DirecTV vs. Dish Network
When it comes to choosing satellite TV, you really only have two choices:
DirecTV or Dish Network. DirecTV and Dish Network are the top providers of
satellite television in the US. They each have something to offer and their
pitfalls. Here’s a link to Dish Network packages and prices. Here’s a link that
shows a comparison of Dish and DirecTV.
Price
Dish Network is the cheaper option. It offers the lowest prices, starting at
about $30 a month, with promotional rates as low as $15 a month. DirecTV
isn’t much higher; packages start at $55 a month, with promotional rates at
about $20 a month. If you want premium channels, they cost about the same
on either provider. Both companies offer these prices on a two-year contract.
The Packages
DirecTV and Dish both offer five packages, but DirecTV’s packages include
more and better channels. Although the price may be slightly higher, you get
more for your money with DirecTV. DirecTV also has the most HD channels
and is known as having the best sports programming.
In addition, DirecTV offers an On-Demand feature, which gives regular
subscribers access to thousands of shows and movies at no extra cost.
These can be watched anywhere there’s an internet connection. Dish doesn’t
offer On-Demand programming yet, although it does have Dish Anywhere,
which lets subscribers watch programming on mobile devices. Dish also
offers a limited subscription to Blockbuster @Home, a streaming service like
Netflix.
Equipment
Both companies offer DVR receivers for HD and SD capabilities. Dish has
the Hopper, which can record up to eight shows at once and will let you
instantly skip commercials. You can use Dish Anywhere to watch your
recorded shows on mobile devices. DirecTV’s answer to this is Genie, which
can record up to five shows. The Genie also lets you use one HD DVR for
televisions in every room in the house. With the ability to skip commercials
on recorded shows and a few other features, Dish just barely beats out
DirecTV on this one.
Customer Service
DirecTV and Dish Network both offer standard customer service features,
like 24/7 assistance. While Dish lets you contact them via phone, email, chat,
and Twitter (DirecTV is just phone and email), DirecTV has a better
reputation. Dish is making an effort, but DirecTV is the winner in this
category. It’s hard to beat a good reputation for customer service.
Conclusion
Dish has the lower price and the Hopper. DirecTV has better, more-for-your-
money packages and solid customer service. So which is the winner? Well, it
depends on your preference. If you don’t mind fewer channels, then you can
go with Dish and get the lower price. But if you want certain channels and
more variety, then DirecTV is the winner. If skipping commercials instantly on
recorded shows is important, then Dish’s Hopper is the way to go. If you are
more concerned with getting adequate and friendly customer service, then it
goes back to DirecTV. On paper, the score is 2-2, a tie. In reality, one
company is going to win in each home, and that decision will have to be
made by personal preference.
© 2012 by USSatellite
US Satellite