| Millions of consumers have made the switch from | | | | trying to keep up but is fighting a losing battle |
| old school cable companies to the better service, | | | | with their competitor releasing yet another |
| better programming and better price of satellite | | | | satellite (DIRECTV-11) in 2008 that will increase its |
| programming. However, some consumers have | | | | national high definition programming capacity to |
| not made the switch yet because they are | | | | 150. |
| unsure how to determine which provider is the | | | | Pay per View and Movie Channels: Both providers |
| best fit for their needs. Below, you'll find | | | | offer pay per view movies and standard movie |
| information that will help make the choice | | | | channels. Direct TV offers significantly more |
| between Direct TV and Dish Network. | | | | package options, though, with multiple HBO |
| Picture Clarity and Reception: Both companies | | | | channels, Showtime channels, Starz and many |
| offer full digital signal and both companies have | | | | more options. Movie packages are available for |
| similar up times. In addition, both companies offer | | | | specialty channels, such as Playboy and other |
| a basic programming package that is somewhat | | | | options even within HD programming. |
| similar. However, there are some other items that | | | | Affordability: Currently, Direct TV offers the most |
| need to be taken into account prior to making | | | | flexible package pricing, with ala carte channel |
| any decision. | | | | selections and much more. This means that |
| DVR: The DVR is one of the most popular | | | | consumers can add single channels to their basic |
| inventions since the television. With this handy | | | | package to increase their viewing options without |
| device you can record your favorite shows and | | | | having to subscribe to all channels in another |
| watch them any time. Each company offers a | | | | package. |
| programmable guide, allowing you to choose which | | | | Internet Access: Both satellite providers offer high |
| episodes and which shows you want to record, as | | | | speed Internet service. Dish Network offers |
| well as information showing how many hours of | | | | satellite Internet service that is significantly more |
| recording time are left on the DVR. Only Direct | | | | expensive that Direct TV's offer, though. In |
| TV offers this programming feature through your | | | | addition, while downloads are comparable to DSL |
| computer or web enabled cell phone, though. With | | | | speeds, uploads are almost as slow as dial up |
| this offer, you can program your DVR from | | | | connections. |
| anywhere, anytime. | | | | Choosing to ditch your cable company is a wise |
| HD Programming: One of the biggest reasons that | | | | choice. The combination of great programming |
| consumers are switching to satellite providers is | | | | and good prices has sped up the demise of the |
| because of the increased HD programming. Which | | | | cable companies, who are struggling to keep up |
| company offers the most channels in this format? | | | | even with limited HD programming. The majority |
| Currently, the Direct TV HD package has the | | | | of consumers are much more satisfied with their |
| most HD channels (just under 100) of any | | | | satellite provider experience over their cable |
| provider along with the most amount of high | | | | company experience. |
| definition sports broadcasting. Dish Network is | | | | |