Satellite TV Services - Who's Got The Best?

Satellite TV Service

More than 28 million households subscribe to satellite TV service in the U.S.A. and that number is growing by leaps and bounds. Satellite TV service is on the rise while cable TV service is declining. Why? Because DISH Network and DIRECTV provide more services at a better price.

But which satellite TV provider will give you the best service at the best price? Here's a side-by-side comparison:

Satellite TV Programming Service

DISH Network

DISH Network offers five different satellite TV programming packages. Their subscription fees start at $19.99 a month for their 40-channel Dish Family package, and go up to $74.99 for their 350-channel "Everything" package.

Their 350-channel lineup includes 25 HD (high definition) channels, 7 sports packages, 31 movie channels, 60 Sirius satellite radio channels, 24 international channels, and 75 pay-per-view movies a month.

Dish Network has the most channels and the biggest variety of programming of the two satellite TV providers. They also have the most HD programming and the most international programming.

DIRECTV

DIRECTV offers three programming packages. Their subscription fees start at $29.99 for their 155-channel Total Choice package, and go up to $96.99 for their 250-channel Total Choice Premier package.

Their 250-channel lineup includes 8 HD channels, 9 sports packages, 31 movie channels, 73 XM satellite radio channels, 14 international channels, and 60 pay-per-view movies per month.

DIRECTV has the most sports programming of the two satellite TV providers.

Satellite TV Equipment Service

DISH Network

When you sign up for DISH Network satellite TV service you get a free satellite TV system which includes a satellite dish and a four-television receiver system. Installation is free and your installer will show you how to operate your system.

You can also request a free HD receiver so you can view HD broadcasts, or a free DVR (digital video recorder) so you can digitally record your favorite shows.

DIRECTV

DIRECTV will give you a free satellite TV system - a dish and up to four receivers - when you sign up with them. Installation by a professional installer is also free and he or she will show you how to operate your system.

DIRECTV will give you a free DVR receiver or a free HD receiver after a $99 mail-in rebate.

Visit http://www.TheSatelliteTVGuide.com for more information, ordering information, plus the latest special offers from DISH Network or DIRECTV .

The author, Brian Stevens, is the senior editor for TheSatelliteTVGuide.com and has written a number of articles on satellite TV services.