DirecTV HD vs. Dish Network HD

High definition is quickly becoming the standard for television and if you prefer not to (or cannot) use local cable provider for your television needs, you may be considering going with a dish setup. In which case, you have two main options for programming: DirecTV or Dish Network. Both are great television providers, but one may be better for you than the other one.

Pros of DirecTV & What You Need

DirecTV has long been known for offering very diverse programming options at great prices, and this is something they do with HD programming. DirecTV currently offers over 90 channels in HD. Some of these channels are local ABC, NBC and CBS affiliates, while other channels include Disney and ESPN. This is a definite reason why to choose DirecTV as your satellite television provider.

Where DirecTV excels with HD television, however, is sports programming. They offer the complete NFL Sunday Ticket in HD, which means that every game is broadcast in high definition. If you’ve ever wanted to see the sweat on Jeremy Shockey’s face, you’ll see it quite clearly when watching an NFL game in high def. In addition to the NFL Season Package, other sports packages and events are also offered in high definition, which makes DirecTV a must have for the avid sports fan.

One other major pro to DirecTV is that it employs Dolby Digital Technology, which means that if you have surround sound, you’ll feel as if you’re at the movies or at the actual sporting event.

To get DirecTV HD, in addition to purchasing the actual service and dish, you’ll need to buy an HD box. These range in price from $99 to $299, and often times will cost less if purchased in a bundle from DirecTV.

Pros of Dish Network & What You Need

Now you might think that DirecTV is the hands down winner when it comes to HD programming, but that’s not the case. Dish Network also is fantastic when it comes to HD programming. If you’re annoyed by HD channels that only have a typical 4 to 3 screen ratio, you’ll be pleased to know that Dish Network HD channels are broadcast in a screen format ratio of 16 to 9, which means you’ll be seeing shows in a much more accurate way.

Another pro to Dish Network is the fact that they offer a very diverse line of HD programming, perhaps even more diverse than DirecTV. There are over 40 HD channels currently available, and some of these are channels you won’t find on DirecTV. In addition, Dish Network has a very deep line of movies you can watch on HDNet, so you’ll be able to find a movie you enjoy, regardless of your tastes.

In order to use Dish Network’s HD service, you’ll need the standard dish and HD receiver, which could run around $200-300, depending on what specials are available. You’ll also need one of the Dish Network monthly HD television packages.

What Do I Choose?

If you’re big into sports, DirecTV HD won’t let you down. However, if you’re more of a movie buff, you’ll probably be much happier with Dish Network.