Satellite TV Networks - Directv, Dish Network, and Skyangel Compared

How many satellite networks are there?

There are actually three satellite TV networks - DIRECTV, DISH Network, and Sky Angel.

DIRECTV began it's satellite TV service in 1994. They are the largest satellite TV network with 15 satellites and 14.5 million subscribers.

DISH Network began its satellite TV service in 1995. They are the fastest-growing satellite TV network with 9 satellites and more than 12.5 million subscribers.

Sky Angel began it's satellite TV service 1981. They are a Christian satellite TV network and utilize DISH Network's satellites and broadcast facilities.

What services do they provide?

DIRECTV Network

DIRECTV offers 250 channels of satellite TV programming including movie channels, music channels, sports packages, and pay-per-view programs. Their prices start at $29.99 a month for 155 channels of satellite TV programming including 50 XM satellite radio channels and three months of HBO, Showtime, and Starz movie channels.

When you subscribe to one of their programming packages, DIRECTV will give you a free satellite TV system consisting of a satellite dish and up to four free receivers with universal remotes. You can also get a free HD (high definition) receiver so you can watch HD programs, or a free DVR (digital video recorder) receiver so you can record your favorite shows.

DISH Network

DISH Network offers 350 program channels including movie channels, music channels, sports packages, game channels, and pay-per-view programs.. Their prices start at $29.99 a month for 230 channels of satellite TV programming including 60 Sirius satellite radio channels and three months of Starz Movie Pak.

When you subscribe to one of their programming packages, DISH Network will give you a free satellite TV system - a satellite dish and a four-television receiver system with universal remotes. They will also give you a a free HD receiver so you can watch HD programs, or a free DVR receiver so you can record your favorite programs.

Both DIRECTV and DISH Network have received the highest customer satisfaction ratings among all cable and satellite TV providers for the last five years, and both networks provide 24/7 online and toll-free customer service.

Sky Angel Network

Sky Angel offer 35 channels of Christian satellite TV programming and satellite radio shows. Their prices start at $14.99 per month for 20 TV program channels and 15 satellite radio channels.

Sky Angel charges $149 for one dish, one receiver, and one remote, and extra receivers are $99 each. Installation costs $99 to $199 depending on the complexity of the installation.

Sky Angel provides 24 hour, 7 days-a-week online and toll-free customer service.

Which network has the best service?

It depends on what you're looking for ...

If you like sports, DIRECTV has the most sports packages, including the popular NFL Sunday Ticket.

If you're looking for a bargain and you want the biggest variety of programming, DISH Network has the least expensive program packages, the most channels, the most HD programming, the most pay-per-view movies and events, the most game channels, and the most music channels.

And if you want Christian programming, Sky Angel has the most Christian satellite TV channels and the most Christian satellite radio channels.

How do I sign up for satellite TV service?

Visit http://www.TheSatelliteTVGuide.com for more information, ordering information, plus the latest special offers from DISH Network, DIRECTV , or Sky Angel.

The author, Brian Stevens, is the senior editor for TheSatelliteTVGuide.com and has written numerous articles on satellite TV networks.