installation of system, a video recorder (either a personal video recorder or TiVo), and, usually, a few months of free service. Depending on the time of the year each supplier will offer a teaser, like a gift or cash to attract people to sign up with them.

One difference between the suppliers is in who owns the equipment. With DirecTV the customer owns the system, while with DISH

So you know that cable is more expensive and you want to go with satellite TV. But there are all these deals between DirecTV and DISH network. What is the difference?

Let's first talk about DirecTV. They are the largest provider of digital satellite TV. The company services over 15 million customers nationwide and its DirecTV system offers 250 channels.

DirecTV uses well known companies to build its systems. Sony, Panasonic, and RCA, produce their satellite receivers. The DirecTV system includes an 18-inch dish, an integrated receiver decoder and a remote control. They have two broadcasting centers, one in Colorado and one in California and they transmit signals to five satellites.

Now let's talk about DISH network. They are part of the larger company EchoStar and they are the fastest growing satellite TV company. DISH network services several million customers and adds at least 100,000 new customers on a monthly basis.

DISH network is the second largest provider and is based in Colorado. The company's service offers 500 satellite TV channels including digital video and music stations. Their satellite dishes are manufactured by EchoStar Technologies.

So in terms of quality both companies are right up there. Both companies offer free products when you sign up as a new customer, provided you sign a minimum 12 month contract. Both DirecTV and DISH network offer free satellite packages. The free packages include an 18" or 21" satellite dish, up to five satellite receivers for your televisions, free professional installation of system, a video recorder (either a personal video recorder or TiVo), and, usually, a few months of free service. Depending on the time of the year each supplier will offer a teaser, like a gift or cash to attract people to sign up with them.

One difference between the suppliers is in who owns the equipment. With DirecTV the customer owns the system, while with DISH

n companies to build its systems. Sony, Panasonic, and RCA, produce their satellite receivers. The DirecTV system includes an 18-inch dish, an integrated receiver decoder and a remote control. They have two broadcasting centers, one in Colorado and one in California and they transmit signals to five satellites.

Now let's talk about DISH network. They are part of the larger company EchoStar and they are the fastest growing satellite TV company. DISH network services several million customers and adds at least 100,000 new customers on a monthly basis.

DISH network is the second largest provider and is based in Colorado. The company's service offers 500 satellite TV channels including digital video and music stations. Their satellite dishes are manufactured by EchoStar Technologies.

So in terms of quality both companies are right up there. Both companies offer free products when you sign up as a new customer, provided you sign a minimum 12 month contract. Both DirecTV and DISH network offer free satellite packages. The free packages include an 18" or 21" satellite dish, up to five satellite receivers for your televisions, free professional installation of system, a video recorder (either a personal video recorder or TiVo), and, usually, a few months of free service. Depending on the time of the year each supplier will offer a teaser, like a gift or cash to attract people to sign up with them.

One difference between the suppliers is in who owns the equipment. With DirecTV the customer owns the system, while with DISH

choStar and they are the fastest growing satellite TV company. DISH network services several million customers and adds at least 100,000 new customers on a monthly basis.

DISH network is the second largest provider and is based in Colorado. The company's service offers 500 satellite TV channels including digital video and music stations. Their satellite dishes are manufactured by EchoStar Technologies.

So in terms of quality both companies are right up there. Both companies offer free products when you sign up as a new customer, provided you sign a minimum 12 month contract. Both DirecTV and DISH network offer free satellite packages. The free packages include an 18" or 21" satellite dish, up to five satellite receivers for your televisions, free professional installation of system, a video recorder (either a personal video recorder or TiVo), and, usually, a few months of free service. Depending on the time of the year each supplier will offer a teaser, like a gift or cash to attract people to sign up with them.

One difference between the suppliers is in who owns the equipment. With DirecTV the customer owns the system, while with DISH

hoStar Technologies.

So in terms of quality both companies are right up there. Both companies offer free products when you sign up as a new customer, provided you sign a minimum 12 month contract. Both DirecTV and DISH network offer free satellite packages. The free packages include an 18" or 21" satellite dish, up to five satellite receivers for your televisions, free professional installation of system, a video recorder (either a personal video recorder or TiVo), and, usually, a few months of free service. Depending on the time of the year each supplier will offer a teaser, like a gift or cash to attract people to sign up with them.

One difference between the suppliers is in who owns the equipment. With DirecTV the customer owns the system, while with DISH

installation of system, a video recorder (either a personal video recorder or TiVo), and, usually, a few months of free service. Depending on the time of the year each supplier will offer a teaser, like a gift or cash to attract people to sign up with them.

One difference between the suppliers is in who owns the equipment. With DirecTV the customer owns the system, while with DISH network you don't own the equipment unless you pay a small fee upfront. This fee is normally refunded on the first bill, but you need to enquire about this or read the small print.

Both DirecTV and DISH network offer digital video recorders. The difference is in the type of recorder offered and the upfront costs. Installation times vary for both companies. Usually both companies can install within 24 hours, dependant on a few factors though.

Both providers offer local programming and international programming, but you should check each local programming package for certain channels. The difference will be determined by your personal viewing preferences and the channels offered.

You will find that costs are much the same between programming packages, except for special programming or extra packages you choose.

DirecTV owns the rights to several sports packages, including NHL Center Ice, MLB Extra Innings, Yankee games, NFL Sunday Ticket, and NBA League Pass, which show just about every NFL game, and offers a greater number of international channels.

The DirecTV system offers up to 250 channels while DISH network provides up to 500 channels. There are small advantages between each, with no real disadvantages, but it does depend on your location and what you want to watch on your satellite TV.