To compare satellite TV services in the United States is not easy. Dish Network and DirecTV, two popular satellite TV providers run very close to each other in terms of their TV services. Both Dish Network and DirecTV try to add more and more new features and services to outdo their rivals. Let us compare the two satellite TV services.

Total Subscribers:

If we compare the satellite TV services calculating the years they have been serving subscribers, they are more or less the same age. Dish Network and DirecTV began their service at almost the same time.

Dish Network began its service in the year 1996. Today it delivers satellite TV service to more than 14 million subscribers. Whereas DirecTV with more than 18 million subscribers, was launched in the year 1994.

These two TV services render television and audio services through satellite transmissions. If we compare the satellite TV services in number of satellites, Dish Network has launched 10 satellites till time. And DirecTV currently renders TV service through their 15 satellites.

Packages & Programming:

When we compare satellite TV services in terms of packages and programming, we most importantly check the channels, the total number of channels and pricing. Let us compare the satellite TV services and have a deeper look on these aspects.

Dish America, America’s Top 120, America’s Top 120 Plus, America’s Top 200 Plus, America’s Top 250, America’s Everything Pak, are five base English packages of Dish Network. Among these packages, America’s Everything Pak contains the highest channels, with over 315 channels including 30 premium movie channels.

DirecTV on the other hand has four base English packages namely Choice, Choice Xtra, Choice Ultimate and Premier packages. The Premier package, with the highest numbers of channels, has more than 285 channels including a number of premium movie channels.

Dish America Silver and Dish America Gold are additional packages with HD channels of Dish Network. Spanish-language and International packages as well as sports, movie and other packages are also delivered. In case of International packages, Dish Network delivers packages in 28 different languages.

DirecTV also has Spanish-language, international and sports or movie packages. In case of International packages, DirecTV delivers programming in 9 different languages. DirecTV delivers exclusive sports packages namely NFL Sunday Ticket, NASCAR Hotpass. These packages are not found in other TV services of the U.S. Even broadcasts of Grand Slam Golf and Grand Slam Tennis is exclusively provided by DirecTV. DirecTV service is also available separately for RVs, planes, boats, SUVs, cars etc.

TV shows in 3D format, the most awaited video type is now delivered by DirecTV and Dish Network. Comparing satellite TV services, it is clear that both have similar packages with some differences.

Advanced Features:

Advanced features and services play important role when we compare satellite TV services. Dish Network subscribers can access TV Everywhere, Google TV service and a number of DVR features.

Remote TV viewing is possible for subscribers of DirecTV subscribers also. They can watch their favorite shows on their laptops, tablets and select models of smartphones. Subscribers of DirecTV can also access advanced features such as Parental Control, SmartSearch etc. Both the services keep on adding new features and programming from time to time. Subscribers thus need to keep an open eye when they compare satellite TV services of U.S.

Pricing and service:

If we compare satellite TV service of U.S on grounds of pricing of packages and others, both the services have reasonable pricing for packages.

Thus, after we have compared satellite TV services of the United States, it seems both Dish Network and DirecTV are great providers. No one is better than the other. Subscribers should select the service that is better for them.