| Since the demise of Pegasus and VOOM, there | | | | DIRECTV has the most sports program |
| are just two satellite TV service providers battling | | | | packages, including NFL Sunday Ticket. |
| it out for the top spot -- DIRECTV and DISH | | | | When you order DIRECTV programming, the |
| Network. | | | | system -- satellite TV dish and receivers -- is free |
| Both companies provide excellent service, all-digital | | | | for up to four rooms. Installation is also free. |
| broadcast quality, and great customer service. | | | | Program packages start at $41.99 a month for |
| The main difference between the two companies | | | | 135 channels (which includes 31 music channels), |
| is the programming they provide. | | | | plus HBO, Showtime, and Starz. |
| How Satellite TV Service Works | | | | Note: To find out about DIRECTV's latest special |
| Satellite TV providers such as DIRECTV and DISH | | | | offers and free bonuses, click on the links at the |
| Network send a broadcast signal carrying | | | | bottom of this article. |
| television programming to a satellite orbiting above | | | | DISH Network |
| the earth. The Satellite then broadcasts the signal | | | | DISH Network was launched in 1996 and is the |
| back down to earth. | | | | second-largest satellite TV provider with more |
| This signal is picked up by a satellite TV dish then | | | | than 12 million subscribers. It is ranked #1 in |
| transmitted to a receiver where it is amplified and | | | | customer satisfaction by J.D. Power and |
| sent to a TV screen. | | | | Associates. |
| Benefits of Satellite TV Service | | | | DISH Network offers more than 255 channels of |
| * Satellite TV is broadcast in all-digital format, | | | | programming, including movie channels, music |
| providing the highest quality picture and sound | | | | channels, pay-per-view movies and events, sports |
| available. | | | | packages, and international programming. |
| * Satellite TV gives you access to hundreds of | | | | Dish Network has the biggest variety of movies |
| different programs, pay-per-view movies, special | | | | and shows and the most HD (high definition) |
| events, and commercial-free music channels. | | | | programming. |
| * Satellite TV utilizes DVR (digital video recording) | | | | When you order DISH Network programming, the |
| receivers so you can record your favorite | | | | system -- satellite TV dish, receivers, and |
| programs and bypass commercials while watching | | | | installation -- is free for up to four rooms. |
| live TV. | | | | Program packages start at $31.99 a month for |
| * Satellite TV is much more reliable than cable or | | | | 60 channels plus HBO, Showtime, and Cinemax. |
| over-the-air TV. Broadcast outages average only | | | | Note: To find out about DISH Network's latest |
| 1% as opposed to 3%-5% for cable. | | | | special offers and free bonuses, click on the links |
| Satellite TV Services | | | | at the bottom of this article. |
| DIRECTV | | | | Bottom Line |
| DIRECTV was launched in 1994 and was the first | | | | If you're a sports fan and want the most sports |
| DBS (direct broadcast satellite) service in the | | | | packages -- including the popular NFL Sunday |
| world. It is currently the largest satellite TV | | | | Ticket which allows you to watch almost all the |
| provider with 14.5 million subscribers. It is ranked | | | | NFL football games -- then DIRECTV is the way |
| #2 in customer satisfaction by J.D. Power and | | | | to go. |
| Associates. | | | | If you're a movie buff and want the biggest |
| DIRECTV offers more than 225 channels of | | | | variety of movies and shows, and the most HD |
| programming, including movie channels, music | | | | (high definition) programming, then Dish Network is |
| channels, pay-per-view movies and events, sports | | | | what you're looking for. |
| packages, and international programming. | | | | |