Compare Satellite TV Companies -- DISH Network, DIRECTV, and Sky Angel

Compare Satellite TV Companies -

DISH Network, DIRECTV, and Sky Angel

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 highest in customer satisfaction by J.D. Power & Associates.

- DIRECTV: Ranked highest in customer satisfaction 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.

Visit http://www.TheSatelliteTVGuide.com for more information, ordering information, plus 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 articles on satellite TV companies.