Dish Network vs DirecTV
Programming Packages
Choosing Between Dish Network
and DirecTV
It is difficult to make a choice
between the two networks because
they offer very similar programming
as well as pricing. When it
comes to programming the number
of movie channels, sports channels,
news channels and foreign channels
offered by Dish Network and
Direct TV is almost the same.
The program pricing for Dish
Network is lesser than DirecTV
for a comparable range of services.
The difference is greater at
the lower end of the offer spectrum.
The table below illustrates
the different channel choices
and comparative program pricing
of both the networks:
| Dish
Network |
DirecTV |
| Program |
per
month |
Program |
per
month |
America's
Top 60
over 60 Channels |
$31.99
(1-2 TVs) $36.99
(3-4 TVs) |
Total
Choice
135 Channels |
$41.99
(1 TV) plus $4.99 for additional
TVs |
America's
Top 120
over 120 Channels |
$42.99
(1-2 TVs) $47.99
(3-4 TVs) |
Total
Choice Plus
155 Channels |
$45.99
(1 TV) plus $4.99 for additional
TVs |
America's
Top 180
over 180 Channels |
$52.99
(1-2 TVs) $57.99
(3-4 TVs) |
No
near equivalent |
America's
Everything Pak
191 Channels
Plus HBO, Starz ShowTime,
and Cinemax |
$86.99
(1-2 TVs) $91.99
(3-4 TVs) |
Total
Choice Premier
215 Channels
Plus HBO, Starz, ShowTime,
and Cinemax |
$93.99
(1 TV) plus $4.99 for additional
TVs |
Download
Dish Network channel lineup |
Download
DirecTV channel lineup |
All
prices include local channels
where available
Rates may vary due promotions
etc, taxes extra where applicable |
Sports Channels
Certain sports channels and
leagues such are available only
on DirecTV because they have
negotiated exclusive tie up
with them. Just recently, the
NBA League Pass and the NHL
Center Ice package have become
available on Dish Network as
well. It is possible that over
a period, Dish Network will
offer similar packaging as DirecTV.
However, as of now, DirecTV
is superior when it comes to
sports channels.
Comparison of HDTV between
Dish Network and DirecTV
As the table below shows, Dish
Network gives you a better HD
TV deal as compared to DirecTV.
We expect this will change soon
because VOOM subscribers who
migrate to DirecTV will demand
a better offering.
| DISH
Network |
DIRECTV |
19
HD Channels
includes ESPN HD, Discovery
HD Theater, TNT in HD, HDNet
and HDNet Movies and more.
|
10
HD Channels
includes ESPN HD, Discovery
HD, Universal HD, HDNet
and HDNet Movies and more. |
$9.99
per month
Free for 6 months*
|
$10.99
per month |
| Free
HD 811 Receivers |
$299.00
HD Receiver (up to 4 rooms) |
|
*conditions apply |
|
In summary, basic pricing difference
between Dish Network and DirecTV
is minor. Both channels will
give you adequate parental control
over what your children watch.
DirecTV also allows you to control
your pay per view expenses.
For sports freaks and those
who are looking for better deal
on sports channels, DirecTV
offers a better deal. If it
is not, we suggest you consider
Dish Network. The difference
in pricing for HDTV is too stark
to be missed. As the folks at
DirecTV put it - here is one
dish less to pack!
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retailers: |
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Dish
Network retailers |
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DirecTV
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