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Want to know how the three major satellite TV companies compare to each other? Here we compare DIRECTV, DISH Network, and Sky Angel so you can judge for yourself.

Compare Satellite TV Companies

Here's a side-by-side comparison of DISH Network, DIRECTV, and Sky Angel ...

Company Information

- DISH Network: Launched in 1996, DISH Network has 9 satellites and more than 12 million subscribers.

- DIRECTV: Launched in 1994, DIRECTV has 15 satellites and more than 14 million subscribers.

- Sky Angel: Launched in 1981, they utilize DISH Network's satellites, equipment, and broadcast facilities.

Customer Satisfaction Rating

- DISH Network: Ranked #1 by J.D. Power & Associates

- DIRECTV: Ranked #2 by J.D. Power & Associates

- Sky Angel: Not currently ranked.

Compare Programming

Program Packages

- DISH Network: Packages start at $19.99 for 40 channels and go up to $74.99 for 350 channels.

- DIRECTV: Packages start at $41.99 for 155 channels and go up to $96.99 for 250 channels.

- Sky Angel: Program package is $14.99 for 36 channels.

Local Channels

- DISH Network: Adding local channels costs $5 per month.

- DIRECTV: Adding local channels costs $3 per month.

- Sky Angel: Adding local channels costs $5.99 per month.

Music Channels

- DISH Network: Offers 52 music channels plus 60 Sirius radio channels.

- DIRECTV: Offers 67 XM radio channels.

- Sky Angel: Offers 16 music channels.

Pay-Per-View

- DISH Network: Movies cost $3.99, special event prices vary.

- DIRECTV: Movies cost $3.99, special event prices vary.

- Sky Angel: Included with service.

Sports Packages

- DISH Network: Offers a variety of sports packages.

- DIRECTV: Offers a variety of sports packages.

- Sky Angel: Does not offer sports packages.

Adult Programming

- DISH Network: Offers adult channels.

- DIRECTV: Offers adult channels.

- Sky Angel: Does not offer adult channels.

Internet Service

- DISH Network: Offers Internet service.

- DIRECTV: Offers Internet service.

- Sky Angel: Does not offer Internet service.

Service Commitment

- DISH Network: One year commitment , charges fee for early cancellation.

- DIRECTV: One year commitment , charges fee for early cancellation.

- Sky Angel: One year commitment, charges fee for early cancellation.

Compare Equipment

Equipment Prices

- DISH Network: Free dish and up to four receivers when you subscribe to their service.

- DIRECTV: Free dish and up to four receivers when you subscribe to their service.

- Sky Angel: Charges $149 for one dish, one receiver, and one remote.

Equipment Warranty

- DISH Network: Lifetime warranty

- DIRECTV: One year warranty

- Sky Angel: Lifetime warranty

DVR's (digital video recorders)

- DISH Network: Free DVR receivers ($4.98 per month for service).

- DIRECTV: Free DVR receivers after $99 rebate ($4.99 per month for service).

- Sky Angel: Not offered at this time.

HD (high definition) receivers

- DISH Network: Two free receivers.

- DIRECTV: Free receiver (after $99 mail-in rebate).

- Sky Angel: Not offered at this time.

Installation

- DISH Network: Dish and receiver(s) installed free.

- DIRECTV: Dish and receiver(s) installed free.

- Sky Angel: Dish and receivers cost $99 to $199 to install.

Installation Time

- DISH Network: One to five days depending on location.

- DIRECTV: One to five days depending on

location.

- Sky Angel: One to five days depending on location.

Compare Miscellaneous Information

Customer Service

- DISH Network: Offers 24/7 toll-free and online customer service.

- DIRECTV: Offers 24/7 toll-free and online customer service.

- Sky Angel: Offers 24/7 toll-free and online customer service.

Free Bonus Gifts

- DISH Network: Click on links below to review current offers.

- DIRECTV: Click on links below to review current offers.

- Sky Angel: Click on links below to review current offers.

Ordering

- DISH Network: 24/7 online ordering and toll-free ordering.

- DIRECTV: 24/7 online ordering and toll-free ordering.

- Sky Angel: 24/7 online ordering and toll-free ordering.

Note

As some of the information may have changed since this article was published, please click on the links below for current information.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Click on the following link for more information to compare satellite TV companies. Click on these links for current ordering information, plus the latest special offers and free bonuses from DISH Network satellite TV or DIRECTV satellite TV.

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