Compared to Verizon, Comcast , Warner and Cox cables, The main distinction is the infrastructe, you can be in some remote location and still get satellite TV where as cable is only available in well established locations.
#1 - DISH
DISH is the premier satellite TV provider who offers both satellite TV and satellite Internet services. DISH is the most affordable satellite TV provider and on average the DISH plans can save you anywhere from $60 to $120 per year over DIRECTV. DISH comes loaded with features and packages for Sports, Movies, and the latest technology in digital video recording has twice the capacity compared to DIRECTV's genie and has access to more than twice the amount of On Demand titles. DISH even has the little features like Bluetooth integration and a remote control locator that make a big difference in the service and that no other satellite TV provider offers.
Advantages
- 320+ Channels
- Best Value
- FREE HD for Life®
- Portable Satellite Services
Pricing
- $19.99 to $84.99 per month
- Most Competitively Priced
#2 - DIRECTV (Direct TV)
DIRECTV packs a lot of channels and features for the price. DIRECTV's exclusive NFL Sunday Ticket makes them a very popular choice among sports fans. If your are going to watch football then DIRECTV is the clear winner. DIRECTV has comparable features to DISH and even more packages to choose from.
Advantages
- 285+ Channels
- Most Packages
- The Clear Leader in Sports
- More Full-time HD channels
Pricing
- $29.99 to $91.99 per month
- 3 Year Savings Program
DISH vs DIRECTV Satellite TV Comparison
| Companies | HD FREE For Life | DirecTV, Direct TV | |||||||
| Packages | America's Top 120TM | America's Top 120 PlusTM | America's Top 200TM | America's Top 250TM | ENTERTAINMENT | CHOICETM | XTRA | ULTIMATE | PREMIERTM |
| Channels | 190+ | 190+ | 235+ | 290+ | 140+ | 150+ | 205+ | 225+ | 285+ |
| PRICING | |||||||||
| Promotional Price | $24.99 per month for 12 months | $29.99 per month for 12 months | $34.99 per month for 12 months | $39.99 per month for 12 months | $29.99 per month | $29.99 per month for 1 year | $34.99 per month for 1 year | $39.99 per month for 1 year | $86.99 per month for 1 year |
| RECORDING OPTIONS | |||||||||
| Recording Package | Yes | Yes | |||||||
| Pause and Record |  | | | | | | | | |
| Record and Watch on Any TV | | | | | | | | | |
| # of Recordings at Once | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Recording Capacity | 2TB | 2TB | 2TB | 2TB | 1TB | 1TB | 1TB | 1TB | 1TB |
| Watch Anywhere (iPhone, iPad, Computer) | | | | | | | | | |
| Watch Anywhere Additional Equipment | Sling ($60) | Sling ($60) | Sling ($60) | Sling ($60) | Nomad ($149) | Nomad ($149) | Nomad ($149) | Nomad ($149) | Nomad ($149) |
| BEST SATELLITE PROVIDERS RATING | |||||||||
| Price/Performance |  |  | |||||||
| Channels | | | |||||||
| Options | | | |||||||
| Recording Capacity and Flexibility | | | |||||||
| PORTABLE SATELLITE | |||||||||
| Portable Satellite (The Tailgater®) | | | | | |||||
| Portable Satellite Antenna Cost | $350 | $350 | $350 | $350 | |||||
| SPORTS PACKAGES - ADDITIONAL | |||||||||
| NFL Sunday Ticket (Every Game) | | | | | | ||||
| NHL Center Ice (40 Games) | | | | | | | | | |
| NBA League Pass (40 Games) | | | | | | | | | |
| ESPN Full Court College Basketball | | | | | | | | | |
| ESPN GamePlan College Football | | | | | | | | | |
| MLS Direct Kick | | | | | | | | | |
| Fox Soccer Plus | | | | | | | | | |
| Racetrack Television Network | | | | | |||||
| Outdoor Sports | | | | | |||||
| PREMIUM CHANNELS - ADDITIONAL | |||||||||
| HBO® | | | | | | | | | |
| Cinemax® | | | | | | | | | |
| SHOWTIME® | | | | | | | | | |
| STARZ® | | | | | | | | | |
| ALL CHANNELS | |||||||||
| Channels | All Available Channels with the Highest Package | All Available Channels with the Highest Package | |||||||
Right now, DISH is a less expensive alternative to DIRECTV. On average a satellite TV subscriber can save anywhere from $60 to $120 per year by selecting DISH satellite TV service when compared to a similar plan on DIRECTV. Keep in mind that satellite TV package offerings can vary significantly in a relatively short period of time. Due to the fact that that there are currently only two major satellite TV providers, the competition is fierce. This only benefits you as a consumer; pure competition always creates new and better products for your satellite dish TV experience. As this technology is relatively new, we expect new entrants to this market that will enhance not only technology, but also lower pricing and improve products and choices for satellite dish TV viewing. Check back with directutor.com to keep abreast of changes in the marketplace. Time Warner Cable, Dish tv ,
What is the Best Satellite TV Deal?
