Direct TV versus DISH Network
At a glance, the major satellite television providers in the United States – DirecTV and DISH Network – offer very similar packages, but a closer look at the small print shows a very distinct difference.
Although both providers offer around forty channels in their basic package and just over two hundred in their top level package, DISH Network charges only $19.99 for the basic package where DirecTV charge $29.99. This $10 price difference stays more or less the same along the rest of the scale as well – despite DISH Network offering slightly more channels in almost every package.
DISH Network beats DirecTV hands down for international programming – offering seventeen Chinese language channels, for example, to DirecTV’s nine; and also have more movies to choose from. DirecTV, however, has exclusive access to a number of major sporting events, such as the NFL, and various news channels.
Both providers offer free equipment and installation and a free warranty, but DISH Network’s warranty is for eighteen months, compared with only twelve months for that of DirecTV. DISH Network also throw in a free Digital Video Recorder, where one from DirecTV would cost $49.99. An HDTV receiver is also free from DISH Network, but a whopping $299.99 from DirecTV.
DISH Network and DirecTV both offer twenty-four hour online and toll-free telephone support for their customers, but DISH Network is routinely voted number one for customer satisfaction in the major cable and satellite television surveys. DirecTV comes in close at number two.
Despite these differences, it is clear that both DISH Network and DirecTV offer a great service. The simplest way of choosing, perhaps, is to select between sports and foreign language programming – with DirecTV for those who prioritize the former, and DISH Network for those who prioritize the latter.