Compare Satellite TV Companies — DISH Network, DIRECTV, and Sky Angel
By admin | October 10, 2008
Compare Satellite TV Companies
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of DISH Network, DIRECTV, and Sky Angel …
Company Information
- DISH Network: Launched in 1996, DISH Network has 9 satellites and more than 12 million subscribers.
- DIRECTV: Launched in 1994, DIRECTV has 15 satellites and more than 14 million subscribers.
- Sky Angel: Launched in 1981, they utilize DISH Network’s satellites, equipment, and broadcast facilities.
Customer Satisfaction Rating
- DISH Network: Ranked #1 by J.D. Power & Associates
- DIRECTV: Ranked #2 by J.D. Power & Associates
- Sky Angel: Not currently ranked.
Compare Programming
Program Packages
- DISH Network: Packages start at $19.99 for 40 channels and go up to $74.99 for 350 channels.
- DIRECTV: Packages start at $41.99 for 155 channels and go up to $96.99 for 250 channels.
- Sky Angel: Program package is $14.99 for 36 channels.
Local Channels
- DISH Network: Adding local channels costs $5 per month.
- DIRECTV: Adding local channels costs $3 per month.
- Sky Angel: Adding local channels costs $5.99 per month.
Music Channels
- DISH Network: Offers 52 music channels plus 60 Sirius radio channels.
- DIRECTV: Offers 67 XM radio channels.
- Sky Angel: Offers 16 music channels.
Pay-Per-View
- DISH Network: Movies cost $3.99, special event prices vary.
- DIRECTV: Movies cost $3.99, special event prices vary.
- Sky Angel: Included with service.
Sports Packages
- DISH Network: Offers a variety of sports packages.
- DIRECTV: Offers a variety of sports packages.
- Sky Angel: Does not offer sports packages.
Adult Programming
- DISH Network: Offers adult channels.
- DIRECTV: Offers adult channels.
- Sky Angel: Does not offer adult channels.
Internet Service
- DISH Network: Offers Internet service.
- DIRECTV: Offers Internet service.
- Sky Angel: Does not offer Internet service.
Service Commitment
- DISH Network: One year commitment, charges fee for early cancellation.
- DIRECTV: One year commitment, charges fee for early cancellation.
- Sky Angel: One year commitment, charges fee for early cancellation.
Compare Equipment
Equipment Prices
- DISH Network: Free dish and up to four receivers when you subscribe to their service.
- DIRECTV: Free dish and up to four receivers when you subscribe to their service.
- Sky Angel: Charges $149 for one dish, one receiver, and one remote.
Equipment Warranty
- DISH Network: Lifetime warranty
- DIRECTV: One year warranty
- Sky Angel: Lifetime warranty
DVR’s (digital video recorders)
- DISH Network: Free DVR receivers ($4.98 per month for service).
- DIRECTV: Free DVR receivers after $99 rebate ($4.99 per month for service).
- Sky Angel: Not offered at this time.
HD (high definition) receivers
- DISH Network: Two free receivers.
- DIRECTV: Free receiver (after $99 mail-in rebate).
- Sky Angel: Not offered at this time.
Installation
- DISH Network: Dish and receiver(s) installed free.
- DIRECTV: Dish and receiver(s) installed free.
- Sky Angel: Dish and receivers cost $99 to $199 to install.
Installation Time
- DISH Network: One to five days depending on location.
- DIRECTV: One to five days depending on location.
- Sky Angel: One to five days depending on location.
Compare Miscellaneous Information
Customer Service
- DISH Network: Offers 24/7 toll-free and online customer service.
- DIRECTV: Offers 24/7 toll-free and online customer service.
- Sky Angel: Offers 24/7 toll-free and online customer service.
Free Bonus Gifts
- DISH Network: Click on links below to review current offers.
- DIRECTV: Click on links below to review current offers.
- Sky Angel: Click on links below to review current offers.
Ordering
- DISH Network: 24/7 online ordering and toll-free ordering.
- DIRECTV: 24/7 online ordering and toll-free ordering.
- Sky Angel: 24/7 online ordering and toll-free ordering.
Note
As some of the information may have changed since this article was published, please click on the links below for current information.
Click on the following link for more information to compare satellite TV companies. Click on these links for current ordering information, plus the latest special offers and free bonuses from DISH Network satellite TV or DIRECTV satellite TV.
The author, Brian Stevens, is the senior editor for TheSatelliteTVGuide.com, and has written a number of articles that compare satellite TV companies.
Tags: compare satellite tv, D, dish network, satellite tv, satellite tv companies, satellite tv comparisonTopics: Satellite_TV | No Comments »
Satellite TV Reviews — DISH Network, DIRECTV, and Sky Angel
By admin | September 5, 2008
Satellite TV Reviews
There are currently three satellite TV companies in the U.S. — DISH Network , DIRECTV, and Angel Star.
