When it comes to the digital TV offered by Dishnetwork and DirecTV, in the end, it all comes down to the type of satellite TV programming you want and the packages that are available.

There are some differences between the digital TV packages offered by Dishnetwork and DirecTV, however. This article will explore these differences and attempt to explain how you can make a decision based on what each company has to offer.

When signing up for a satellite TV package, both Dishnetwork and DirecTV offer new customers free equipment packages, including a satellite dish and a few digital receivers. System installation comes for free as well, and you may even get a few months of free digital programming on top of everything.

With Direct TV you get free satellite receivers and you don't have to pay any upfront costs. With Dish Network you get free satellite receivers but you don't own them. And you have to pay a small up front cost, which is later refunded as a rebate on your first service bill. As far as monthly service rates go, Dish Network and Direct TV are practically the same price, but of course, the final cost depends on the programming package you end up selecting.

For both providers the installation times are comparable, at about 3-7 days for each company. DirecTV offers TiVo support, while Dishnetwork does not, although Dishnetwork does support their own personal video recording (PVR).

Both companies offer local channels support, but this may change depending on the programming package you select. Be sure to check up on this before making a final decision and purchasing your television programming package.

Both Dishnetwork and DirecTV come with foreign language programming and have reputable customer service. If you have a problem with your service, it shouldn't be difficult to get everything fixed in a short amount of time, and with the least amount of hassle possible.

You can get digital video and audio services from both companies. The major difference between the two is that DirecTV only offers 250 channel choices, while Dishnetwork offers 500 channels from which to choose with an amazing selection of international channels. Although, Direct TV does have more channels that are HD capable.

DirecTV offers certain sports programming that Dishnetwork can't broadcast, such as specific sports channels including NHL Center Ice, MLB Extra Innings, NFL Sunday Ticket, NBA League Pass (broadcasting almost every NFL game that's played) and Yankee games. This company also reaches cities Dishnetwork does not, including Milwaukee, Memphis, Baltimore, Las Vegas, and Columbus.

At the same time, Dishnetwork reaches Grand Rapids, Oklahoma City, Albuquerque, and Honolulu, which cities are not able to receive DirecTV. Whatever company you end up choosing, make sure you pick a package that works well for your family and fits into your budget.