At first glance, the two major satellite TV companies appear quite similar. But if you take a closer look, you’ll find that there are several significant differences. This is a satellite TV review of the two.

Programming

DISH Network (now known simply as DISH) offers a total of 320 television channels, while DirecTV offers a total of 265. Satellite TV channels from both providers offer a wide variety of categories including movies, news, sporting events, variety shows, broadcast channels, weather, reality shows, special interest shows and foreign channels.

DIRECTV rates start at $29.99 a month for 140 channels, including local TV channels: ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, as well as the CW channel. Program rates for DISH at $24.95 for 190 channels including your local channels including NBC, CBS, FOX and also ABC.

Moving image channels

The two companies offer 31 movie channels from HBO, Showtime, Cinemax and Starz. Movie channel rates start at $13 per month for Showtime, Cinemax and Starz, and $16 for HBO.

video streaming service

Streaming videos are the latest technological advance in satellite television programming. With streaming video service, you can watch movies and TV shows on your TV, computer, cell phone, and laptop. DirecTV has 10,000 streaming videos and DISH has 25,000 streaming videos.

Pay Per View Features

With pay-per-view, a recently released movie will be sent to your recipient so you can watch a movie without having to go to a video store to get it. For $3.99 you can rent a new movie from DIRECTV, which offers 60 movies per month. DISH offers 75 movies per month, plus sports and special events, with rates starting at $3.99 per movie.

DIRECTV Music Service and DISH Network

With DIRECTV you’ll get 9 channels of Sonic Tap music plus 56 channels of XM Satellite Radio. With DISH you can get 64 SiriusXM Satellite Radio stations and 52 music channels. Each of both companies’ radio and music shows are broadcast in digital audio, giving you clear, rich sound, plus the broadcasts are actually commercial-free.

DIRECTV and DISH network equipment

DIRECTV offers a free satellite TV system in up to 4 rooms of your home along with free installation of that system every time you purchase their services, while DISH offers a free satellite TV system installed in up to 6 rooms of your home when you request your service. Both service providers give you the option of upgrading your receivers to an HD receiver for high-definition reception, a DVR receiver so you can record your TV shows, or even a combination HD/DVR receiver to get the best of both. worlds.

DIRECTV and DISH customer service

In case you experience problems with your satellite TV system, or simply have questions about its use, both providers have a 24-hour toll-free hotline and web-based customer service to provide assistance where necessary.

In conclusion

When it comes to equipment, DIRECTV and DISH Network dishes and receivers are equal in quality and design. However, I have found DISH Network’s remote control and program guide to be easier to use compared to DIRECTV’s.

When it comes to programming, DIRECTV offers most sports channels, including the popular NFL Sunday Ticket, while DISH Network brings you most movies, music, international shows, and pay-per-view movies.

With DIRECTV you can get 160 HD channels. With DISH Network you can get 200 HD channels.

If you’re looking for the biggest variety and the best price for satellite TV service, your smartest choice is definitely DISH Network. If you want to get the most sports programming, including NFL Sunday Ticket, I recommend going with DIRECTV.