DISH vs DIRECT TV: Free equipment and Free installation

Both DISH Network and DIRECTV offers first-time new customers with a free satellite TV system that includes a satellite dish, receivers hooking up to 4 rooms, and remote controls. Both companies will dispatch a professional technician to customer’ house for free installation. Typical installation leading time is 1 to 7 days.

With DISH Network, you can upgrade to a DVR (digital video recorder) or an high-definition (HD) receiver for free. No mail-in redemption is required. DIRECTV, however, will also give you a free DVR receiver or an HD receiver upgrade only after a $99 mail-in rebate.

DISH vs DIRECT TV: Pricing

DISH Network is best known for its “lowest all-digital prices nationwide” slogan. DISH Network offers 6 different tier of programming packages starting from $19.99 per month, while DIRECTV offers 4 major programming packages starting from $29.99 per month. So it seems the monthly package prices of DIRECTV packages are generally higher than DISH Network. However, keep in mind that DISH Network charges $5/month extra for watching local channels, which is actually included in all DIRECTV base packages at no additional cost. In addition, DIRECTV usually provides more channels in its packages than its DISH counterparts. So when you compare pricing of DISH vs DIRECTV, you have to keep these factors in consideration.

DISH vs DIRECTV: Programming

DISH Network and DIRECTV offers almost identical programming and channels towards customers. DIRECTV offers a couple more sports and HD channels, such as NFL Sunday Ticket. However, DISH Network offers some sports and HD channels that may be exclusive to DISH. So you might not be able to find these channels on DIRECTV. DISH Network is better than DIRECTV in terms of ethnic channel offerings such as Latino, Chinese, Arabic, South Asian and other foreign language programming.

DISH vs DIRECTV: Current Promotion

Both DISH Network and DIRECTV now offer great promotional incentives to first time new customers. DISH Network providers over 100 most popular standard-definition channels plus over 50 HD channels for just $9.99 per month for first 6 months. DIRECTV, on the other hand, offers $21 off per month for one year. In addition, both companies offers 3 months of premium movie packages for free.

DISH vs DIRECTV: Customer Satisfaction

Both DISH Network and DIRECTV have ranked higher than cable TV in customer satisfaction for eight years in a row according to the annual American Customer Satisfaction Index and JD Power & Associates surveys. DIRECTV scores a bit better than DISH Network, but not to a significant extent.

I hope the side-by-side comparison between DISH vs DIRECTV helps you decide which Satellite TV provider better fits your needs.

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At first glance DISH Network and DIRECTV look a lot alike – they both have hundreds of channels and will give you a free satellite TV system when subscribe to their service. But on closer inspection you’ll find some major differences.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison that illustrates those differences so you can make an informed decision about which satellite TV provider is the best one for you.

DISH Network vs. DIRECTV – Programming

DISH Network has five program packages. Prices start at $19.99 for their 40-channel package and go up to $74.99 for their 350-channel “Everything” package. Their programming includes everything under the sun – drama, comedy, variety, sports, movies, news, weather, games, and even a channel devoted to babies.

They have 350 channels including 31 movie channels, 25 HD channels, 52 music channels, 60 Sirius radio channels, 24 international channels, and 75 pay-per-view movies a month. Local channels are $5 per month.

DIRECTV offers three programming packages with prices starting at $41.99 for their 155-channel package, on up to $96.99 for their 250-channel package. Their programming also has everything you can think of including drama, comedy, variety, movies, sports, news, weather, and games.

They have 250 channels including 31 movie channels, 8 HD channels, 67 XM satellite radio channels, 14 international channels, and 60 pay-per-view movies per month. Local channels are $3 per month.

DISH Network vs. DIRECTV – Equipment

When you subscribe to their satellite TV service DISH Network will give you a free satellite TV system that includes a satellite dish, a four-room receiver system, and remote controls. Installation is free and the installer will show you how to operate all the components and answer your questions.

You can upgrade to a DVR (digital video recorder) receiver or an HD (high definition) receiver for free. The DVR receiver allows you to digitally record 100 hours of your favorite shows and to pause and replay live TV. The HD receiver gives you access to high definition broadcasts for superior picture quality. Their combination DVR/HD receiver is $199.

DIRECTV will also give you a free satellite dish and a four-room receiver system, however you’ll need to pay $19.95 for shipping and handling. Installation of the system is free and your installer will show you how to operate it.

You can upgrade to a DVR receiver or an HD receiver free after a $99 mail-in rebate. The receiver will record 100 hours of programming and can pause and replay live TV shows. The HD receiver gives you access to HD programming. A combination DVR/HD receiver is $499 after a $100 rebate.

DISH Network vs. DIRECTV – Bottom Line

When it comes to getting the biggest bang for your buck DISH Network is the clear winner. They offer the most channels for the money, the most movies, the most pay-per-view channels, and the most music channels. DIRECTV does, however, offer the NFL Sunday Ticket package where DISH Network does not.

Both providers offer fairly similar free equipment, but DISH Network has the best deal on optional equipment at $199 for their DVR/HD receiver as opposed to DIRECTV’s DVR/HD receiver at $499.

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