Direct TV vs Dish Network

Direct TV or Dish Network

Choosing the Best Provider Satellite TV Provider

Direct TV or Dish Network – Compare and Decide for Yourself!
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Most people do not know that satellite TV is available from only 2 providers, DISH Network and DIRECTV. Many wonder why this is so. As the science behind satellite service is complex, many are unable to make a choice.

You can rest assured that you will become a satellite television expert by the time you are finished reading this page. All it takes is about four minutes of your time to become an expert on the most outstanding features of both DISH Network and DIRECTV. Then you can decide for yourself, Direct TV vs Dish Network.

Did You Know?
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Satellite TV is currently the dominating form of entertainment in over 40 million households? Much buzz has been generated over the enhanced sound and picture quality possible only with satellite service. The truth of the matter is that most Americans like to be a part of cutting edge technology still on the ground floor – especially when that technology is affordable. Here’s why satellite TV is a win-win and why is may be so difficult to decide, Direct TV vs Dish Network:

• Crystal clear 100% digital reception
 • Promotional packages are less than cable
• High quality digital audio enrichment • Access multiple premium sports program favorites
• Your favorite program is always on • Access premium, in-demand international programs
• Choose from hundreds of channels • 95% local channel availability
• Playback entire season of your favorite shows • Promotional packages include free hd equipment

Direct Delivery of Your TV Entertainment
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With a satellite TV connection, you get a 100% digital feed of clean and clear digital quality reception and sound. At the helm are both DISH Network and DIRECTV. The feed is delivered directly to your house, eliminating the middle man; unlike cable which involves multiple network reconfigurations and degrades the clarity of sound and vision. Here are a few of the enticers satellite TV providers are offering:

Direct TV or Dish Network: A Summary of Their Current Offerings
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Dish Network • Free standard 4-room installation
 DirecTV
 • Free standard 4-room installation
• Free Starz! Super Pack • 3 Free months of HBO, Starz & Showtime programming
• Prices start at $19.99 per month. • Prices start at $29.99/month
• Free DISH DVR upgrade • Free DIRECTV DVR or HD upgrade
• Free HDTV equipment upgrade • HDTV programming specials
• HDTV programming specials    

You Pick: Direct TV or Dish Network Programming
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Who offers the best channel selection? A closer look at the individual channels may be the best way to make this decision, as each provider offers something different..
   
What DISH Network excels in is the area of International Programming options – offering over 19 language venues, including the popular South Asian packages as well as other favorites.
   
Where DIRECTV scores is in its Sports Programming. Tune into the NFL Sunday Ticket™ and other notable sporting favorites..
   
Only Offered through DISH Network and DIRECTV
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• Unbeatable Channel Selection:Over 340 on DISH Network. Over 250 with DIRECTV.
• International Excellence: Access International channels at both DISH Network and DIRECTV.
• Promotional Offers: DISH Network and DIRECTVoffer free 4-room installation and FREE equipment.
• Local Channels: Get most local channels in digital quality reception.
• Premium Sports Packages: Get multiple in-demand Sports programming, like NFL Sunday Ticket™ as part of your package.

Direct TV or Dish Network Equipment – Free with Satellite TV
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Satellite TV has two advantages that may not be available through most cable providers:

1) An abundance of High-Definition digital broadcast channels
2) Ability to use Digital Video Recorders.

Here’s the advantages of each:

High-Definition (HDTV) Broadcasts
HDTV is a new way of watching television with a much advanced resolution. It broadcasts more detail and quality than analog television. An HDTV receiver and HDTV capable TV is required to view these satellite TV broadcasts.

Digital Video Recorders (DVRs)
DVRs offer digital quality reception and sound, in addition to providing advanced personalization features. Fast-forward through commercials. Pause and replay. TiVo® your favorites so you can watch them on your own time. Get rid of bulky video cassettes. DVRs have more than apt storage capacity. Check out the dual tuner models which allow you to record one program while viewing another!

DISH Network Equipment

Dish Network DISH Network packages include both Free DVR and HDTV equipment, and up to 4 rooms professionally installed.

DIRECTV Equipment

DirecTV DIRECTV DVR and HDTV programming specials include free DVR or HD receiver upgrades with $100 mail-in rebates and the up to 4 rooms professionally installed.

