DirecTV and DISH Network - How Do The Two Leading Satellite TV Providers Stack Up?

If you live in the U.S. and want satellite TVPopular manufacturers of DirecTV compatible
systems, you have basically two choices. Yes,dishes include Hughes, Sony, Phillips, and RCA.
there are other providers out there, but for mostCurrent DirecTV sales and deals offer the satellite
viewers, DirecTV and DISH Network offer thedish and other equipment for free with a
most choices for the least money, althoughone-year commitment. It could cost anywhere
Pegasus and Voom are fast becoming majorfrom $50 to over $200 to purchase the DirecTV
contenders in the satellite television industry.compatible dish separately.
Competition being what it is, both DirecTV andDISH Network
DISH Network offer similar services andEchoStar Communications Corporation and their
constantly adjust to add features and outdo theirDISH Network service are Hughes Network's top
rivals. So how do you choose between the two?competitors. Headquartered in Englewood
A side-by-side comparison of the services andColorado, EchoStar has been a leader in the
prices shows some differences that helpsatellite TV industry for over 20 years. The
customers decide which service best fits theircompany, founded by Charlie Ergen, began as a
viewing needs. But first, a little background ondistributor of C-band cable television systems and
each provider might be helpful.filed for a Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) license
DirecTVin 1987. The company received broadcast access
The company known as The DirecTV Group isin 1992, launched its own satellite, EchoStar I, in
made up of four main units, which include DirecTV1995, and introduced DISH Network in 1996.
U.S., DirecTV Latin America, PanAmSat, andToday, the company has 9 satellites, and through
Hughes Network Systems (HNS). As a group, theDISH Network, provides over 500 channels of
organization serves over 12 million U.S. satellite TVvideo, audio, and data satellite services to over
customers and another 1.5 million subscribers in8.5 million customers in the U.S. In addition to
Latin countries. Through PanAmSat, they operatesatellite television services, DISH Network
a fleet of 25 satellites capable of providing satellitecustomers can also receive high speed Internet,
transmissions to 98% of the world. And HughesInteractive TV (on demand programming), and
Network Systems operates a satellite-basedHigh Definition TV (HDTV).
consumer broadband Internet access serviceHDTV is EchoStar's latest innovation, which
known as DirecWay. This component of Hughesreportedly delivers extraordinarily sharp pictures
has over 180,000 subscribers. HNS is also one ofand integrated sound by digitizing television
the largest manufacturers of DirecTV set-topprogramming. Broadcasting all DISH Network
receivers. The four different aspects of Theprogramming in wide-screen format and
DirecTV Group give the company a large,transmitting up to 10 percent more pixels, HDTV
comprehensive base of direct and indirect satelliteprovides a clearer more proportionate picture.
customers. Their partnerships with technologyIn August of 2003, EchoStar was the first
leaders such as AOL, Microsoft, and TiVo also addcompany to offer a satellite receiver with a built-in
to their customer base.digital video recorder (DVR). A DISH Network
There are plans for improving and expandingstandard DVR receiver allows viewers to stop,
services in efforts to attract more customers.rewind, fast forward and record up to 60 hours
Hughes Network Services is developingof live TV programming. More advanced receivers
SPACEWAY, a more advanced satellite broadbandprovide enhanced services.
communications package that is expected toDISH Network services can be purchased on-line
provide customers with more affordableor through a local retailer. Unlike its competitor,
high-speed, two-way data communications.DirecTV, DISH Network offers equipment
SPACEWAY is expected to be introduced in 2005.installation. This service usually involves a fee, but
DirecTV has been actively working to increaseoften is offered at free or reduced rates through
the number of markets where they offer localspecial sales promotions.
programming. In January of this year, theThe equipment needed for DISH Network satellite
company added 18 new markets that will receiveTV is basically the same as for DirecTV service.
local channels via the DirecTV(R) programmingYou need a dish, a satellite receiver, and the
service. By year-end, the company plans to offeraccess cards. Depending on the type of satellite
local channels in a minimum of 130 markets,TV you want, you have several choices for
representing 92% of U.S. television households.equipment. Whether you want standard satellite
Continued marketing and development of theirTV or Digital Video Recording (DVR), or High
HDTV and DVR products will also be a part ofDefinition (HD) options, you will need a dish. Each
their plans to expand their customer base. Twotype of service requires a different dish, but that
different basic dish designs and several differentis determined for you when you choose your
manufacturers provide DirecTV consumers with apackage.
number of dish options.A Comparison
DirecTV subscribers have a choice of two basicSo how do the two leading satellite television
dish designs for their satellite service. The roundservices compare? Both offer over 200 channels
dish is the more common 18" design that hasand Pay Per View selections, DVD recorders,
been popular across the country. The oval dish orHDTV and seven HD channels each. But from
low noise blockdown (LNB) dish is able to receivethere, things differ somewhat. Compare the
information from more than one satellite and isdifferent packages and the services provided.
required for those who want to receive localLook them over and decide which satellite TV
channels, HDTV, or Spanish languageservice is best for your budget and viewing
programming.needs.