Satellite TV Comparison -- Providers and Dealers Compared

Who are the major satellite TV providers, who are the best satellite TV dealers, and how do they compare? This article answers those questions.

Satellite TV Comparison

Satellite TV providers are the companies that offer satellite TV programming to the public. They purchase satellite TV programming from networks, independent companies, and radio stations, then make their programming available to the public through the use of satellites.

Satellite TV dealers are the companies who sell the satellite TV services and satellite TV equipment offered by the satellite TV providers.

In the U.S. there are two major satellite TV providers -- DISH Network and DIRECTV -- and there are hundreds of satellite TV dealers who sell their services and systems.

Satellite TV Providers Comparison

DISH Network

DISH Network was launched in 1996, and currently has more than 12 million subscribers. It's ranked #1 in customer satisfaction among all cable and satellite TV providers by J.D. Power and Associates.

DISH Network offers 375 channels of all-digital satellite TV programming including movie channels, pay-per-view programs, sports packages, and Sirius satellite radio. They have the biggest variety of movies, shows, and international programming of the two satellite TV providers.

DISH Network programming starts at $19.99 for 40 program channels, and goes up to $74.99 for 375 channels, including 60 Sirius radio channels.

DISH Network has 24/7 Internet and toll-free customer service, and offers a lifetime warranty on their satellite TV systems.

DIRECTV

Started in 1994, DIRECTV was the first DBS (direct broadcast satellite) TV provider. It currently has more than 14 million subscribers and is ranked #2 in customer satisfaction among all cable and satellite TV providers by J.D. Power and Associates.

DIRECTV offers 250 channels of all-digital programming including movie channels, pay-per-view, sports packages, and XM satellite radio. They have the most sports packages of the satellite TV providers.

DIRECTV programming starts at $29.99 a month for 155 program channels,

including 31 XM radio channels, and goes up to $96.99 for 250 channels.

DIRECTV has 24/7 Internet and toll-free customer service, and offers a one-year warranty on their satellite TV systems.

Note: For more information on DISH Network or DIRECTV's satellite TV service, including their latest bonuses, free gifts, and ordering information, click on the links below.

Satellite TV Dealers Comparison

Due to the rise in popularity of satellite TV, satellite TV dealers have been popping up all over the country promising the best deals, the best service, and everything else under the sun. But many of them have hidden service fees, provide you with shoddy installation, and give little or no customer service.

I've spent numerous hours researching online satellite TV dealers to find out who's the most reputable and who has the best deals. Here's a rundown on the top four dealers:

DISH Network Satellite TV Dealers

Allsat (Best)

Established in 1995, Allsat is one of the oldest and most reputable online satellite TV dealers. Their prices, reputation, and service are second to none.

Allsat currently offers:

• A free satellite dish and up to four free receivers
• Free professional installation
• Free DVR (digital video recording) receivers
• Free HD (high definition) receivers
• 24/7 customer service
• Lifetime equipment warranty

VMC (Good)

VMC is one of the largest and most well known satellite TV dealers in the U.S. They installed the satellite TV system in the U.S. Capitol building.

VMC currently offers:

• A free 4-room satellite TV system
• Free professional installation
• Free digital video recorders
• Free HDTV receivers
• 24/7 customer service
• Lifetime equipment warranty

DIRECTV Satellite TV Dealers

Rapid Satellite (Best)

In business since 1999, Rapid Satellite is one of DIRECTV's top satellite TV dealers. They have thousands of satisfied customers in hundreds of cities across the U.S.A.

Rapid Satellite currently offers:

• A Free

4-room system

iSatellite (Good)

ISatellite is one of DIRECTV's top satellite TV dealers. Though relatively new, they are one of the most reputable online dealers in the U.S.

iSatellite currently offers:

• A free satellite TV dish and up to four free receivers
• Free professional installation
• Free DIRECTV DVR receiver (after $99 mail-in rebate)
• Free HDTV receiver (after $99 mail-in rebate)
• 24/7 customer service

One-year equipment warranty

Conclusion

The first thing you should do if you're thinking about getting satellite TV is to see what program packages DISH Network and DIRECTV have to offer.

After you find what you want, check out their dealers to find out what equipment options are available, what programming options are offered, and what their fees are for various services.

You can find all of this information by clicking on the links below.

Click on the following link for more information on free satellite TV systems and service, or these links for ordering information, the latest offers , and free bonuses from DISH Network satellite TV or DIRECTV satellite TV.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Brian Stevens is the senior editor for http://www.TheSatelliteTVGuide.com and has written extensively on satellite TV comparisons.

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