Difference between Dish Network and DirectTV

Key Difference: Dish Network and DirectTV are two different kinds of broadcast satellite service providers. Dish Network and DirectTV are both comparable and are direct competitors in the broadcast satellite service industry. However, there are certain differences between the two as regarding services provided, size of the company, number of subscribers, etc.

Dish Network and DirectTV are two different kinds of broadcast satellite service providers. They both cater primarily to American audiences. A broadcast satellite is a type of artificial satellite which usually sends satellite television signals for home reception. The homes are equipped with a receiver, usually in the shaped of a dish, hence the name. The receiver receives the signal and converts it back to audio and video for home viewing.

Broadcast satellite service providers are direct competitors of network cable providers. In fact cable providers are considered to be old technology, with broadcast satellite service over taking it fast. Broadcast satellite service has the advantage as it provides high-definition (HD) channels, with features like commercial skipping, and various bundle packages for satellite-based phone and internet.

Dish Network and DirectTV are both comparable and are direct competitors in the broadcast satellite service industry. However, there are certain differences between the two as regarding services provided, size of the company, number of subscribers, etc.

Dish Network predates DirectTV, which is much newer on the market. DirectTV started services on June 17, 1994, whereas Dish Network, which recently changed its name to Dish, has been on the scene since 1980. However, Dish Network’s first satellite called EchoStar I went up in December 1995.

Of the two, DirecTV is considered to be larger with about 35 million subscribers, as compared to about 14 million subscribers of Dish. Still, depending on the market region, Dish is generally considered to be cheaper and more affordable than DirecTV. Additionally, Dish also offers portable satellite service, unlike DirecTV.

Comparison between Dish Network and DirectTV:

 

Dish Network

DirectTV

Type

Direct Broadcast Satellite service provider and broadcaster

Direct Broadcast Satellite service provider and broadcaster

Based in

Meridian, Colorado, U.S.

El Segundo, California, U.S.

Launched on

1980

June 17, 1994

Area

United States

United States, Latin America and the Caribbean

Services

Direct broadcast satellite, Pay television, Pay-per-view, Internet, Phone services

Direct broadcast satellite, Pay television, Pay-per-view, Internet, Phone

Subscribers

About 14 million subscribers

About 35 million subscribers

Channels

330+

285+

HD Channels

200 available HD channels

195 HD channels

Additional Channels

-

Audience Network, an exclusive 3DTV channel called n3D, GSN Game Lounge channel, where users can play games with their remote, and BabyFirstTV, a learning channel.

Packages

Four packages: America’s Top 120, America’s Top 120 Plus, America’s Top 200 and America’s Top 250. Dish’s top package (Premier) does not include premiere channels like HBO and Showtime

Five different packages: Entertainment (140 channels), Choice (105 channels), Xtra (205 channels), Ultimate (225 channels), and Premier (285 channels). The Premier package also includes HBO, Showtime, Starz and Cinemax. In all packages, local channels are included.

DVR

Hopper DVR system

Genie DVR system

No. of Recordings at once

6

5

Recording capacity

2TB

1TB

Portable Satellite

The Tailgater

Not available

Unique Additional Sports Packages

Racetrack Television Network, Outdoor Sports

NFL Sunday Ticket, Men's Majors Golf Tournaments and Grand Slam Tennis Tournaments

Installation

Free professional basic installation as part of the setup package. Also offers additional setup services like mounting a television on a wall or installing home theater systems for an additional fee.

Free professional basic installation as part of the setup package

Image Courtesy: logos.wikia.com, cidbia.org

Most Searched in Home and Garden Most Searched in Beauty and Style
Most Searched in Electronics Most Searched in Games and Recreation
iPhone 6S vs Samsung Galaxy S6
Idioms vs Phrases
Salary vs Emoluments
Army vs Navy

Add new comment

Plain text

CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.