Dish Network and DirecTV Offers From JMJSatellite.com

The biggest decision when choosing a television service provider is deciding whether to go with satellite television or cable TV. Cable TV providers tend to be a hassle and charge more than satellite. Depending on your viewing habits and your interests, you might check that either Direct TV or Dish Network is the better option for you. Having plenty of information about what each company offers is the best way to make the right option.

When you choose your television service provider, you probably look for a combination of value (price) and programming options. If you are interested in a particular service like high definition television or international programming, you also look for plenty of options. When it comes to satellite television you would check some subtle and some not-so-subtle differences that might sway your opinion.

Both Dish Network and Direct TV have really good values and low prices for the level of programming. However, depending on what type of programming you are looking for and what type of equipment you need, you might check that one company is a much better value. For instance, right now Direct TV is offering their Total option Plus package with DVR service for $49.99. This includes a free DVR, over 185 channels, andn locals. Dishnetwork has a DVR package that includes free installation, free DVRs and 200 channels for $39.99 each month. This package also includes one premium movie channel. Depending on your viewing needs, either of these packages might be the better option. Dish Network tends to offer slightly better deals.

When it comes to basic entertainment, both Direct TV and Dish Network have you covered. Each company gives you the most viewed channels like Cartoon Network, CNN, Lifetime, and TNT. However, each company includes the channels in different packages. For instance, you acquire Animal Planet with Direct TV’s smallest television package but you do not acquire it through Dish Network until you have reached the middle-level package. When it comes to premium movie channels, each company also has a different way of providing these to customers. Dish Network lets you add them to any programming package or acquire all four premium movie packages along with over 250 channels in the America’s Everything Pak. Direct TV includes four premium movie packages in its Total option Premier package, which also includes DVR service.

Both Direct TV and Dish Network throw many extras in with their programming packages. Direct TV includes locals and XM satellite radio in with every package. Larger packages have more satellite radio stations, but even the smallest one has many dozen. Dish Network gives you Sirius satellite radio instead, but also includes it with every programming package. Each company has a large variety of Pay Per View movies and events, though Dish Network also has Dish on Demand programming.

When it comes to high definition television, both satellite providers could give you access that could be added on to any package. Dish Network gives its HDTV channels only as an add-on, but Direct TV offers Total option Plus HD which combines the 185 channels of option Xtra with all of the company’s high definition channels. Right now Direct TV has about 11 HDTV channels plus locals where available. Dish Network has an undeniably larger HDTV selection with over 31 channels available, plus locals and some HD Pay Per View.

Either satellite company could offer you the clear quality of digital television and the convenience of features like the electronic program guides, interactive television, and software upgrades via satellite. They also both have exceptionally advanced technologies that allow customers extremely high quality viewing experiences.

Customer Satisfaction

Dish Network Satellite TV is ranked at the top in customer satisfaction among all the cable television & satellite TV providers.

Direct TV is ranked second in customer satisfaction among all the cable television & satellite providers.

Dish Network vs DirecTV Promotions — The Bottom Line

The customer service and level of technology is alike with both satellite companies so it is impossible to make a poor option when choosing between them. Just look for the programming package and price that most appeals to you and you would acquire high quality satellite entertainment with great values. Both companies are currently offering special HDTV and DVR deals. Tired of hassles with Cable TV? Switch your home entertainment to satellite TV. Click one of the links to sign up now for the best Direct TV Special Deals and Dish Network Special Deals.

Based on user feedback about excellent customer service, installation and programming deals we highly recommend Dish Network by iDishNetwork.com (one of the top online authorized EchoStar retailers).

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First of all, unlike earlier satellite communications which relied on a motorized dish to chase the mobile satellites across the sky, modern satellites are placed into a geosynchronous orbit about 37,000 km (22,300 miles) up. This means that they always remain above the same point on the earth’s surface. That way, all dishes on the earth could be pointed at a fixed location, and the satellite would always be there.

The signal to be broadcast originates at an “uplink center”, which collects nationwide programming from cable television networks and local programming from broadcast networks and encrypts it so that the programming cannot be intercepted by non-paying users. The uplink facility uses a large dish, 9 to 12 meters (or 30 to 40 feet) wide, to accurately send a high-strength signal to the orbiting satellite.

