with DishDVR Advantage with LOCALS |
$49.99/mo |
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The Choice XTRA + HD Package (200+ digital channels) |
$44.98/mo (for 12 months)
(offer ends 3/3/09) |
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The PREMIER Package (265+ digital channels) |
$81.99/mo (for 12 months)
(offer ends 3/3/09 |
America’s “Everything” Pak with LOCALS |
$99.98/mo |
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TurboHD Bronze with LOCALS (HD only package) |
$29.99/mo |
| Parameter |
DIRECTV |
Dish Network |
Local channels |
YES - included in every package
(Plus local channels available in HD) |
$5.00/mo extra (Buy any package without locals and save $5 per month) |
Number of HD Channels |
Over 130 HD Channels |
Over 120 National HD Channels |
| Exclusive Sports Coverage |
NFL SUNDAY |
NO
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| NASCAR Pass™ |
| NFL Network |
| Big Ten Network |
| MLB EXTRA INNING SuperFan™ |
| Original Channels |
DIRECTTV Interactive |
NO
|
| MIX CHANNELS |
| THE 101 Network |
| GAME LOUNGE |
| CHAMPIONSHIP GAME SERIES |
| Parameter |
Features |
DIRECTV |
Dish Network |
Great Savings Offers
|
Cost Savings |
Save $23 per month for 12 months with the Choice Package or above |
Cinemax for 12 months for a penny
$50 credit on your first bill |
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(offer closes 3/3/09) |
(limited time offer) |
Free Offers |
For 3 months |
HBO + Starz + Showtime (with the Choice Xtra or above packages). You get 200+ digital channels at $34.99/mo (regularly $57.99/mo.). Save $23 per month for 12 months (offer closes 3/3/09) |
HBO + Starz (requires 24 month commitment)
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Free HD or DVR receiver upgrade - $99 value after instant online rebate |
Free PlatinumHD for 3 months (on purchase of an America’s Top Package with an HD package)
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| Parameter |
Features |
DIRECTV |
Dish Network |
Video On Demand |
1080p Resolution |
NO |
YES- 1080p video on demand available (same resolution as Blu-Ray disk) |
|
Charges |
With over 4500 movies, shows, sports and more to choose from, you get access to the TV entertainment you want - This service includes tons of titles at no extra charge. |
Access to a movie for only $5.99 (The movie can be viewed as often as you like) You get the TV shows you want - when you want! |
Pay Per View |
|
NO |
Pay-Per-View offers movies and events in HD.
|
| XM Satellite Radio |
Availability With Packages |
YES |
NO
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| Parameter |
Features |
DIRECTV |
Dish Network |
Reach |
|
17 Million households |
11.2 million households |
Reviews |
Surveys and Media Reviews |
Ranked #1 in customer satisfaction over cable 8 years in running - among the largest national cable and satellite TV providers in 2008 – according to 2008 American Customer Satisfaction Index, University of Michigan Business School |
DISH Network has the best HD DVR with the largest recording capacity in the industry – according to CNET Review |
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The comparison clearly shows that DIRECTV enjoys a distinct edge over its nearest competitor Dish Network in terms of number of HD channels, exclusive sports coverage, original channels and availability of local channels.
Although Dish Network scores better in pricing, DIRECTV has announced an across the board savings of $23 per month (for 12 months) in all the packages starting from the Choice Xtra package and above. This offer, open till March 3, 2009, makes DIRECTV a better bet in terms of pricing as well.
Ever thought of breaking free of the tyranny of cable TV providers? The thought surely must have crossed your mind when you wanted to see some program or channel but the cable operator did not provide it as it wasn’t much popular.