Unique Services Only From Dish Network vs Directv

By Julia Hall

Satellite television companies offer a unique service for your home television viewing. Unlike cable television companies, satellite TV uses extremely advanced technology that can reach anywhere in the country and offers hundreds of digital channels. This makes sure you get the most programming choices and the best new technologies like High Definition TV (HDTV), digital television, and specialty programming choices.

There are two main satellite TV companies operating in the United States today. These are Dish Network Satellite TV and Directv Satellite TV. Both are fairly similar in the types of packages they offer and the amount of programming they have, but there are some major differences between the two. Overall, when prices, channel selection, and access to technology is taken into account, Dish Network tends to have slightly better values.

Dish Network programming packages begin with a family oriented packages that has about 40 channels including many children's networks, news, general entertainment, and educational programming. This package runs under twenty dollars a month and is a good value for a family looking for a minimal amount of entertainment. The main programming packages are called America's Top 100, Top 200, and Top 250. These packages contain all of the programming you'd expect from a satellite television company such as sports, news, home improvement channels, general entertainment, and movies. In the America's Everything Package, you also get the premium Movies Starz, Showtime, Cinemax, and HBO.

Every programming package comes with a variety of Sirius satellite radio channels as well as many audio music channels. Locals are available, but they cost more. Direct TV's programming packages are set up a little differently. They have a 140 channel package, Total Choice, as the entry-level package. Directv Satellite TV also has a 185 channel package, Total Choice Xtra, and a 250 channel package, Total Choice Premier. The Premier package contains the same premium movie packages that you get from the America's Everything Pack, plus a Multi-Sport package. With both Direct TV's Premier package and the Total Choice Plus you also get Digital Video Recorder (DVR) service included.

While the programming packages contain somewhat similar types of options (though with different prices and different package sizes), you'll find a real difference in the additional programming.

For instance, Dish Network has a much larger selection of high definition television programming than any other company. Currently the selection is at 31 channels and it has been growing pretty rapidly. Everything from sports and movies to educational and news programming is included within this package. The company has it set up so that you can add this HDTV package to any other programming package, which lets you enjoy both the full variety of standard definition channels and a wide selection of HDTV. If you choose to go with Direct TV instead, you can still watch high definition television, but you will only be able to get about a dozen channels and fewer HD premium Movies.

When it comes to other types of programming, Dish Network also seems to hold a lot of choices.

Foreign language programming is very complete within their programming choices with over 20 different international packages. Interactive television channels are also widely represented with dozens of choices from interactive horse racing to karaoke entertainment. You can get both foreign language programming and interactive television choices through the other satellite television company, but there is a somewhat smaller selection.

Because of satellite television's advanced technologies, it has the ability to completely transform your television viewing. Both companies have different advantages to offer, but you'll want to look for the best values and the best choices in programming. It's time to cut the cable. Switch now.

Julia Hall writes articles for consumers who want to find the latest Direct TV offers and news. She has written for many major publications about Dish TV as well as Direct TV and how buyers can find the best deals. Follow her publications to find out how you can maximize your communications dollar without sacrificing quality while enjoying the best your television service provider.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julia_Hall