Satellite TV has become popular because it is 100% digital. The resulting reception is many times better than cable. Plus, satellite TV offers more channels than cable providers which includes more international and sports programming. Satellite TV also offers high definition TV



There are two major networks that vie for the position of providing satellite TV services. They are Direct TV and Dish Network. As a consumer, it's never really easy to choose from two companies that offer nearly the same products and have nearly the same credibility.

But just like all competitors, these two have slight differences which some subscribers might find as the turning point to guide them with their decision. It really boils down on preferences of subscribers, their specific needs and the present promos being offered.

It would be best, of course, to research fully each advantage and disadvantage of subscribing to each network.

For pricing, DISH Network has a slight advantage over Direct TV. DISH Network has a lower starting package rate. DISH offers a family satellite TV package starting at $19.99 while the competition begins at $29.99. Nevertheless, Direct TV's $34.99 is good for 150+ digital channels while DISH's $32.99 package only covers 100 digital channels.

However, with regards to programming both networks have more than 200 channels in their premium packages. But Direct TV is slightly ahead of DISH when it comes to sports programming. Still, DISH is slowly closing the gap between Direct TV.

The DISH Network has included a lot of sports channels in their packages in that past few years and pretty soon, it would be able to compete head-on with Direct TV. With regards to local channel coverage, both networks seem to satisfy their clients with their local television programming. Both DISH and Direct TV offers excellent coverage but have slightly differences in per month subscription.

If you're going to subscribe to either of the two, you should also look at the cities that both networks have full coverage. DISH Network has access to some cities that Direct TV does not, and vice versa.

Wherever they have access to, DISH and Direct TV can deliver an all digital quality programming right to the subscribers' homes, in airports, in restaurants, in hotels, in offices, in hospitals, and even inside airplanes and automobiles.

Satellite TV comes with it other advanced or sophisticated equipment like digital video recorders or DVRs which allows you to pause and rewind the live program that you are watching.

DVRs also can record any program that you want. For DISH Network subscribers, this additional equipment comes free with their packages while Direct TV charges a monthly fee to have the technology.

Regarding quality of service, both networks offer a 12 month-warranty on all equipment starting on the day of activation. Both also boast of a 24 hour customer support line as well as professional and well-mannered customer and sales representatives.

Now that you're armed with this information, it's time to take the next step. Whatever path you decide to take, both Dish Network and DirecTV offer excellent service. While you might see occasional complaints, you'll find a massive group of loyal subscribers.