by C.J. Gustafson
HomeOwnerNet Columnist
If you live
in the U.S. and want satellite TV systems in your home, you have basically
two choices. Yes, there are other providers out there, but for most viewers,
DirecTV and DISH Network offer the most choices for the least money, although
Pegasus and Voom are fast becoming major contenders in the satellite television
industry. Competition being what it is, both DirecTV and DISH Network offer
similar services and constantly adjust to add features and outdo their rivals.
So how do you choose between the two? A side-by-side comparison of the services
and prices shows some differences that help customers decide which service
best fits their viewing needs. But first, a little background on each provider
might be helpful.
DirecTV
The company known as The DirecTV Group is made up of four main units, which
include DirecTV U.S., DirecTV Latin America, PanAmSat, and Hughes Network Systems
(HNS). As a group, the organization serves over 12 million U.S. satellite TV
customers and another 1.5 million subscribers in Latin countries. Through PanAmSat,
they operate a fleet of 25 satellites capable of providing satellite transmissions
to 98% of the world. And Hughes Network Systems operates a satellite-based
consumer broadband Internet access service known as DirecWay. This component
of Hughes has over 180,000 subscribers. HNS is also one of the largest manufacturers
of DirecTV set-top receivers. The four different aspects of The DirecTV Group
give the company a large, comprehensive base of direct and indirect satellite
customers. Their partnerships with technology leaders such as AOL, Microsoft,
and TiVo also add to their customer base.
There are plans for improving and expanding services in efforts to attract
more customers. Hughes Network Services is developing SPACEWAY, a more advanced
satellite broadband communications package that is expected to provide customers
with more affordable high-speed, two-way data communications. SPACEWAY is expected
to be introduced in 2005.
DirecTV has been actively working to increase the number of markets where they
offer local programming. In January of this year, the company added 18 new
markets that will receive local channels via the DirecTV(R) programming service.
By year-end, the company plans to offer local channels in a minimum of 130
markets, representing 92% of U.S. television households. Continued marketing
and development of their HDTV and DVR products will also be a part of their
plans to expand their customer base. Two different basic dish designs and several
different manufacturers provide DirecTV consumers with a number of dish options.
DirecTV subscribers have a choice of two basic dish designs for their satellite
service. The round dish is the more common 18" design that has been popular
across the country. The oval dish or low noise blockdown (LNB) dish is able
to receive information from more than one satellite and is required for those
who want to receive local channels, HDTV, or Spanish language programming.
Popular manufacturers of DirecTV compatible dishes include Hughes, Sony, Phillips,
and RCA. Current DirecTV sales and deals offer the satellite dish and other
equipment for free with a one-year commitment. It could cost anywhere from
$50 to over $200 to purchase the DirecTV compatible dish separately.
DISH Network
EchoStar Communications Corporation and their DISH Network service are Hughes
Network’s top competitors. Headquartered in Englewood Colorado, EchoStar
has been a leader in the satellite TV industry for over 20 years. The company,
founded by Charlie Ergen, began as a distributor of C-band cable television
systems and filed for a Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) license in 1987. The
company received broadcast access in 1992, launched its own satellite, EchoStar
I, in 1995, and introduced DISH Network in 1996.
Today, the company has 9 satellites, and through DISH Network, provides over
500 channels of video, audio, and data satellite services to over 8.5 million
customers in the U.S. In addition to satellite television services, DISH Network
customers can also receive high speed Internet, Interactive TV (on demand programming),
and High Definition TV (HDTV).
HDTV is EchoStar's latest innovation, which reportedly delivers extraordinarily
sharp pictures and integrated sound by digitizing television programming. Broadcasting
all DISH Network programming in wide-screen format and transmitting up to 10
percent more pixels, HDTV provides a clearer more proportionate picture.
In August of 2003, EchoStar was the first company to offer a satellite receiver
with a built-in digital video recorder (DVR). A DISH Network standard DVR receiver
allows viewers to stop, rewind, fast forward and record up to 60 hours of live
TV programming. More advanced receivers provide enhanced services.
DISH Network services can be purchased on-line or through a local retailer.
Unlike its competitor, DirecTV, DISH Network offers equipment installation.
This service usually involves a fee, but often is offered at free or reduced
rates through special sales promotions.
The equipment needed for DISH Network satellite TV is basically the same as
for DirecTV service. You need a dish, a satellite receiver, and the access
cards. Depending on the type of satellite TV you want, you have several choices
for equipment. Whether you want standard satellite TV or Digital Video Recording
(DVR), or High Definition (HD) options, you will need a dish. Each type of
service requires a different dish, but that is determined for you when you
choose your package.
A Comparison
So how do the two leading satellite television services compare? Both offer
over 200 channels and Pay Per View selections, DVD recorders, HDTV and seven
HD channels each. But from there, things differ somewhat. Here’s a side-by-side
listing of the different packages and the services provided. Look them over
and decide which satellite TV service is best for your budget and viewing needs.
DIRECTV
Free receivers included with price plan
HDTV Receiver:$399
Dish included
Lowest price plan: $36.99 per month
Highest price plan: $87.99 per month
Satellite Internet: Yes
DISH Network
Receivers are free to $149 depending on selection
HDTV receiver: $449
Dish inluded
Lowest price plan: $24.99 per month
Highest price plan: $77.99 per month
Satellite internet: No
About the Author
C.J. Gustafson is a successful freelance writer for http://www.1st-Dish-TV.net. She frequently writes on topics such as satellite TV and car audio accessories.
