At first glance, DIRECTV and DISH Network’s satellite television service look quite similar. But there are differences that you should be aware of. Here is a comparison of DIRECTV and DISH Network services.
Programming
DIRECTV has 265 satellite television channels, while DISH Network has 355 channels. These channels run the gamut of entertainment, including network channels, movie channels, sports channels, news and weather channels, special interest channels, and international channels.
DIRECTV prices start at $29.99 per month for 45 channels, including local channels: ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and The CW. DISH Network prices start at $19.99 per month for 40 channels, with local channels an extra $5 per month.
movie channels
Both companies offer 31 movie channels from HBO, Showtime, Cinemax and Starz. Package prices start at $11.99 per month for 10 Showtime channels and go up to $14.99 per month for 8 HBO channels.
pay per view service
With pay-per-view, you can have a recently released movie delivered to your receiver so you can watch a movie without having to go to a video store to get it. DIRECTV offers 60 movies per month, plus sports and special events, with prices starting at $3.99 per movie. DISH Network features 75 movies per month, plus sports and special events, starting at $3.99 per movie.
music channels
DIRECTV offers 73 XM satellite radio channels, while DISH Network offers 52 proprietary music channels plus 60 Sirius satellite radio channels. Both companies’ music channels are commercial-free and broadcast in CD-quality digital audio.
Equipment
Both satellite TV companies will give you a free 4-room satellite TV system, including installation, when you order one of their program packages. You also have the option of getting a free HD receiver so you can watch your shows in high definition or a free DVR receiver so you can record your shows. You can even get an HD receiver/DVR combo.
Customer service
If you experience problems with your system, or just have questions about how to use it, both companies have a 24-hour toll-free customer support hotline and online customer service feature so you can get help when you need it.
The bottom line
When it comes to equipment, DIRECTV and DISH Network dishes and receivers are similar in quality and design. However, I find DISH Network’s remote control and its program guide a bit easier to use than DIRECTV’s.
When it comes to programming, DIRECTV has the most sports channels, including the popular NFL Sunday Ticket, while DISH Network offers the most movies, music, international channels, and pay-per-view movies.
DIRECTV has a few more HD (high definition) channels, but DISH Network is catching up.
