Compare Dish Network and DirecTV
Yeah, it’s normal for satellite TV shoppers to get confused and undecided between Dish Network and DirecTV.
The choice, however, is not difficult when informed. For your convenience here’s my take on Dish Network and DirecTV in various comparison categories: basics offer, satellite equipments, programming choices, as well as several addon services.
It’s, however, no surprise to see that both Dish Network and DirecTV offer more or less the same thing and get similar response from the consumers. They are, after all, entertainment services offered based on the same technology.
Dish Network vs DirecTV
| Comparisons | Dish Network | DirecTV | Personal Comment |
| The Basics | |||
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Free shipping? |
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The only notable difference (in term of basic offer) between these two is the pricing. Dish Network programming packages comes in pricing of $19.99/mo (DishFamily) – $94.98/mo (Dish AEP); while the (original) cost for DirecTV for the similar programming choice is slightly higher, ranging from $29.99/mo (DirecTV Family) – $104.99/mo (DirecTV Premier). |
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Free installation? |
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Picture/Audio |
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Customer satisfactions |
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| Standard Pricing |
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| Satellite Equipments | |||
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Satellite systems |
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Both Dish Network and DirecTV customers get free satellite systems (for up to 4 rooms), free DVR upgrades, and free HD upgrades. Satellite systems from certain Dish Network retailers (AllSat for example) are granted with lifetime warranty; while DirecTV setups are protected by 12 -24 months warranty. The differences between these two in term of satellite equipments, in my opinion, are minimal. In fact you should just skip comparing this section go further down. |
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Free DVR upgrades? |
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Free HD upgrades? |
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Warranty period |
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| Programming Choices | |||
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Std Programming |
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DirecTV and Dish Network are very different in term of programming choices. Both companies own different exclusive rights for different programming. DirecTV, for example, owns a series of exclusive broadcast rights in NASCAR and NFL (which Dish Network does not); Dish Network on the other hand, offers wider coverage in term of regional sports and International programming. Dish Network used to be the leader in HD programming coverages – well, not now anymore. DirecTV’s latest technology brought them back in #1 in HD entertaiment in satellite and cable industry. At the time of writing, DirecTV customers to get up to 130+ (compare to Dish Network’s 55+) High Definition channels – which I think is incredibly H-U-G-E!
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| Sports Programming |
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| Regional Sports |
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Int. Programming |
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HD channels |
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Local channels |
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| Extra Addon Services | |||
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Satellite radio |
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You’ll get Sirius Radio along with Dish Network services; DirecTV on the other hand offers XM Radio. Personally I prefer Sirius Radio over XM so I rate Dish Network one star above DirecTV. For the rest (customer supports, PPV, parent lock) of the features, both satellite TV providers offer more or less the same. |
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24-7 live |
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Multi CH. Features |
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Parent lock |
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Pay Per View |
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| Conclusion | |||
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Final Score |
18 |
15 |
As you can see Dish Network is slighltly better when compare to DirecTV in my score sheet. This, however, is based on my very own findings and preferences. |
 Get Dish Network Deals, Click Here | Get DirecTV deals, click here |
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DirecTV or Dish Network?
So, DirecTV or Dish Network? The choice is really on your hand. It’s generally agreed that if you’re a huge NFL or NASCAR sport fans – DirecTV is your choice; Dish Network on the other hand are more convenient for regional sports and International programming fans.
Not convinced? Learn more about Dish Network vs DirecTV here.