DISH Network and DIRECTV are two of the top satellite TV companies, and we’re going to compare them to determine which is ideal for you.
Every football fan’s favorite, NFL SUNDAY TICKET, is available through DIRECTV, but you will need to keep a closer check on your monthly satellite price since it increases in the second year.
DISH does not engage in covert price increases, yet it may not be the greatest option for some sports lovers. (However, it is only for NCAA fans.)
If you’re going to build a satellite dish on top of your property, let’s make sure the satellite TV provider you choose is deserving of it. Visit here to check out the availability of satellite TV plans in your region.
How Does Satellite TV Operate?
Satellite TV is a popular alternative to conventional television services, especially in rural areas. Providers of satellite television transmit signals to orbiting satellites, which subsequently transfer the signals to smaller dishes attached to residences.
Similar to how your modem transforms entering signals into internet access for your computer, satellite TV receivers convert incoming signals into an image for your television.
Your installation technician will be responsible for supplying and installing your satellite dish in a manner that ensures high-quality service. The dish will be directed upwards in the direction of a satellite located thousands of kilometers distant. This satellite will receive and send all requests made online.
How Does DISH TV Compare to DIRECTV?
DISHTV plans range from $79.99 to $109.99 and include up to 290 channels. DIRECTV plans range from $64.98 to $154.98, with a maximum of 340 channels.
How do the Prices of DISH and DIRECTV Compare?
DISH’s cost is stable, but DIRECTV has more channels.
In terms of available channels, DIRECTV reigns supreme, however, DISH delivers stable monthly pricing throughout your two-year commitment. After the first year, you will not experience a nearly twofold increase in your monthly bill with DISH.
Whether you are more concerned with maximizing your entertainment or keeping an eye on your finances, you’ll be able to determine the best option for you after reading our review.
DIRECTV has the most channels among these two satellite TV companies. Therefore, if you require more than 340 channels, DIRECTV is available.
Is A Contract in Place for DISH And DIRECTV?
DISH offers both a no-contract and a two-year contract option, however, DIRECTV needs customers to sign a two-year contract.
DISH’s Flex TV option without a contract permits you to prepay for your TV bundle and pay as you go each month. Your monthly charge will be $10 to $15 greater than promised. If you decide to cancel, though, you won’t have to worry about trying to weasel your way out of a contract.
To avoid early termination fees, you must commit to the satellite TV service if you sign a contract (which can get a little expensive).
Oh, and don’t forget, DIRECTV doubles the monthly cost of your plan after the second year.
- DISH early termination fee: $20 per month for the remaining time left on your contract.
- DIRECTV early termination fee: Up to $20 per month for the remaining time left on your contract.
Do DISH And DIRECTV Have Hidden Costs?
DISH and DIRECTV both impose equipment and DVR fees.
Let’s begin with DISH, whose receiver fees can be quite complicated. With eligible TV bundles, the Hopper Duo (125 HD hours) with DVR service will be supplied.
And for an additional $5 each month, DISH will upgrade your primary set-top box to the Hopper 3. The Hopper 3 has a capacity of 500 HD hours.
The additional receiver you order is known as a Joey and costs between $5 and $10 per month.
DIRECTV offers the Genie DVR (200 HD hours) with your package, and each extra receiver is $7 per month. However, DIRECTV has the nerve to impose a regional sports fee.
When clients need to relocate their satellite television equipment, a number of big satellite TV companies impose significant fees. Existing customers who are relocating receive free in-home installation from DISH at no additional cost.
What Channels do DISH Network and DIRECTV offer?
With satellite TV, you will receive a vast selection of popular channels directly on your screen.
Both satellite TV companies offer the majority of your favorite channels, including CNN, Disney Channel, Comedy Central, and NFL Network.
We are aware that you require your daily CNN Newsroom Live broadcast, and if you require a diversion for the little ones, you can tune in to Big City Greens.
DISH’s sports coverage is comparable to DIRECTV’s, however, DISH offers all NCAA channels. In addition, DIRECTV offers an NFL SUNDAY TICKET add-on that provides access to all out-of-market NFL football games (essentially a front-row seat to 200+ games from the comfort of your couch).
We suggest comparing the channel lineups of DISH and DIRECTV to see which one best meets your demands for entertainment, sports, lifestyle, and reality TV.
How Do the DVRs of DISH And DIRECTV Compare?
The storage capacity of DISH’s Hopper DVR is something we appreciate. We dislike the current complicated price structure.
When you purchase one of DISH’s TV packages, you’ll receive a DISH Hopper Duo with 125 HD recording hours (a fairly decent price). And for an additional $5 every month, the Hopper 3 can be upgraded.
This Hopper 3 has 500 hours of recording time. You will be able to record all 201 episodes of The Office, the weekend’s 16 NFL football games, and more than 170 movies with space to spare. And if you want to add TVs to your entertainment system, you can add a maximum of six Joeys (DISH’s name for TV receivers) for an additional $5 to $10 per month.
And DIRECTV is kind enough to add a Genie DVR with 200 HD recording hours as part of your plan.
Final Thought – Which Satellite TV Provider to Choose?
The ideal service provider for you will depend on your needs. DIRECTV offers the best channel lineup, including sports programming
But if you want to save money and have access to a more advanced DVR, we recommend DISH, which locks in your pricing for two years, whereas DIRECTV drastically hikes its prices in the second year.
Both satellite service providers require a two-year commitment and both also impose early termination fees.