Compare Satellite TV Companies -- DISH Network , DIRECTV, and Sky Angel

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.