The satellite, in turn, converts the signal to a different microwave frequency band, so that the downlink doesn’t cause interference with the uplink. The two most common frequencies used in United States satellite TV broadcasts are the “C-band” (4 to 6 GHz) and the “Ku band” (12 to 18 GHz).

After traveling more than 50,000 miles, and being converted in between, the signal that arrives at the receiving dish on the outside of the consumer’s home is fairly weak. It is focused by a bowl-shaped parabolic dish onto a device in the center called a “feed horn”, which channels the signal to a “low-noise block downconverter” (LNB) which filters out unpreferred interference, and sometimes converts it to yet another frequency before amplifying it and sending it to the satellite receiver box inside the house through a coaxial cable.

The satellite receiver box converts the signal to an analog television, audio or data signal. The receiver might be equipped to decrypt the coded signal itself, or it may require a separate box or a “smart card” plug-in (either to the receiver box or to the television to perform the decoding. A single receiver could serve only one television or computer; multiple receivers must be purchased to offer signal to multiple devices, including watching one channel and recording on another.

Many receivers also include integrated digital video recorders (DVR), allowing them to rewind and pause live television, and to record and store their favorite shows on a built-in hard drive. There are also increasing numbers of high-definition television (HDTV) satellite receivers and DVRs available.

Newer technologies being integrated into the system include pay-per-view functionality, interactive television channels, and video-on-demand (COD) channels.

The competition for between satellite TV providers, and between satellite and cable providers, is quite fierce. The advantages of being the first to offer new features are driving the pace of invention among satellite technology providers, so we could expect to see much more breakthroughs in the near future.

Viewing satellite television high definition is the next step in enhancing television viewing. Both the major service providers in America, Dish network and DirecTV offer excellent High definition viewing facilities by addressing this need in their own respective ways.

The service offers the customer with a free of cost satellite TV system which has a satellite dish and a 4-room receiver system. They also offer a free HDTV receiver. This receiver offers the best quality picture in high definition and also offers a Dolby Digital surround system to give you a listening experience that boasts of being three dimensional.

Whilst Dish network offers this HDTV receiver for free, DirecTV customers have to mail in a $99 rebate for the same facility. Both these providers offer a set of HDTV DVR receivers for $199. By means of this facility you could record the shows, pause an ongoing show and rewatch the whole show if desired.

DISH Network HD service has to offer over 30 channels in high defintion in their bronze package costing $29.99 a month, which include channels like Discovery HD, Equator HD, Animania HD, ESPN HD, Film Fest, FU, Food Network HD, HD News, HDNet Movies, World Cinema, Monsters HD, Majestic HD, HGTV and much more. n the other hand DirecTV offers an 8-channel package in HD that includes HD Net, Discovery HD Theatre, ESPN HD, HD Pay-Per-View, ESPN2 HD, HD Net Movies, Universal HD and TNT HD for $9.99 per month.

Though both the service providers are really alike in their services and the quality of service that they offer, DISH network still takes the trophy with 30 HD channels compared to the 8 HD channel package offered by DirecTV.

When it comes to choosing a television provider, it is significant to have plenty of options. That is why is is so great that there are multiple satellite television companies. Once a family decides that it doesn’t prefer to pay the high prices that cable television demands or continue with the inferior service that most cable companies offer, satellite television becomes the obvious option. However, it could be hard to make the decision between Dish TV and DirecTV. They each have a different way of offering channels and could bring different programming options to your house. You would also check a difference in the prices they charge for service. Comparing the two companies before making your decision is a smart way to be sure you acquire what you are really looking for.

Because the price of your television service is probably a really significant factor in determining which service you choose, you would prefer to carefully compare the prices of the two satellite television companies. Different specials and the inclusion of equipment and installation with some packages but not others makes the comparison less than clear cut. However, it is easy to compare the price of service once you know what type of service you prefer. For instance, if you prefer a mid-level package with DVR service and local channels, you could compare what that would cost through each company. However, you would still check that one company’s mid-level service has a different number of channels than the other. Overall, though, Dish Network tends to be less expensive for its programming packages and offers less expense equipment. Direct TV ’s values aren’t always quite as good, but they do run specials that make them more competitive.

