DirecTV and DISH Network – How Do The Two Leading Satellite
by:
Klaus Urbantke
DirecTV
and DISH Network – How Do The Two Leading Satellite TV Providers Stack Up?
If you
live in the U.S. and want satellite TV systems, you have essentially two
choices. Yes, there are else
providers out there, but for most viewers, DirecTV and DISH Network offer the
most choices for the least money, though Pegasus and Voom are fast becoming
major contenders in the satellite television industry.
Competition being what it is, several DirecTV and DISH Network offer
similar services and perpetually
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 several
differences that help customers decide which service better fits their viewing
needs. But first, a little
background on each provider strength
be helpful.
DirecTV
The
institution better-known as The DirecTV Group is ready-made up of four main units, which
include DirecTV U.S., DirecTV Latin America, PanAmSat, and Hughes Network
Systems (HNS). As a group, the
organization serves over 12 million U.S. satellite TV customers and another
1.5 million subscribers in Latin countries.
Through PanAmSat, they operate a fleet of 25 satellites capable of
providing satellite transmissions to 98% of the world.
And Hughes Network Systems operates a satellite-based user
broadband Net
access service better-known as DirecWay.
This component of Hughes has over 180,000 subscribers.
HNS is likewise one of the largest manufacturers of DirecTV set-top
receivers. The four several
aspects of The DirecTV Group give the institution a large, comprehensive base of
direct and indirect satellite customers.
Their partnerships with technology leaders such as AOL, Microsoft, and
TiVo likewise add to their client base.
There
are plans for up and increasing
services in efforts to attract much
customers. Hughes Network
Services is developing SPACEWAY, a much advanced satellite broadband
communications package that is expected to provide customers with much
inexpensive high-speed, two-way data communications. SPACEWAY is expected to be
introduced in 2005.
DirecTV
has been actively working to increase the number of markets wherever
they offer
local programming. In Gregorian calendar month of
this year, the institution adscititious 18 new markets that wish obtain local channels
via the DirecTV(R) programming service. By
year-end, the institution plans to offer local channels in a minimum of 130
markets, representing 92% of U.S. television households.
Continuing
marketing and development of their Telecasting and DVR products wish
likewise be a part of their plans to expand their client base.
Two several basic dish designs and several some manufacturers
provide DirecTV consumers with a number of dish options.
DirecTV
subscribers have a select of two basic dish designs for their satellite
service. The round dish is the
much common 18" design that has been popular across the country.
The oval dish or low noise blockdown (LNB) dish is able to obtain
information from much than one satellite and is required for those who want to
obtain local channels, HDTV, or Spanish language programming.
Popular
manufacturers of DirecTV compatible dishes include Hughes, Sony, Phillips, and
RCA. Current DirecTV sales and
deals offer the satellite dish and else instrumentality for free with a one-year
commitment. It could cost
anyplace
from $50 to over $200 to purchase the DirecTV compatible dish
separately.
DISH Network
EchoStar
Communications Corporation and their DISH Network service are Hughes
Network’s top competitors. Headquartered
in Englewood Colorado, EchoStar has been a leader in the satellite TV industry
for over 20 years. The company,
based by Charlie Ergen, began as a distributor of C-band cable television
systems and filed for a Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) license in 1987.
The institution received broadcast access in 1992, launched its own
satellite, EchoStar I, in 1995, and introduced DISH Network in 1996.
Today,
the institution has 9 satellites, and through DISH Network, provides over 500
channels of video, audio, and data satellite services to over 8.5 million
customers in the U.S. In addition
to satellite television services, DISH Network customers can likewise obtain high
speed Internet, Interactive TV (on demand programming), and High Definition TV
(HDTV).
HDTV
is EchoStar's latest innovation, which reportedly delivers inordinately
sharp images and integrated sound by digitizing television programming.
Broadcasting all DISH Network programming in wide-screen format and
transmittal
up to 10 per centum much pixels, Telecasting provides a clearer much
proportionate picture.
In
August of 2003, EchoStar was the 1st institution to offer a satellite receiver
with 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.
Much advanced receivers provide increased
services.
DISH
Network services can be purchased on-line or through a local retailer.
Unlike its competitor, DirecTV, DISH Network offers instrumentality
installation. This service
ordinarily involves a fee, but often is offered at free or reduced rates through
special sales promotions.
The
instrumentality required for DISH Network satellite TV is essentially the same as for
DirecTV service. You need a dish,
a satellite receiver, and the access cards.
Depending on the type of satellite TV you want, you have several
choices for equipment. Whether
you want standard satellite TV or Digital Video Recording (DVR), or High
Definition (HD) options, you wish need a dish.
Each type of service requires a several dish, but that is determined
for you once
you choose your package.
A Comparison
So how
do the two leading satellite television services compare?
Some
offer over 200 channels and Pay Per View selections, DVD
recorders, Telecasting and seven HD channels each.
But from there, things take issue
somewhat.
Here’s a side-by-side listing of the several packages and the
services provided. Look them over
and decide which satellite TV service is better for your budget and viewing
needs.
>
DIRECTV
>
Dish
Network
>
Receiver
>
Included
with cost plan
>
Free
to $149 depending on selection
>
HDTV
Receiver
>
$399
>
$449
>
Dish
>
Included
>
Included
>
Lowest
cost plan
>
$36.99
per month
>
$24.99
per month
>
Highest
cost plan
>
$87.99
per month
>
$77.99
per month
>
Satellite
Internet
>
Yes
>
No
>
Just about the author:
About
the Author:
C.J.
Gustafson is a flourishing freelance writer for 1st-Dish-TV.net
who has written many
articles on satellite TV. She in person
has no
preference between the DISH
Network and DIRECTV,
as long as she can get the History Channel.
Copyright 2004 1st-Dish-TV.net