Direct TV or Dish Network: Making the Final Decision
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If you’re still subscribing to cable television, you’re paying too much. With satellite TV, you WILL get more channels for less money. All equipment and installation charges are included. No hidden fees, ever. Both DISH Network and DIRECTV currently offer competitively-priced packages with exceptional values thrown in.

Next steps: You may be ready to order or you may just want more information on either satellite TV provider. Either way, you can take advantage of the available special pricing before these offers expire. Start taking your television viewing to an enjoyment level you’ve yet to experience!

COMPARISON
DISH NETWORK
DIRECTV
PROGRAMMING
Programming 340+ available channels 250+ available channels
Local Channels 95% coverage 92% coverage
Digital Channels 100% 100%
Premium Movie Packages HBO The Works
STARZ Super Pack
Showtime Unlimited
Cinemax
Playboy Channel 		HBO
STARZ Super Pack
Showtime Unlimited
Cinemax

Adult Channels
Sports Package • NBA League Pass
• NHL Center Ice
• ESPN Game Plan College Football
• MLB Extra Innings
• ESPN Full Court College Basketball
• MLS Direct Kick
• Multi-Sport Package (20+ channels)		 • NBA League Pass
• NHL Center Ice
• ESPN Game Plan College Football
• MLB Extra Innings
• ESPN Full Court College Basketball
• MLS Direct Kick
• NFL Sunday Ticket
Audio Offers all standard music video channels (MTV, VH1, CMT and many others) in all programming packages.

Premium subscribers receive 65+ Sirius music channels for free.

Offers all standard music video channels (MTV, VH1, CMT and many others) in all programming packages.

31 digital audio DirecTV channels

HDTV 25 channels of HD:
Packages include ESPN HD, Discovery HD TheaterTM, TNT HD, HDNet and HDNet Movies.

Premium channels like HD HBO and Showtime plus local channels with HD broadcasts.

Total of 8 HDTV channels plus all NFL Sunday Ticket games:
$9.99/month includes ESPN HD, ESPN2 HD, Discovery HD Theater™, HDNet, HDNet Movies and Universal HD.

Premium channels like HD HBO and Showtime plus local channels with HD broadcasts.

International Programming 28 languages:
Including African, Arabic, Armenian, French, German, Japanese, Russian, Chinese, Greek, Korean, South Asian, Italian, Polish, Spanish, Urdu, Farsi, Israeli, Portuguese, Tagalog and more.		 9 languages:
(Cantonese, Filipino, Gujarati, Hindi, Italian, Mandarin, Spanish, Tamil, and Vietnamese)
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
DVR Free Up to 6 rooms Free
Additional TVs $5.00/month 2nd & each additional TV $4.99/month2nd & each additional TV
PRICING & FEES
Packages & Pricing
• Dish Family – $19.99
(50+ channels)
• Dish America – $24.99
(60+ channels)
• America’s Top 120 – $29.99
(120+ channels)
• America’s Top 120 Plus – $34.99
(120+ channels + regional sports)
• America’s Top 200 – $39.99
(220+ channels)
• America’s Top 250 – $44.99
(260+ channels)
• America’s "Everything" Pak (top 290 features 20 premium movie channels) $79.99 – (315+ channels)

* All DISH Network prices are currently available promotional specials

• CHOICE® – $29.99
(150+ channels)
• CHOICE® XTRA™ – $34.99
(210+ channels)
• CHOICE ULTIMATE™- $39.99
(225+ channels)
• PREMIER™ – $83.99
(285+ channels)
Specials
• Free standard installation
• Free Starz! Super Pack
• Promotional packages from $19.99/month.
• Up to 6 Rooms for free
• Free DISH DVRs
• Free HDTV equipment
• HDTV programming specials
• Free standard installation Free HBO, Starz,
Showtime and Cinemax
• Promotional packages from $29.99/month
• Up to 4 rooms for free.
• DIRECTV DVR $100 rebate
• HDTV programming specials
Activation $0 ($99.99 credited on
first bill with 24 mth. contract)		 $0
Shipping Fees $0 $0
COMPANY
OVERVIEW
Popularity/Size 13+ million subscribers 30+ million subscribers
Install Time 1-7 days 1-7 days
Portability When Moving Yes Yes
Next Steps: View Offer Details or Order Satellite TV: DISH Network DirecTV
 

DVR – Digital Video Recorder

About DVR – Digital Video Recorder

Never miss your favorite show again!