Both satellite television companies have fairly alike package selections. You would check a different number of channels in each package and some packages would include service like a digital video recorder, but the actual channels are pretty much the same. Dishnetwork TV has chosen to offer three main packages called the America’s Top Entertainment packages, which come in a 100, 200, and 250 channel variety. At the lower end, you acquire the basic channels like ESPN, Comedy Central, CNN, CBS, and TNT. When you subscribe to the higher end, you also acquire premium Movies, and specialty channels like Bloomberg TV and the Movie Channel. The Dishnet DVR Advantage package is the America’s Top 200 plus the addition of DVR access. If you would also like HDTV access, you could add a 31 channel HD package to any programming package. 31 channels is the largest HDTV package that is available at this time through any television service provider.

Direct TV also has three main programming packages, but includes more variations for HDTV and DVR access. This company starts with 140 channels in their Total option package and increases to 250 channels in the Total option Premier package. In between is a 185 channel package that also comes in two variations- one for HDTV access and one for DVR service. In Direct TV’s largest package you acquire over 60 channels of sports and premium movie access. High Definition TV (HDTV) programming could be added individually to programming packages or accessed through one of the special variations on the regular packages. DirecTV’s HDTV selection is not as large as Dish Network’s with only about one third of the channels.

You would also check difference between the two satellite television service providers in terms of the amount of interactive television, sports programming and other specialty programming. Dish Network tends to be stronger in its selection of specialty programming like foreign language programming, interactive television and On Demand Movies, but DirecTV has slightly more sports programming.

Overall, Dish Network tends to make a great option for most families looking for good values in satellite entertainment. Direct TV is also a good option, but its values are not quite as strong. It’s time to threw of Cable TV. Switch now.

It’s not surprise to know that both Dish Network and DirecTV’s offers are more or less the same, as both companies are offering their services based on the same technology. Both satellite companies are offering their service in a great bargain, giving out free satellite systems, free DVR and HD systems, as well as valuable incentive gifts. In fact the TV programming options are more or less the same as well with Dish and DirecTV.

Comparing the basics

So Dish Network and DirecTV, who should we choose? Let’s check out the basics to know before we move on for the comparison guide:

Both Dish and DirecTV offer free satellite and DVR equipment. While the offers look pretty the same but it’s actually not if you study detail enough. Dish Network’s equipments are granted with 18 months warranty; while DirecTV has only 1 year - that’s a six month different. Further more, DirecTV charge extra $4.99 per TV if you prefer to connect your system to extra TVs; while Dish Network cost zero. In other words, you acquire better bargains with Dish Network when you are ordering more ‘TVs’.

Dish Network programming are packed as Dish Family, America’s Top 100, Top 200, Top 250; while for DirecTV, shoppers acquire to choose from DirecTV option, option XTra, Plus, Premier, and Family. Dish Network programming package pricing range from $19.99 to $89.99 per month; while DirecTV monthly subscription fees are a little higher, from $29.99 to $99.99.

Both DirecTV and Dish Network have about 250 TV channels for their users to choose from. (That’s more than you could watch huh!) In term of programming options, Dish has better advantage in term of International programming (like Spanish channels in Latino Dos package and Chinese channels in Great Wall TV package); DirecTV on the other hand covers more sport actions around the States. NFL Sunday Ticket and Nascar HotShots are the sport packages where you could only check with DirecTV.

Dish Network or DirecTV? Pick the right deal

Moment of truth, Dish Network and DirecTV, who should you go for? Well, that’s an answer that only you could answer yourself. Are you a NFL fans that wish to acquire more NFL actions? Are you willing to pay a little higher monthly subscription fees for DirecTV? Does programming in Great Wall TV package interest you?

Also, High definition Television (or HDTV) is becoming the latest trend in TV industry – Do you have one in home? If so, the availability of HD channels might be one of your considerations when choosing between Dish Network and DirecTV. Dish is so far the best TV company that’s offering more than 30 HD channels. DirecTV and other cable companies cannot even come close to that level.

General speaking, shoppers who are more into sport channels normally go for DirecTV; while others (especially those with HDTV) normally enjoy Dish Network, for a lower monthly subscription fees.

