Comparison of DirectTV & Dish Network
Direct Broadcast Satellite, Dish Network, and Cable
What does the competition among DirecTV, a provider of direct broadcast satellite TV; Dish Network and cable television companies mean to you? It means you have choices in how you access television and entertainment content, whether we're talking about the major networks, local stations, pay-per-view movies, concerts, sporting events, or interactive tv - and gives you the power to choose. Let's take a brief overview of DirecTV compared with Dish Network.
DirecTV is a public company that has grown tremendously from its launch in 1994 when it had 320,000 subscribers. Today it transmits digital satellite TV to more than 19,000,000 homes, businesses and institutions in the U.S., Latin America and the Caribbean. Through a partnership it also serves customers in Mexico. This demonstrates that DirecTV is a large company with substantial resources.
How does the DirecTV option actually work? A simple explanation would be that your signal comes in via your DirecTV satellite dish installed at your location. To unscramble the satellite's signal data and make it accessible for you, you'll use a receiver and a DirecTV access card. That's a very basic overview, details are available on this site and through our customer service professionals.
You'll have the option to choose among various programming packages based on a monthly fee. You can choose DVR/HD options as well the option to add more receivers for your location depending on your needs and your budget. You'll have pay-per-view content options and other premium packages, as well as channels you can only get via DirecTV - including exclusive access to certain NFL, NASCAR, golf and tennis events.
Some areas and states with Direct TV Specials included in them: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Dish Network is also a large, resourceful, publicly traded company with more than 14 million customers in the United States. It was founded in 1996 and is based in Colorado. Today the company is acquiring companies and forming partnerships that will help it offer mobile video and wireless high-speed internet services.
With Dish, there are different equipment packages offered to accommodate a varied range of satellites. On the most basic level you'll be using a dish and receiver and for details, ask your customer service representative, who can provide you with more information. You'll also have options for various premium channel packages based on content choices you can make, and these might include on-demand movies, sporting events, games and DVD rentals.
Whichever provider you choose, keep in mind that the availability of specific programming may change. Content has value, whether it's paying for a magazine subscription or paying for data packages on our cell phones, and wherever there is value in the marketplace, there is the possibility of change.
The communications industry operates in a very competitive, dynamic environment. Companies like DirecTV and Dish Network that distribute signals and content compete with cable companies, and companies that provide the content, from television and movie studios to sports franchises, also operate in highly competitive arenas. Agreements to bring you specific shows or events can be changed, extended, renewed or may not be renewed. So for that reason, be aware that you can ask if the content you love best that is available now, will be available in future, and if so, is it known for how long? But have realistic expectations: These environments are dynamic, not static. Companies grow and change with demand and with the times, and you as the consumer need to be aware that access to content is evolving. Are you old enough to remember when watching TV meant deciding which of the three network channels you'd watch? One final word: always ask about fees and be sure to get a detailed explanation of what your bill will include each month. It might even help to take some notes to review later. Make sure that you ask about the pricing for any changes or upgrades you might make as well.
It's exciting, and worth it to enjoy the entertainment content you want. With the options you have today, all you need is patience and a list of questions, and you'll be ready to choose the best provider and plan for you. It's then up to you to decide whether to make a bowl of popcorn and settle in to watch the game, or take a class on TV while dinner sizzles in the oven. Pick and choose the best option for your needs. We are here to help.
Direct TV satellite television service will give you a great selection of channels and shows via satellite technology even if you live in a rural or isolated area where broadband cable isn't available. You'll be able to get the same shows, sports and movies that everyone is talking about. Imagine the fun you'll have in the comfort and convenience of your own home. You'll be an insider when it comes to exciting, entertaining and informative tv shows and channels. You can even choose to have more than one room set up for Direct TV.
You'll start with Direct TV by choosing a package and service term, typically a minimum of 12 months, but can be for 24 months to get the best rates and incentives. Evaluate the packages, options and deals at the front end carefully, and ask questions, so you know what you're paying for in your monthly billing. There's no such thing as a free lunch, so wear your smart-shopper hat, and at the same time, be prepared to be wowed when it comes to free incentives and upgrades that you might be offered.
Professional installation of a satellite dish outside and a box inside your home is included. If you plan to have more than one room included in your satellite tv viewing experience, ask at the time of signing up for your package level what additional costs may be involved to set up those additional rooms. Sometimes it comes as a free incentive with certain packages, so it pays to ask.
Currently, here are highlights of three popular packages with Direct TV. Pricing here reflects a two-year term. Starting at just $29.99 per month after rebate, you can choose the CHOICE package that includes free professional installation, 150+ channels, Direct TV on demand for special shows and movies, and a free 3 months of Showtime. You can choose one free upgrade with this, such as HD DVR, DVR or HD receiver, and some additional fees may apply depending on the upgrade you select.
The CHOICE XTRA package is $34.99 per month after rebate. You get 210+ channels, free professional installation, Direct TV on demand with more shows and movie options than in the CHOICE package, and three months free of one premium channel that can include HBO or Cinemax, but some additional fees may apply depending on which one you pick. You can take advantage of a selection of free upgrades that include options for a whole-home upgrade, an HD DVR, an HD receiver, and free HD in one or more rooms. Ask for details.
The CHOICE ULTIMATE package gives you 225+ channels, free professional installation, extra movie channels, Direct TV on Demand and a free 3 months of a premium entertainment channel such as Starz, plus a selection of free upgrades. The monthly fee is $39.99 after rebate. Ask about any additional fees and additional free upgrades available
More channels and options are available in Premium packages; ask you customer service representative for details.
Direct TV is a great option that many people have thoroughly checked out and signed with. When you see all you get, the value is there. Contact your Direct TV representative now.