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Compare Satellite TV Providers
Here's a side-by-side comparison and a review of the U.S. satellite TV providers.
Due to the demise of Pegasus and Voom, there are now just three companies that provide satellite TV service in the U.S. - DISH Network, DIRECTV, and Sky Angel.
DISH Network, a subsidiary of EchoStar Communications, began offering its satellite TV service in 1995. Today, DISH Network has 10 satellites and more than 12.5 million subscribers.
DIRECTV, a part of the DIRECTV Group, launched its satellite programming service in 1994. Today they have 15 satellites and 14.5 million subscribers.
Sky Angel, owned and operated by Dominion Video Satellite Inc., was licensed in 1981. They utilize DISH Network's satellites and broadcast facilities.
Satellite TV Comparison
Feature
|
DISH Network
|
DIRECTV
|
Sky Angel
|
Satellite TV Equipment
|
Free dish and free four-room receiver system
|
Free dish and
free four-room receiver system
|
$149 for one dish, one receiver, and one remote
|
Installation
|
Free
|
Free
|
$99 - $199
|
Lowest-Priced Program Package
|
$29.99 mo. for 120+ channels plus free HBO, Cinemax, or Starz for 3 months, *free DVR and free HD receivers in up to 3 rooms.
|
$29.99 mo. for 150+ channels plus free Showtime for 3 months
|
$14.99 for 20 TV channels and 16 satellite radio channels
|
Most Popular Program Package
|
$39.99 mo. for 220+ channels, 35 music channels, 54 Sirius satellite radio channels, plus free HBO and Showtime for 3 months
|
$34.99 mo. for 210+ channels, 77 Sonic Tap satellite radio channels, plus free Showtime and Starz for 3 months
|
Same as above
|
Local Channels
|
Included with service
|
Included with service
|
Included with service
|
Music Channels
|
52 music channels and 60 Sirius satellite radio channels
|
84 Sonic Tap satellite radio channels
|
16 Sky Angel radio channels
|
Pay-Per-View
|
75 movies per month, plus sports and special events
|
60 movies per month, plus sports and special events
|
No
|
Sports Packages
|
7
|
9
|
No
|
International Programming
|
African, Arabic, Armenian, Chinese, Filipino, French, German, Greek, Israeli, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, South Asian, Spanish, Ukrainian, Urdu, and Vietnamese
|
Arabic, Brazilian, Caribbean, Chinese, Filipino, Greek, Italian, Korean, Polish, Russian, South Asian, Spanish, Ukranian, Vietnamese
|
Arabic, Spanish, and Tagalog radio programs
|
Adult Programming
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No
|
DVR (Digital Video Recorder) Receiver
|
Free DVR receiver,
$4.98 per month for service
|
Free DVR receiver,
$4.99 per month for service
|
No
|
HD
(High Definition)
Programming
|
Free HD for life
200 channels
Free HD receiver
|
Free HD for life
160 channels
Free HD receiver
|
No
|
Service Commitment
|
One year
|
One year
|
One year
|
Online and Toll-Free
Customer Service
|
Yes, 24/7
365 days a year
|
Yes, 24/7
365 days a year
|
Yes, 24/7
365 days a year
|
Customer Satisfaction Ranking
|
Top ranked
|
Top ranked
|
Not ranked
|
Toll-Free Ordering
|
Yes, 24/7
365 days a year
|
Yes, 24/7
365 days a year
|
Yes, 24/7
365 days a year
|
Equipment
|
Leased
|
Leased
|
Leased
|
Special Offers and Bonus Gifts
|
|||
Credit-Card-Safe Ordering
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Installation Time
|
1 to 5 days
|
1 to 5 days
|
1 to 5 days
|
*$6 monthly DVR service fee applies
Satellite TV Reviews
DISH Network
DISH Network is the fastest-growing satellite TV provider and is top ranked in customer satisfaction by J.D. Power and Associates. They offer 350 channels of programming including movie channels, music channels, news and weather channels, sports packages, and pay-per-view programs.
Dish Network has the biggest variety of movies, shows, music, and the most pay-per-view movies. They have 200 HD Channels.
DIRECTV
DIRECTV is the largest satellite TV provider and is top ranked in customer satisfaction by J.D. Power and Associates. They offer 265 channels of programming including movie channels, music channels, pay-per-view programs, news and weather channels, and sports packages.
DIRECTV has 160 HD channels and the most sports program packages, including the popular NFL Sunday Ticket.
Sky Angel
Sky Angel offers Christian TV shows, special events, conferences, children's shows, inspirational programming, and radio programs.
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