As TV goes, I watch my fair share. I have a room in the basement dedicated to the audio visual experience. Movies, network television, home videos, and reruns of the X-Files on DVD; I love them all. (Speaking of which, when did that Fox guy acquire younger than me, exactly?) I’d be the perfect television and video expert if not for the fact that I really enjoy bad science fiction and horror movies, so hence cannot really be trusted. I have some thoughts on Direct TV, or as the trade name says, “DirecTV”.

DirecTV is a direct broadcast satellite (DBS) service based in El Segundo, California, USA. The direct TV network transmits digital satellite television and audio to households in the United States, the Caribbean, and Latin America (with the exception of Mexico). DirecTV is owned by DIRECTV Group, which in turn is controlled by Liberty Media, which is not controlled by space aliens (unless you ask the right people).

From an oh-so-boring technical point of view, DirecTV typically uses a fixed 18-inch diameter dish antenna to receive its signals. This is an upgrade of sorts from the traditional 18-24 inch elliptical originally used that was not able to accommodate the higher bandwidth requirements of additional programming. New technical challenges are being addressed by the installation of a dish that has five LNBs for HDTV programming and local channels in selected markets. These systems receive signals from up to five separate satellites in both the Ku-band and Ka-band. Phew, that was hard.

But why choose DirecTV over the competition? Like its competitors, DirecTV offers high definition television (HDTV) and interactive services. Additional benefits to the brilliant picture include substantial sports coverage, state of the art video hardware with built in video recording functions, superior service, and plans for hundreds of high definition channels; and let’s face it, “content is king”. Exclusive to DirecTV is their clever mixed channels. Mixed channels allow up to 8 live channels on one screen; covering sports, news, and entertainment programming at a glance. Add the XM satellite radio and the groundbreaking musical events and you have a winning package.

It’s not true that weather frequently interrupts direct TV reception. DirecTV claims it delivers a digital signal 99.96% of the time, rain or shine. My experience with digital cable is no better or worse than with direct TV, in my opinion; although, I am obviously not keeping track to two decimal places (just one). Furthermore, DirecTV offers local channels to nearly 94% of US households. There are communities in my city that depend on satellite TV for local broadcasts because cable is not available, this is a plus. In fact, it’s said that cable is available in only 98% of US homes and DirecTV is available in 100%. DirecTV offers lots of high definition (HD) programming and services; boasting about 900 hours of HD programming each week. All channels, whether HD or not, are 100% digital quality. Sound quality us superb. Finally, DirecTV has exclusive video on-demand partnerships, and only their customers could view FX series television before it airs elsewhere.

I think direct TV is a terrific option. Digital quality is superb, and the high definition television channels are spectacular. Because I love watching TV, how it arrives, how it looks, and how it sounds are extremely significant. DirecTV offers many quality options and features that you would be wise to explore further. Just mind the space aliens.

I’d finally had enough of cable after their last service hike. It was time to join the masses of satisfied satellite customers and make the big switch.

But, which one to choose? After all, I’d been a tried-and-true cable buyer for so long; I had no idea which satellite provider was best.

“Oh, just pick one,” my neighbor told me. “They’re all the same.”

That couldn’t be right, I thought.

Or could it?

So I began a month-long saga of satellite TV research, comparing Dish Network vs Direct TV every which way until I knew every last detail about each service.

Much to my family’s despair, I was determined to check out everything I could about the satellite providers available, and make an informed consumer option.

And the problem is, most sites that pretend to tell where to check the best deals are just plain awful.

Now, I did check three that were worthwhile. To check out which ones those are, you have to scroll down to the bottom of this story where you’ll check the links.

The good news, of course, is that there are only two companies to choose from – Dish Network and Direct TV. Considering how hard it was to check many differences between the two (and ultimately decide which one was best), I sure was glad there weren’t others.

My first concern was whether or not I could use both companies where I live. That wasn’t a problem for me, but a friend was told that Direct TV could not offer a signal in his neighborhood due to some large oak trees in the neighbor’s yard which interfered with their signal. But, he told me, as the signal from Dish Network came from the opposite direction (go figure), he was able to sign on with them – making his decision easier than mine.

Next, I looked at service.

Both companies furnished about the same level of service for relatively the same price. Packages for both Dish Network and Direct TV begin at about $19.99 a month, with their most useful family packages ranging around $50-$60.

