Brian Stevens is a professional freelance writer and webmaster who has written extensively on satellite TV systems and service.
Trying to decide between DIRECTV satellite TV and cable TV? Here's a comparison of both TV providers that will help you make up your mind.
Best Programming
DIRECTV has more than 265 satellite TV channels broadcast in all-digital format. They also have nearly 100 channels broadcast in HD (high definition). Their programming includes national networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, The CW), movie channels, sports channels, news and weather channels, special interest channels, international channels, pay-per-view channels, and XM satellite radio channels.
Cable companies average 180 TV channels which are broadcast in either outdated analog format or digital format. As HD gains in popularity most companies are adding HD channels. Programming includes national networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, The CW), movie channels, sports channels, news and weather channels, special interest channels, some international channels, pay-per-view channels, and music channels.
Best Equipment
DISH Network will give you a free satellite system that includes a dish, receivers, and remotes, plus they will install your system at no charge. If you want to record your favorite programs you can get a free DVR (digital video recorder) receiver. If you want to watch your programs in high def, you can get a free HD receiver.
Most cable companies give you free cable boxes. Installation of these boxes varies from company to company, and can either be free or cost you $75 or more depending on the cable TV company you choose. Most cable companies offer DVR and HD compatible cable boxes, with prices varying from company to company.
Best Prices
DISH Network's prices start at $29.99 per month for their 45-channel Family Package, and go up to $57.99 for their 265-channel Premier package which includes 73 XM satellite radio channels and 31 movie channels.
The average price for cable TV is $39.99 a month for a basic cable program package. In my neck of the woods our local cable company charges $46 a month for a 59-channel package.
Best in Customer Satisfaction
DISH Network is ranked highest in customer satisfaction among all the satellite and cable TV companies in the U.S.
Cox cable has a number two ranking in overall customer satisfaction, while the other cable companies rank below Cox and DISH Network.
Visit http://www.thesatellitetvguide.com/free-directv.htm or click on the following link for more information on DIRECTV satellite TV, plus where to get the best deal on their satellite TV service. You can also see their latest special offers and order their satellite TV service online.
The author, Brian Stevens, is the senior editor for TheSatelliteTVGuide.com and has written a number of articles on DIRECTV satellite TV vs. cable TV.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- Dish Vs Directv; Which is Better for your Needs?
- What to Know About Directv Deals
- Directv Tivo Guide - What you Should Know
- Side-By-Side Comparison: Dish Vs Directv
- Directv Hd Programming Guide - Hdtv Channels and Prices
- Directv: Great Satellite Television at a Great Price
- Satellite TV Guide -- Is DISH Network Better Than DIRECTV?
- Directv Vs. Cable TV - Which One's Best?
Want to Watch Live TV For Free Online? - Frequently Asked Questions About Internet TV
By: Aaron Landry | 08/07/2009Internet TV, as you've probably discovered, is finally making it's way to the forefront of online entertainment. Many people, however, are still not familiar with this technology and its endless possibilities. Now that we are well into the digital age, it's important to become familiar with internet television. So here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Internet television.
Satellite Televisions is for More Than Home Viewing
By: Michael Gibbes | 08/07/2009Have you ever been in a waiting room which offered only ancient magazines and canned music for you to enjoy while you waited? Bet that wait felt a lot longer than it actually was.
Satellite Television and High Definition Programming
By: Jennifer Covington | 08/07/2009Headlines talk about the items that consumers should be buying during the current financial situation. Among the most frequently discussed are electronics, with high definition televisions always topping the lists.
Direct TV Packages -- Get The Plan That Works For You
By: Jayson Cain | 07/07/2009Which of the Direct TV Packages is Right For You?Unless you are just starting to compare Directv plans, you probably know that they offer several plans to please everyone. Prices vary as do the different channels receive with each plan.Between the two most popular satellite TV providers -- DISH Network and DIRECTV -- you can get over than 250 tv channels, pay-per-view movies and events, local channels, as well as commercial-free music channels....
Vesa TV brackets meet the standard
By: Phil Battison | 07/07/2009If the TV is a slim line set, it would benefit from being hung on a wall, and there are a great range of brackets and mounts that can ensure this happens. Regardless of budget or fashion, there is likely to be a bracket or wall mount to suit the need of every consumer. This is helped by the Vesa TV bracket which is guaranteed to match the holes of all Vesa approved TVs. This is terrific value and should ensure that no customer is deprived the chance to make the most of their viewing situation.
TV continues to Advance
By: Phil Battison | 07/07/2009Vogel's is known worldwide as a supplier of a variety of supports for audio and video equipment. It is hard to believe that the company started quite recently, in 1973, as a small family business in the Netherlands. Their range of brackets and accessories continue to advance.
Thinking Positive
By: Phil Battison | 07/07/2009It is easy to think that there isn't much to celebrate in the world at the moment, if you watch the news on a regular basis. There is the ongoing economic downturn, leading to job losses and financial strain, the potential threat of swine flu worsening in the UK towards flu season, and just over the last couple of days the disagreements between North Korea and the wider world in regard to weapons testing.
The World in your Front Room - Wall Mount that TV
By: Phil Battison | 07/07/2009Television technology means that shows can be enjoyed with more stunning images than ever before. So when you are watching your big HD (high definition) screen on its plasma LCD TV wall mounted bracket, you should be able to appreciate favourite shows more than ever.
No Load Term Life Insurance - How to Get the Best Rate
By: ryan@thesatellitetvguide.com | 29/05/2008 | InsuranceA no load term life insurance policy is the least expensive type of life insurance available today. But just what is this type of insurance and how can you get the best rate? This article shows you.
Homeowner Insurance Rates - Where to Get the Cheapest
By: ryan@thesatellitetvguide.com | 26/05/2008 | InsuranceHow can you make sure you get the cheapest rate possible for your homeowners insurance without sacrificing the protection you need? This article shows you how.
Renters Insurance for College Students - Where to Get the Best Rate
By: ryan@thesatellitetvguide.com | 22/05/2008 | InsuranceBuying renters insurance for college students is important – and doesn’t cost that much. Here's how to get the best rate.
Cheapest Auto Insurance - Where to Get it
By: ryan@thesatellitetvguide.com | 19/05/2008 | InsuranceGetting the cheapest auto insurance is a four part process - 1. getting the best rate, 2. increasing your deductible, 3. getting discounts, 4. eliminating unnecessary coverage. This article explains how to do it.
Whole Life Insurance Advice - How to Get the Best Rate
By: ryan@thesatellitetvguide.com | 15/05/2008 | InsuranceWhole life insurance is a great tool to both protect your family and grow your money. Here's whole life insurance advice that explains what whole life insurance is and how to get the best rate.
How to Get the Best Group Health Insurance Rate in Texas
By: ryan@thesatellitetvguide.com | 14/05/2008 | InsuranceHealth insurance is always going to cost more than we like, so you want to make sure you're getting the best group health insurance rate in Texas. This article explains how to get it.
Auto and Renters Insurance - How to Get the Best Rate
By: ryan@thesatellitetvguide.com | 13/05/2008 | InsuranceDid you know you can save up to 15% on your auto and renters insurance by buying both policies from the same insurance company? Read this article to learn more ways you can reduce your insurance bill.
Best Auto Insurance Quote - Where to Get it
By: ryan@thesatellitetvguide.com | 12/05/2008 | InsuranceAre you looking to get the best auto insurance quote with an A-rated company? This article shows you how to get it.