DISH Network and DIRECTV broadcast a variety of television shows, sporting events, special events, and commercial-free music, while Angel Star broadcasts Christian oriented programs, music, and special events.
Here are the reviews …
DIRECTV Review
DIRECTV was launched in 1994 by Hughes Electronics and was the first high-powered DBS (direct broadcast satellite) service in the world.
DIRECTV is currently the largest satellite TV company, with more than 15 million subscribers, and is ranked #2 in customer satisfaction among all cable and satellite TV companies by J.D. Power and Associates.
DIRECTV Programming Review
DIRECTV has 250 channels of satellite TV programming, and offers three programming packages.
Their basic package, Total Choice, includes 155 program channels, 3 movie channels, and 50 XM radio channels, while their top-of-the-line Total Choice Premier package includes 250 program channels, including 3 movie channels, and 67 XM radio channels.
DIRECTV also also offers pay-per-view programming, HD (high definition) programming packages, adult channels, and international programming.
Program prices start at $29.99 per month (for the first three months) for their basic program package, and go up to $96.99 for their top-of-the-line package. It costs $3 a month extra to receive local channels.
Compared to the other satellite TV providers, DIRECTV has the most sports programming.
DIRECTV Equipment Review
The equipment you need to receive DIRECTV programming includes a satellite TV dish, satellite TV receivers, and remote controls . This equipment is currently free when you sign up for one of DIRECTV’s programming packages, and comes with free installation.
DIRECTV offers DVR’s (digital video recorders) and HD receivers. Both are free after a $99 mail-in rebate.
Note: For current information on programming, equipment, pricing, and ordering, click on the links below.
DISH Network Review
DISH Network was launched in 1996 by EchoStar.
DISH Network is currently the fastest-growing satellite TV company, with more than 12 million subscribers, and is ranked #1 in customer satisfaction among all cable and satellite TV companies by J.D. Power and Associates.
DISH Network Programming Review
DISH Network offers 375 channels of satellite TV programming, and five program packages.
Their starter package, the 40-channel Dish Family Pak, includes family-oriented programming such as Animal Planet, Nickelodeon, and the Hallmark Movie Channel. Their top-of-the-line “Everything” Pak includes 375 program channels, including 60 Sirius radio channels, 52 music channels, HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, and Starz.
DISH Network also offers pay-per-view programming, HD programming packages, adult channels, and sports packages.
When you compare DISH Network to the other providers you’ll find they have most movies, shows, and international channels.
Prices start at $19.99 per month for their family package, and go up to $74.99 for their top-of-the-line package. It costs $5 a month extra to receive local channels.
DISH Network Equipment Review
The equipment you need to receive DISH Network programming — a satellite dish, satellite TV receivers, and remote controls — are currently free when you sign up for one of DISH Network’s entertainment packages. Installation of the system is also free.
DISH Network is currently offering free DVR’s and free HD receivers.
Note: For current information on programming, equipment, pricing, and ordering, click on the links below.
Sky Angel Review
Sky Angel is owned by Dominion Video Satellite Inc., and is a satellite TV provider that specializes in Christian oriented programming. It was launched in 1981.
Sky Angel uses DISH Network satellite TV equipment for their service and allows subscribers to get both services with the same equipment.
Sky Angel Programming Review
Sky Angel offers a variety of Christian talk shows and Christian news shows. Included in their lineup are popular Christian-oriented shows such as Pat Robertson’s 700 Club, Benny Hinn’s This is Your Day, and Hal Lindsey’s TV show.
News shows include CBN’s Christian World News show. TV specials that have aired on Sky Angel include Justice Sundays, and the Promise Keepers.
Children and Teen programming includes KTV-Kids and Teens Television, TVU Music Television, several teen Christian radio networks, and the nation’s only kids’ radio network, His Kids Radio.
Twenty program channels and 16 music channels are $14.99 monthly, or $149.90 annually. It costs $5.99 a month extra to receive local channels.
Sky Angel Equipment Review
Equipment prices start at $149 for one dish, one receiver, and a remote control. Additional receivers are $99 each, and there is a $5 monthly charge to activate each receiver.
Note: For current information on programming, equipment, pricing, and ordering, visit www.skyangel.com.
Click on the following link for more satellite TV reviews and to compare satellite TV providers. Click on this link for information on free satellite TV systems and service plus ordering information and the latest special offers from DISH Network and DIRECTV.
The author, Brian Stevens, is the senior editor for TheSatelliteTVGuide.com and has written a number of satellite TV reviews.
