Satellite Tv

Directv And Dish Network ? How Do The Two Leading Satellite Tv Providers Stack Up?

DirecTVand DISH Network ? How Do The Two Leading Satellite TV Providers Stack Up?

If youlive in the U.S. and want satellite TV systems, you have basically twochoices. Yes, there are otherproviders out there, but for most viewers, DirecTV and DISH Network offer themost choices for the least money, although Pegasus and Voom are fast becomingmajor contenders in the satellite television industry. Competition being what it is, both DirecTV and DISH Network offersimilar services and constantly adjust to add features and outdo their rivals. So how do you choose between the two? A side-by-side comparison of the services and prices shows somedifferences that help customers decide which service best fits their viewingneeds. But first, a littlebackground on each provider might be helpful.

DirecTV

Thecompany known as The DirecTV Group is made up of four main units, whichinclude DirecTV U.S., DirecTV Latin America, PanAmSat, and Hughes NetworkSystems (HNS). As a group, theorganization serves over 12 million U.S. satellite TV customers and another1.5 million subscribers in Latin countries. Through PanAmSat, they operate a fleet of 25 satellites capable ofproviding satellite transmissions to 98% of the world. And Hughes Network Systems operates a satellite-based consumerbroadband Internet access service known as DirecWay. This component of Hughes has over 180,000 subscribers. HNS is also one of the largest manufacturers of DirecTV set-topreceivers. The four differentaspects of The DirecTV Group give the company a large, comprehensive base ofdirect and indirect satellite customers. Their partnerships with technology leaders such as AOL, Microsoft, andTiVo also add to their customer base.

Thereare plans for improving and expanding services in efforts to attract morecustomers. Hughes NetworkServices is developing SPACEWAY, a more advanced satellite broadbandcommunications package that is expected to provide customers with moreaffordable high-speed, two-way data communications. SPACEWAY is expected to beintroduced in 2005.

DirecTVhas been actively working to increase the number of markets where they offerlocal programming. In January ofthis year, the company added 18 new markets that will receive local channelsvia the DirecTV(R) programming service. Byyear-end, the company plans to offer local channels in a minimum of 130markets, representing 92% of U.S. television households. Continued marketing and development of their HDTV and DVR products willalso be a part of their plans to expand their customer base. Two different basic dish designs and several different manufacturersprovide DirecTV consumers with a number of dish options.

DirecTVsubscribers have a choice of two basic dish designs for their satelliteservice. The round dish is themore common 18" design that has been popular across the country. The oval dish or low noise blockdown (LNB) dish is able to receiveinformation from more than one satellite and is required for those who want toreceive local channels, HDTV, or Spanish language programming.

Popularmanufacturers of DirecTV compatible dishes include Hughes, Sony, Phillips, andRCA. Current DirecTV sales anddeals offer the satellite dish and other equipment for free with a one-yearcommitment. It could costanywhere from $50 to over $200 to purchase the DirecTV compatible dishseparately.

DISH Network

EchoStarCommunications Corporation and their DISH Network service are HughesNetwork's top competitors. Headquarteredin Englewood Colorado, EchoStar has been a leader in the satellite TV industryfor over 20 years. The company,founded by Charlie Ergen, began as a distributor of C-band cable televisionsystems and filed for a Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) license in 1987. The company received broadcast access in 1992, launched its ownsatellite, EchoStar I, in 1995, and introduced DISH Network in 1996.

Today,the company has 9 satellites, and through DISH Network, provides over 500channels of video, audio, and data satellite services to over 8.5 millioncustomers in the U.S. In additionto satellite television services, DISH Network customers can also receive highspeed Internet, Interactive TV (on demand programming), and High Definition TV(HDTV).

HDTVis EchoStar's latest innovation, which reportedly delivers extraordinarilysharp pictures and integrated sound by digitizing television programming. Broadcasting all DISH Network programming in wide-screen format andtransmitting up to 10 percent more pixels, HDTV provides a clearer moreproportionate picture.

InAugust of 2003, EchoStar was the first company to offer a satellite receiverwith a built-in digital video recorder (DVR). A DISH Network standard DVR receiver allows viewers to stop, rewind,fast forward and record up to 60 hours of live TV programming. More advanced receivers provide enhanced services.

DISHNetwork services can be purchased on-line or through a local retailer. Unlike its competitor, DirecTV, DISH Network offers equipmentinstallation. This serviceusually involves a fee, but often is offered at free or reduced rates throughspecial sales promotions.

Theequipment needed for DISH Network satellite TV is basically the same as forDirecTV service. You need a dish,a satellite receiver, and the access cards. Depending on the type of satellite TV you want, you have severalchoices for equipment. Whetheryou want standard satellite TV or Digital Video Recording (DVR), or HighDefinition (HD) options, you will need a dish. Each type of service requires a different dish, but that is determinedfor you when you choose your package.

A Comparison

So howdo the two leading satellite television services compare? Both offer over 200 channels and Pay Per View selections, DVDrecorders, HDTV and seven HD channels each. But from there, things differ somewhat. Here's a side-by-side listing of the different packages and theservices provided. Look them overand decide which satellite TV service is best for your budget and viewingneeds.