Satellite Sat dish TV providers usually have an excellent offering that includes discounts from the monthly services for a limited time, or free premium channels like HBO, STARZ, SHOWTIME or CINEMAX. You will also commonly see satellite TV companies market their current promos and discounts on Direct TV, cable TV, trying to gain cable customers that be willing to switch to a satellite TV dish package.
Satellite TV offers more features than most cable providers in the market and is one of the reasons why dish satellite TV packages are becoming so popular. They also offer packages that combine satellite TV services with satellite Internet services. Your evaluation of the “best” deal may be dependent on your own individual use of these services. There are some limitations with satellite Internet, however if you primary use of internet is for “surfing”, those minimal limitations should not affect you. However, if you are big “game” user, satellite Internet may not be for you.
What is the Best Satellite TV Dish?The best satellite TV dish really comes down to who your provider is. Both DISH and DIRECTV have dishes that point to the southern sky. As long as you have a clear view of the southern sky you shouldn't have to worry about which dish is better because both will perform. Only heavy winds or storms can cause a temporary outage. The satellites are in orbit 23,000 miles above the earth. The reason why is so that they can keep the same rotation speed as the earth. So, when you connect to a satellite you will stay connected to it as it rotates at the same speed as the earth does. Which Provider Should I Go With?Both DIRECTV and DISH are going to be an excellent choice. Just look at the packages available and see which one best suits the way you watch tv. There are quite a few authorized DISH resellers and USDISH.com is one of the most popular. They provide all of the special offers and discounts and have a high-quality customer service. |
Mobile Satellite TV and Portable Satellite Dish
DISH is the only provider that offers mobile satellite TV services. The product from DISH is called The TailgaiterTM. It's perfect to take with you while on a long trip or if your are tailgating for your favorite sports team. The TailgaiterTM is a great way to get satellite TV on the road while traveling cross country or while going on a camping trip.
As of now only DISH offers this technology but we will keep you updated if any additional mobile satellite devices become available.
Compare Satellite TV Packages and Digital TV PackagesWe compare the most popular satellite TV packages on our site for both DISH and DIRECTV. Please take a look at the comparisons table where we compare each satellite TV provider in a side-by-side comparison so you can see which satellite TV provider will be best for what you are looking for. We get asked the question “What is the best satellite TV package?” a lot. It is probably the most asked question by our users and we always say the same answer which is, “It depends on why you are looking for.” If you are a big sports fan and are interested in watching NFL games then DIRECTV is the best with their Sunday Ticket. If you watch some TV but are more interested in the best that will be easy on your budget then we recommend DISH. So, the bottom line is, it all depends on what you want. | |
Bundling Phone and Internet with Satellite TVAlmost all satellite service providers offer TV, Internet and phone services individually. Many of them also offer a package of all three of the services at a reduced cost. The process is simple; if you just purchase one of these services, it is easier for you to switch to another satellite provider when your contracts ends than it is if you had purchased all three. Further, it is less expensive for your satellite TV provider to manage your account with three satellite services rather than one. You only have to listen to radio and TV commercials from the insurance companies to understand how heavily they market “ discounts” if you have your homeowners, auto and life policies with one company. The reason for this is that if they sell you more than one line of insurance their ability to keep you as a customer rises significantly. Ultimately, the “discount” is to their (satellite service provider or insurer) benefit as it costs them more to replace you as a customer than the cost of offering you the discount. | |
Most of the companies reviewed independently by our firm, BestSatelliteProviders.com, offer outstanding value in their packages. However, keep in mind the overall costs and benefits of your purchase. You don't want to be in a position as your satellite service provider contract comes to an end in which your are completely satisfied with two of the services and not so much the other (which may have increased in price over the life of the agreement).