I did check that Direct TV offered more comprehensive sports packages, including the NFL Sunday Ticket (hooray!), as well as packages covering all of the major college and professional sports teams. They also sport fewer blackout dates in many of the big cities like Philadelphia, making their packages well worth the extra money.

While Direct TV also offers other less-popular international sports like cricket, rugby and soccer, Dish Network tends to concentrate more on the international sports coverage, according to many of the people I talked to.

One of the things that stood out among the Dish network programming seemed to be their variety of Latino and International channels and shows. For those looking for non-American (non-English) programming, Dish might be the way to go.

as both companies offered all-digital packages, loads of high definition channels and plenty of individual packages to choose from, my next concern was in regards to set-up fees and installation.

It’s true that both providers “officially” charge for equipment and installation, however, unless you’re the kind of person who walks onto a car lot and just pays sticker price, you shouldn’t ever have to pay for this.

Both Dish Network and Direct TV continually offer a variety of promotions and specials for first-time users that offer basic installation and equipment for free, in addition to a myriad of coupons and gift certificates that could be redeemed for additional equipment and/or services including 1-3 months of free service; free pay-per-view movies; channel upgrades and more.

Where do you check these deals?

Again, you really have to go down to the bottom of this story and click on those links! They’ll save you a ton of time!

So, on to the million dollar question: which service is better?

Believe it or not, after all that research I came away convinced that neither service outranks the other in more than a few small areas. Both offer between 180-250 channels, a variety of comprehensive sports packages (although Direct TV seems to offer more professional sports game options for the all-around sports lover), 100% all-digital and High Definition packages. And they do this for relatively the same price.

In the end, I chose Direct TV simply because they offered the NFL Sunday Ticket and Dish didn’t. Boy, am I glad I did!

As promised, Direct TV has given my family more than 250 channels to choose from, loads of sporting events, music concerts and pay-per-view movies. We’ve never enjoyed such a crystal clear picture before, and I am happy to report that we’ve only lost our signal once, and that was during a major snow storm last winter that ended up knocking out the electricity, so we wouldn’t have been able to watch TV anyway.

And, by the time the electricity came back on, so did our satellite signal! (Our neighbors with cable weren’t so lucky – their signal was out for three days. Hah!)

Am I glad I ditched cable? You bet I am! I have a clearer picture, more channels to choose from and hassle free service, all for a fraction of the cost!

Who is the top provider of digital satellite television services in the world today? Direct TV has a viewing audience of more than 16 million subscribers in the USA. DirecTV Satellite strives to offer the best technology at the most affordable prices. DirecTV remains the preferred provider of option - offering the latest and best equipment and the most affordable programming options. These offers are superior to Dish Network or Cable TV offers.

In keeping with their desire to maintain the top spot in Customer Satisfaction, Direct TV continues their offer of state of the art equipment and professional installation (all completely free) and the best programming packages available. An added incentive is a free Digital Video Recorder (DVR) to each new subscriber. Busy schedules used to mean missed television programs - not any more. The DVR gives one the ability to digitally record and store favorites (up to 70 hours) on the hard drive. The slender remote contains features to Record, Pause, Fast Forward, Rewind, and Skip Forward. Editing may include elimination of commercials as well as creation of your own instant replays for showing to family and friends. Live programming might be paused and resumed at would. Video and audio programming is delivered in 100 percent digital signaling via DirecTV’s fleet of orbiting satellites. It is then processed through a home-based receiver where it is converted to either standard or high definition (HD) resolution for projection onto the television screen. Either format offers excellence in imaging with high definition providing crystal-clear pictures with accompanying Dolby surround sound. High definition is state of the art television viewing and is frequently compared to a theater-like viewing experience.

Excellence in superb programming options is a valued feature of DirecTV Satellite TV, and variety is the spice of life. From 155 to more than 250 channels, DirecTV’s variety of channels is divided into three packages - Total option, Total option Plus, and Total option Premier. There is something sure to please each member of the family. Packages contain exciting sorts, local channels, news and informational channels, family and children’s selections, pay-per-view events, arts, entertainment, and XM Satellite music channels. Lineups are diverse with each containing more channels when compared to lineups costing the same from other providers. Specialty sports are exceptional with exclusive NFL Sunday Ticket, NBA League Pass, and others. Direct TV’s International service includes selections in different languages and sports programming exclusive to international events - Cricket, Soccer, Lacrosse, and more.