Do you often worry about missing your favorite television program? Have you ever tried to set up your DVD to record a program only to discover you don’t have any blank DVDs available? All of these problems can be avoided with the newest invention in recording.

DVR is the latest technology enabling you to record television shows for later viewing. Digital Video Recording, allows many more options than the DVD that so many consumers have utilized to record their favorite shows. This new technology allows you to have total control over your television viewing experience.

With DVR technology, you have the ability to pause and rewind live television, fast forward through recorded commercials, and easily find and record your favorite show. In fact, you can set it to record the entire season of your favorite show with just the click of a few buttons. You will no longer have to be concerned with missing portions of your favorite show because dinner is burning or someone is at your door. With the push of a button, you can even pause a live television show for up to thirty minutes!

A DVR stores all video on internal memory eliminating the need for videotapes that must be labeled and stored. The amount of recording time available varies depending on the model you choose. Many offer at least 70 hours of recording time with some offering 200 hours or more. Some receivers even allow you to record your favorite programming regardless of whether day or times or broadcast change.

Perhaps the most recognizable name in DVR is TiVo. TiVo works with cable, satellite or even antennae services. With TiVo, there is a charge for the box, generally $100 along with a monthly charge for the service. TiVo offers many more features than other systems including recording to DVD and online scheduling from the internet.

With TiVo service, you can easily search for your favorite programs by actor, genre, or even keywords. With their newly introduced search features, you can record programs based on your favorite subjects. For instance, if you search for “hot rods,” every show featuring hot rods in the description will be displayed and you can choose which ones to record days ahead of time. DIRECTV satellite TV service also offers a DVR with TiVo combined so you can take advantage of the benefits of both services.

If you have satellite TV service through DISH Network or DIRECTV, the Digital Video Recorder is a must have to be sure you don’t miss any programming. Unlike with TiVo, service through your satellite TV service can often be received for free or at a reduced price during special promotions. That translates into big savings over the TiVo service. There
may also be a small monthly subscription charge depending on the programming package that you choose through your satellite TV provider. Along with the above mentioned features, service through your satellite TV service provider will enable you to watch one program while recording up to two others.

You may never have to watch commercials again. Streamline your television viewing experience with this latest technology. It is time for you to be in control of the programming that comes into your home.

How Does Satellite TV Work

Satellite TV Basics

How Does Satellite TV Work?

A satellite is an object that orbits around another object in space. The satellites we’re speaking of transmit television directly to the consumer. These satellites require a special orbit, so a little information about orbits is a good place to start in understanding satellite television basics.

The time it takes for a satellite to complete an orbit depends upon its distance from the object that it orbits. The moon is a natural satellite that is 238,328 miles from Earth. It takes 27.32 days for the moon to complete one orbit of the Earth. The space shuttle operates in a low Earth orbit. The shuttle orbits less than 200 miles to about 350 miles above the Earth. The average time for the space shuttle to complete an orbit around the Earth is about 90 minutes. The moon takes longer to complete an orbit of the Earth because it is much further from the Earth than is the space shuttle. The type of orbit that is required of the satellites that transmit television signals to the Earth lies between these two extremes.

In order for a satellite to be used for television transmission, it must “hang” over one spot above the Earth. The types of orbits described so far would require a receiving dish that is constantly moving, in order to keep up with the transmitting satellite. Satellite TV satellites are in a geosynchronous orbit that exactly matches the speed that the Earth spins.

When a satellite is in a geosynchronous orbit, the satellite appears to be stationary when viewed from the ground. In order to accomplish a geosynchronous orbit, a satellite must be directly over the equator and about 22,300 miles from the Earth. This area around the Earth is often called the Clarke Belt. Satellites maintain proper positioning in the Clarke Belt with onboard fuel. Ground stations constantly monitor these satellites to make any adjustments that are necessary to keep a satellite in it’s orbital slot.