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Major Advantages of Satellite TV versus Cable TVThe major advantages of satellite TV as opposed to Cable TV can be categorized as follows: Satellite TV Cost Satellite TV Programming | Another advantage is the availability of programming in a number of foreign languages. So if you are an ex-patriot you could watch your favorite shows in your native language. You also have the option of connecting your TV to the Internet. Quality and Reliability Of Satellite TV The ”individual system concept” makes it easier to troubleshoot problems compared to cable TV where there is a distribution network. When there is a problem within cable's distribution network many individual TV's are affected. To be fair, the effects of lightning storms, excessive wind, etc. can adversely affect satellite TV systems temporarily. However, these same elements can also knock out cable to an entire area, often for greater time periods than satellite TV systems, which can be simply adjusted after a storm. Satellite TV also offers Parental Lock-out options for those family members with “sensitive” ears. | History of Satellite TVInterestingly, the history of satellite TV dates back to the 1940's, well before the first satellite, Sputnik, was launched by the Russians in 1957. Arthur C. Clark, a British science fiction writer and inventor, theorized about the concept of artificial satellites in space that would improve earthly communications. His 1945 article “Extraterrestial Relays” explores artificial satellites that would track the rotation of the earth, providing constant communication with a specific area of the earth. This phenomenon is known as geosynchronous orbiting. Clark is probably best known for his writing of 2001: A Space Odyssey in 1968. In 1958, the United States launched its first satellite, Explorer 1. It wasn't until 1962 that the first TV satellite was launched that provided communication from Europe to the Telstar satellite of North America. Satellite communications improved during the 1960's and 1970's. Back then, satellite signals were received by large antennas and distributed to homes through cable. The 1975 heavyweight boxing match “The Thriller from Manilla” between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier was one of HBO's first huge satellite successes. | |
Throughout the mid Eighties and early Nineties television was delivered primarily by the cable companies. However, in the early nineties the launch of Primestar and Hughes DIRECTTV Satellite System began to change things. Instead of receiving satellite broadcasts via large antennas and directing them through the cable system, these new satellites used small antennas known as Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS). This technology enabled consumers to enjoy a direct connection between the orbiting TV satellites and their individual homes. Alas, the advent of what is now known as Satellite TV. | |||
Satellite TV Glossary of Terms
Broadcast Center: The satellite TV provider broadcasts TV content to the “mother” receiver via a high powered transmitter. The content is encrypted so that you receive the “package” of TV channels that you selected once you have chosen your best satellite TV provider.
Satellite: These are the “mother” satellites that are placed 22,300 miles above the earth and above the equator that rotate at the same speed as the earth. The signals are transmitted to these satellites, encrypted to your channel selection and transmitted back to your home satellite dish TV package.
Dish Antenna: Your home dish TV package then receives its content through your satellite TV system. Nowadays, a small parabolic TV dish antenna pointed southward, is all that you need.
Digital Receiver: A digital conversion box located in your home that is converted into the excellent picture and audio content that you purchased when you selected the best service provider for your satellite TV needs.
How Satellite TV WorksSatellite TV works in its simplest form by transmitting a television signal from the “ground” to an orbiting satellite then back to your satellite dish at your home. The signal is received by your satellite dish and processed to your set top box, which in turn, translates it into “usable” TV signals. But let's look into this a little further, giving you knowledge that may help in selecting the best satellite provider and dish TV packages for your individual needs. A little bit about synchronous orbit: Satellite TV systems would not work without the phenomenon of synchronous orbit. Basically, a satellite placed in an orbit 22,300 miles above the earth's equator will rotate at the same speed as the earth. Arthur Clarke, a noted British science fiction writer and novelist imagined this concept as early as 1945. This enables your home dish satellite to continually receive signals from the same orbiting satellite in space. Continuous connection to the orbiting satellite is the key to successful transmission to your home satellite TV system. This is why you must have an unobstructed southward view between your home satellite TV receiver (if you live north of the equator) and the orbiting “mother” satellite. Ever notice how all satellite TV system dishes in a neighborhood point the same way (southward in the US)? | |
The signals sent to the orbiting “mother” satellites are known as an uplink and, conversely, the signals sent from the “mother” satellite are known as the downlink. The downlink signals are sent to your home satellite TV system. In the beginning, home satellite TV dishes were very large, often times 9-12 feet in diameter. Like portable telephones that were very large at their onset, satellite TV dishes have shrunk to smaller versions less than two feet. So instead of having that albatross in your yard, satellite TV antennas are now almost unnoticeable. These smaller versions of satellites are known as DBS, or Direct Broadcast Satellites. The DBS satellites operate on a much higher frequency than the original broadcast satellite TV systems. Most of the content is broadcast in High Definition (HD) today. Essentially, there is a “loop” that exists to bring you your favorite satellite TV broadcasts. This “loop” consists of: a Broadcast center, a Satellite, a Dish Antenna and a Digital Receiver. | |
The GenieTM from DIRECTV
The GenieTM from DIRECTV is a powerful HD DVR. One of its main features is the ability to record as many as five different shows simultaneously, meaning the varied interests of different family members can be satisfied by a single recording device.