The two main satellite television services in the country are Dish Network and DirecTV. These are one of the few options one has when looking to switch from cable television to satellite television. Both are far superior in quality and customer service, offering the best deals available on the market compared to any common cable provider. The best offers offered by the service providers, the best packages and their prices are available on their websites; thus providing a very friendly environment for the client. All information about packages and installations can be obtained on the official website of the company. This not only saves you a lot of time, but also a lot of trouble, as all the information you need is available in one place.
In short, here is an overview of the background of the company Dish Network and DirecTV.
Owned by Echostar, Dish Network officially went on the air in 1995. Dish Network Satellite Television is a direct broadcast satellite (DBS) service that delivers digital television and audio via satellite to homes in the United States. On the other hand, Hughes’ DirecTV, the first full-power DBS system, launched in 1994 and was North America’s first DBS service. Owned by DirecTV Group, a subsidiary of News Corporation’s Fox Entertainment Group, DirecTV was the world’s first full-power DBS service.
As both TV services are offered with the same technology, it is not surprising that buyers are faced with the dilemma of choosing either of them most of the time. An internet search should help you get a brief comparison between these two companies, but what is missing is the detailed comparison of the special features of Dish Network and DirecTV. To make bread easier, here is the comparison of their special features.
High Definition and Digital Video Recording System
HD/DVR receivers are part of the packages offered by these two service providers. This is the latest development in technology that aids in superior quality viewing.
Dish Network has to offer its customers two types of receivers: one is an HD receiver that can support up to 2 TVs, along with which they also offer a dual HD DVR receiver for up to 2 TVs. This latest HD DVR receiver offered by them is called ViP722 DVR and it is compatible with two types of TVs, both HDTV and SDTV. It is capable of recording more than 350 hours of SDTV programs and about 55 hours or more of HDTV programs. This set also provides a satellite tuner that can be viewed in two modes; either a picture-in-picture mode (single mode) or a dual mode in which one can simultaneously record a program and also watch a previously recorded program. Being very customer oriented, Dish Networks service provides a customer friendly interface that also allows for an easy to use search option. If the customer wishes, the company also provides an on-screen caller ID feature, provided the customer has subscribed to it with their respective telephone company.
DirecTV, on the other hand, promotes its newest product: the Dual HD/DVR receiver (DirecTV plus HD DVR) that allows its customers the option of recording 200 hours of SDTV and 3,000 minutes of HDTV. One of the best features this receiver offers is the feature known as Series Link, which allows you to record entire seasons and even adjust the date and time changes each week. Along with these functions, the receiver has another function known as Media share that gives customers access to view photos, play their favorite music that can be saved on a PC with Inter Viiv processor.
In addition to enabling Caller ID like its competitor, TV Guide allows its customers to view upcoming TV movie and sitcom schedules up to 14 days in advance.
Sports Programming
As you may already notice, both service providers provide an impressive lineup of football, soccer, hockey, and basketball games, allowing the customer to purchase individual games or the entire 4-game package for half or full seasons.
What sets DirecTV apart from Dish Network is that it offers rugby, cricket and NASCAR programming in its sports package. In addition, DirecTV’s NFL Sunday Ticket is the most comprehensive football programming package on the market to date. In fact, there are many DirecTV customers who have chosen DirecTV simply because they want more soccer action.
package prices
The price of satellite television is always much better than that of cable television. Both Dish Network and DirecTV require initial setups of $0. Dish Network monthly rates start from $19.99/month; DirecTV, $29.99/mo.
Music and exclusive programming
Dish TV offers a wide range of exclusive interactive programs that allow customers to play games, keep up with the weather, read gossip, check their horoscopes, view live scores for different games and shop using the “home shopping network” . By partnering with SIRIUS, they provide about 60 different commercial music channels at no cost to suit different tastes, and have several of their packages.
DirecTV, by comparison, offers a range of exclusive programming through channel 101, including music and live shows. There is a channel known as Channel 103, which is dedicated to faith-based programs and inspirational events for the family. Along with this they also offer about 70 radio channels with specific packages.
Parental Control Locks
Both service providers offer parental control options along with locks at no additional monthly charge, allowing parents to block movies that have been certified as appropriate for viewing by children by the Motion Picture Association of America. Dish Network also offers an option where the extended option allows parents to see expanded ratings for things like language, nudity, and violence and thus offers additional protection to children. These parental locks also extend to pay-to-view or pay-and-watch channels.
wrapping things
So hey, Dish Network or DirecTV? Seriously, when it comes to choosing Dish Network and DirecTV deals, there really isn’t a one-size-fits-all shoe on this question. The question to ask yourself is which one suits you best. But in case you really need a short answer, I’d say DirecTV is more for sports fans; and if you prefer more international and HD programming (since Dish Network has most of the HD channels), then Dish Network seems like a better option for you.