The television signals transmitted by a satellite are quite different from the television or radio signals that are broadcast over the air. The particulars of a satellite TV signal are beyond the scope of this small article, but there are some basics that you should know. Satellite TV is transmitted by microwaves. Microwaves don’t behave like the lower frequency radio waves of off-air television or radio, which can bounce off obstructions, clouds, and the ground. Microwaves are strictly line of sight. In order for a satellite TV dish to receive a signal, there can be no obstruction between the transmitting satellite and the receiving satellite dish.

The very first thing that a prospective dish owner should do is perform a site survey in order to ensure that there are no obstructions blocking the satellite(s) of interest. Because microwaves are highly directional, the satellite TV dish and associated components must be properly aligned.

Satellite television in the USA is divided into two major types. The first major type is TVRO. TVRO satellite systems have a large dish which is movable. The movable dish enables a TVRO system to view programs on the many satellites that are positioned in the Clarke Belt. TVRO satellite systems are also called BUD, Big Dish, C-Band, and Full View satellite TV. Just remember that if the dish is large (usually 6 – 12 feet across) and it moves, it is a TVRO satellite system.

The second major type of satellite TV is DBS which have small, stationary dish (18 inches to 3 feet across). In the US there are currently 2 major types of DBS satellite systems. Each DBS system requires it’s own special receiving equipment and has it’s own programming line up. The 2 major types of DBS systems are DIRECTV and Dish Network.

There are only a couple of choices in satellite TV dish systems. The Direct Broadcasting System (DBS) features a small, easy to install satellite dish and a digital quality picture and a host of channels. Conventional large satellite dish systems also provides all the channels but it is hard to install and requires some maintenance.

The programming packages for the DBS satellite TV dish systems comes from the manufacturer of the DBS hardware. You can choose the programming, then get the hardware that comes with it, or choose your preferred brand of hardware, then subscribe to the programming that’s available for it.

The large C-band satellite TV dish systems offer unlimited number of channels and you may not need to subscribe for its programming. But it is now a slow market, with only one company manufacturing C-band receivers. The giant 7/12-foot C-band satellite TV dish systems require professional installation and ongoing maintenance.

Satellite TV vs Cable

Satellite TV vs Cable

  • Satellite TV systems offer features that are not often available with cable. On-screen Electronic Program Guides allow users to interactively browse to see a detailed description of every show that’s on at any hour of the day up to two weeks in advance. Further, parental lockout features allow users to control what their children can watch. Many of these features are also available with digital cable.
  • Satellite TV systems carry more total programming than most cable systems. This means more choice for consumers. Currently, DISH Network has the capability to provide over 500 channels of television, internet and data services via satellite on a single dish. Bandwidth availability and an ability to attract niche audiences nationally, allows them to broadcast a spectrum of American programming and foreign language channels, from Arabic to Russian. In many cases, cable companies don’t have the available bandwidth to provide this level of service.
  • In many cases, satellite TV can save you money versus cable TV. The amount will vary depending on where you live and on what services you buy. Most satellite customers, however, get better value for what they spend on television programming. This means more channels per dollar. Additional savings are realized in monthly subscription rates for satellite which have increased less than 10% during the last 5 years.
  • Employing the latest technology, Satellite TV has improved the television viewing experienceby adding features that make it easier and more enjoyable to watch. Pay-per-view movies are broadcast with Dolby Digital Sound encoded, when available, to provide the best theatre quality sound experience.Some of the newest features of satellite receivers allow for interactive shopping and utilizing Digital Video Recorder technology such as TiVo. An integrated digital hard drive in the receiver allows for pausing live TV and effortlessly recording programs without videotape.
  • A satellite user often gets multiple channels for the price of one with many popular subscription services.
  • A complete small dish satellite TV system can usually be installed for under $200 or in many cases for free. With careful shopping an entire system can often be purchased and completely installed, for $39.95 or less per month.
  • Satellite companies are offering HDTV programming and adding more programming as soon as it becomes available.
  • A satellite TV subscription similar to basic cable service can be purchased for around $29.95 per month.

Cable does offer a few advantages over satellite systems.

  • Initial equipment costs are lower for cable.
  • Cable installation is easier and the equipment is supplied by the cable company (for a fee) although professional installation is normally an affordable option for satellite systems and often included in the purchase price.
  • Equipment updates are normally done by the cable company.
  • Broadband Internet access is being deployed on many cable networks.