Tags: direct tv, directv, dish network, satellite tv, satellite tv comparison, satellite tv reviewsTopics: Satellite_TV | No Comments »
Satellite TV Comparison - Providers and Dealers Compared
By admin | August 5, 2008
Satellite TV providers are the companies that offer satellite TV programming to the public. They purchase satellite TV programming from networks, independent companies, and radio stations, then make their programming available to the public through the use of satellites.
Satellite TV dealers are the companies who sell the satellite TV services and satellite TV equipment offered by the satellite TV providers.
In the U.S. there are two major satellite TV providers — DISH Network and DIRECTV — and there are hundreds of satellite TV dealers who sell their services and systems.
Satellite TV Providers Comparison
DISH Network
DISH Network was launched in 1996, and currently has more than 12 million subscribers. It’s ranked #1 in customer satisfaction among all cable and satellite TV providers by J.D. Power and Associates.
DISH Network offers 375 channels of all-digital satellite TV programming including movie channels, pay-per-view programs, sports packages, and Sirius satellite radio. They have the biggest variety of movies, shows, and international programming of the two satellite TV providers.
DISH Network programming starts at $19.99 for 40 program channels, and goes up to $74.99 for 375 channels, including 60 Sirius radio channels.
DISH Network has 24/7 Internet and toll-free customer service, and offers a lifetime warranty on their satellite TV systems.
DIRECTV
Started in 1994, DIRECTV was the first DBS (direct broadcast satellite) TV provider. It currently has more than 14 million subscribers and is ranked #2 in customer satisfaction among all cable and satellite TV providers by J.D. Power and Associates.
DIRECTV offers 250 channels of all-digital programming including movie channels, pay-per-view, sports packages, and XM satellite radio. They have the most sports packages of the satellite TV providers.
DIRECTV programming starts at $29.99 a month for 155 program channels, including 31 XM radio channels, and goes up to $96.99 for 250 channels.
DIRECTV has 24/7 Internet and toll-free customer service, and offers a one-year warranty on their satellite TV systems.
Note: For more information on DISH Network or DIRECTV’s satellite TV service, including their latest bonuses, free gifts, and ordering information, click on the links below.
Satellite TV Dealers Comparison
Due to the rise in popularity of satellite TV, satellite TV dealers have been popping up all over the country promising the best deals, the best service, and everything else under the sun. But many of them have hidden service fees, provide you with shoddy installation, and give little or no customer service.
I’ve spent numerous hours researching online satellite TV dealers to find out who’s the most reputable and who has the best deals. Here’s a rundown on the top four dealers:
DISH Network Satellite TV Dealers
Allsat (Best)
Established in 1995, Allsat is one of the oldest and most reputable online satellite TV dealers. Their prices, reputation, and service are second to none.
Allsat currently offers:
* A free satellite dish and up to four free receivers
* Free professional installation
* Free DVR (digital video recording) receivers
* Free HD (high definition) receivers
* 24/7 customer service
* Lifetime equipment warranty
VMC (Good)
VMC is one of the largest and most well known satellite TV dealers in the U.S. They installed the satellite TV system in the U.S. Capitol building.
VMC currently offers:
* A free 4-room satellite TV system
* Free professional installation
* Free digital video recorders
* Free HDTV receivers
* 24/7 customer service
* Lifetime equipment warranty
DIRECTV Satellite TV Dealers
Rapid Satellite (Best)
In business since 1999, Rapid Satellite is one of DIRECTV’s top satellite TV dealers. They have thousands of satisfied customers in hundreds of cities across the U.S.A.
Rapid Satellite currently offers:
* A Free 4-room system
* Free installation
* Free DIRECTV DVR (after $99 rebate)
* Free HDTV receiver (after $99 rebate)
* 24-hour customer service
* One-year equipment warranty
iSatellite (Good)
ISatellite is one of DIRECTV’s top satellite TV dealers. Though relatively new, they are one of the most reputable online dealers in the U.S.
iSatellite currently offers:
* A free satellite TV dish and up to four free receivers
* Free professional installation
* Free DIRECTV DVR receiver (after $99 mail-in rebate)
* Free HDTV receiver (after $99 mail-in rebate)
* 24/7 customer service
One-year equipment warranty
Conclusion
The first thing you should do if you’re thinking about getting satellite TV is to see what program packages DISH Network and DIRECTV have to offer.
After you find what you want, check out their dealers to find out what equipment options are available, what programming options are offered, and what their fees are for various services.
You can find all of this information by clicking on the links below.
Click on the following link for more information on free satellite TV systems and service, or these links for ordering information, the latest offers, and free bonuses from DISH Network satellite TV or DIRECTV satellite TV.
Brian Stevens is the senior editor for TheSatelliteTVGuide.com and has written extensively on satellite TV comparisons.
Tags: compare satellite tv, satellite tv, satellite tv comparison, satellite tv reviewsTopics: Satellite_TV | No Comments »