Direct TV Offers now for details on all package lineups and pricing information. Direct TV offers next day installation in many areas. acquire details now on your favorites, and become one of the millions of satisfied DirecTV customers. Switch to the best. Begin enjoying the best technology has to offer at the best price. USDirect is the top online Authorized DirecTV Dealer.

DirecTV and other direct HDTV satellite TV providers offer compelling packages that could rival the local cable company. Here is a good primer for switching to one of these companies, but for many people, the biggest challenge once they decide that they prefer HDTV, is figuring out which set to buy and if you prefer to buy a set that is HD-ready and save a few bucks or if you prefer to acquire a set with the digital HD tuner already inside of it. Most people don’t consider which program provider to use, automatically assuming that their cable company would have the most option in channels and HD programming.

DirecTV offers a full package of networks that offer HD programming, like TNT in HD, ESPN 1 and 2 both in HD, the Universal network in HD, Discovery Channel in HD, as well as HDnet, owned by Dallas Mavericks head Mark Cuban, and a High-Def pay-per-view channel, as well. There are also additional pay channels of HD, including HBO and Shotime. They also offer all four major networks, NBC, ABC, Fox and CBS in HD, as well as CW. DirecTV even offers a package that would allow the entire NFL Sunday Ticket package to be broadcast in high definition. This is the ultimate package for any football fan.

With satellite, you would need a receiver dish mounted on your lawn that the signal, which is broadcast through the air, could check. You would have to be careful your dish is pointed exactly in the right direction to acquire the best signal. Direct HDTV satellite TV is also about the same price as cable, depending on the amount of add-ons you need.

Tivo could also be used with these satellite services and most of them take major credit cards for the initial set up and installation. If you don’t have a name brand Tivo machine, you could use a DVR, as well. Your receiver system might have an initial up front cost, but it could be worth it in the long term.

Direct HDTV satellite TV is a great option for programming. If you don’t like your local cable companies selection, you could try this instead.

There has never really been a shortage of sports programming on cable and satellite television, but there is something new being offered. NFLN or the NFL Network is currently being broadcast on Dish Network and Direct TV. If you are a sports lover and prefer this channel, but have a cable service instead of satellite, you would be in for a letdown. This is a source of major contention for football fans and the NFL alike. NFLN has even requested that Time Warner cable submit to binding arbitration for what the NFL calls unfair practices.

However, subscribers to satellite services have no such problem and could watch NFL programming 24 hours per day. While many may think that NFLN simply plays a regurgitation of greatest games and memorable moments, combined with commentary, the channel actually shows live NFL games. NFLN shows eight prime time games, live on the channel through the season. Add to this the ability to watch some of the greatest games in history and you have a good combination for any football fan.

The network also offers a number of great shows, geared to let fans acquire to know their favorite (or least favorite) players in intimate detail. There are shows that discuss player’s foibles, coach’s faux pas and blatant blunders, as well as dedicated to the discussion and promotion of many of the bowl games, from the Pro Bowl to the Texas Bowl and most others. This is a great channel for a football fanatic, giving them the ability to acquire their sports fix whenever they need it.

In addition to the talk shows and live games, there are other offerings, as well. Have a hankering to relive the glory Super Bowls? Well, now you can. Super Bowl Classics give fans the chance to watch some of the hardest fought Super Bowl battles in history, complete with original announcers and graphics. What better way to recapture the feeling those original games gave than to watch them as they were?

Another great aspect of the NFL Network is the fact that it is now available in HD. Both Direct TV and Dish Network offer this great option, though you would have to add the channel to most packages. Now you could watch live games, famous competitions and everything else on NFLN in blazing high definition. If you do not have an HDTV and subscription package, now is the time to acquire it because the NFL Network in HD is absolutely amazing.

Why isn’t NFLN carried on most cable companies? Well, it has to do with the packaging in which the cable companies prefer to deliver the network. For instance, Time Warner prefers to add NFLN to its sports package, but not offer it as a basic channel. NFLN strictly does not prefer this. They have asked the cable companies to make them part of the basic lineup, so that more football fans could have access to their offerings. The continuing battle isn’t going to end any time soon, with the cable companies simply preferring more money from subscribers to access NFLN.