 

About HDTV

About HDTV – High Definition Television

See the difference with High Definition Broadcasts

HDTV is high definition television and it can make an enormous difference in your television viewing experience. Many consumers describe the HDTV experience as being closer to watching a movie in the theater than watching a standard television set.

HDTV offers a digital picture with a higher resolution than normal television screens. The higher resolution results in a clearer, crisper picture. It also offers the ability to watch widescreen
movies and programs without the annoying black bars that your regular television displays. It is the way the movie directors intended you to watch their films. You will be in on even more of the action of your favorite program.

Currently with your regular color television, waves are scanned at 480i. This means that at any given time there are 480 lines of picture being sent to your television screen by your service provider. Odd lines are displayed, followed by even lines. The change happens so quickly, the human eye believes you are seeing one big picture. With the introduction of HDTV, there are more lines transmitted (at either more than double interlaced or progressively) giving us a higher resolution and better quality picture.

In order to enjoy the experience, you will need to introduce a few things to your home. To get started, you need:

  1. High Definition Television set
    High Definition television sets are available at most consumer electronic stores and are becoming increasingly more affordable for the general public. These sets are the first step in obtaining a clearer, picture that provides an experience similar to the movie theater.
  2. A source (local television, cable or satellite TV station)
    Your channel must be broadcast in high definition in order to see the advanced quality in picture.
  3. A way to receive the signal (antennae, cable or satellite TV system)

All providers are generally offering some HDTV channels. Satellite TV providers are able to offer more of these channels than your local cable company. Be aware that digital channels often offered through cable companies is not the same as High Definition TV.

In addition to a better quality picture, you will also enjoy higher quality sound with HDTV. The digital audio sound provides even more of a movie theater like experience in your home. To provide the best in entertainment quality in your home, more channels are broadcast in HD format. Your television viewing experience will only improve.

Satellite TV providers not only offer HD channels but their other channels are offered via a digital signal. This results in a clearer picture than the analog signal offered by many cable companies. DISH Network currently offers the most high definition channels available. With more than 1700 hours per week of high definition programming, DISH Network is an excellent option for receiving HD channels including HBO, Showtime, Discovery Channel, ESPN and more.

About Satellite TV

About Satellite TV

The truth about Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) Service

Consumers now have a wide range of options to bring entertainment into their homes through their television screens. For many years, cable was the preferred provider for many homes in America. In the past twenty years, more and more people have been finding out about satellite tv and these services have become more and more popular. Now with more than thirty million subscribers and thousands more signing on each month, you should learn about satellite TV and how it’s the top choice for many consumers.

Setting up a satellite television system in your home can be very easy and inexpensive with the great promotional offers through the top providers. To introduce this service to your home, you will need to install a small satellite dish with exposure to the southern sky. Inside your home, a receiver can be connected to each television set to deliver exceptional quality in picture and a wide range of channels.

Many have the misconception that with a satellite system, everyone in the house must watch the same channels. That is not the case. With a receiver in each room, every person in your family will have their choice of programming on each television.

Satellite TV service has become more reliable over the years. There is no longer the threat of losing your signal often during thunderstorms or other weather situations. You will be able to continue to enjoy your satellite TV service whether the sun is shining or the rain is pouring down.

Perhaps the most common misconception is that satellite prevents you from being able to welcome local channels into your home. The top providers now provide access to local channels in most markets at no additional charge. There’s no need to trade your local news for the broad offerings of entertainment through satellite services – now you can have them both.

Many consumers choose satellite TV service not only for the exceptional quality but for the great value. Compared to cable television, satellite services offer more channels of entertainment for your hard earned dollars. In addition, there are a variety of packages offered to meet the needs of your family.

Even small packages often offer more than 100 channels. Satellite services offer the ability to customize your service to the viewing habits of your family. Additional packages include extensive sports, music and movie channels. You can subscribe to as little or as many as you would like to provide entertainment to your entire household.

In the United States, satellite television services are available through two providers – DISH Network and DIRECTV.

Both services provide excellent customer service and quality digital signals resulting in an excellent picture. Unlike with cable companies, DISH Network and DIRECTV both offer continuous specials that make their service even more attractive to their growing customer base.