With over 12 million subscribers, Dish Network is the nation’s second largest provider of satellite TV service. Dish Network offers a slightly larger channel selection compared to DIRECTV, and distributes its programming with a fleet of nine satellites, which provide coverage to all 50 US States and Puerto Rico (Dish Network customers outside of the continental US may need slightly larger satellite dishes.)

Not only does Dishnetwork offer about eight hundred channels total, but it also divides those channels into a variety of entertainment packages so that there are plenty of choices for everyone's situation.

For customer’s with high definition TV sets, Dish Network offers optional HDTV equipment and service packages that give viewers access to up to 32 high definition channels, including ESPNHD, DiscoveryHD, HDNET and NDNetMovies. Dish Network also offers an extensive lineup of foreign language programming, including multiple language choices not available from its competitors.

As of July 2007, Dish Network offered local programming by satellite in 170 markets nationwide, with this number expected to increase over the coming years.

With over 16 million customers, DIRECTV is the nation's largest provider of satellite TV service. Available in all 50 states (Hawaii residents have a smaller selection of channels, and customers in Alaska may need a larger satellite dish), DIRECTV claims to offer the most channels for your dollar.”

While DIRECTV does offer slightly fewer overall channels than the Dish Network, it features exclusive sports packages like the NFL Sunday Ticket and Mega March Madness that are not available from any other satellite provider. Local channels are available in most major US cities and their surrounding areas, giving more than half of DIRECTV's customer’s access to local programming via satellite.

For customers with high definition TV sets, DIRECTV offers a high definition package that feature four channels of high definition programming (ESPN, Discovery, HDNet, and HDNetMovies) as well as select high definition programming on HBO and Showtime. Customers who choose to install a standard TV antenna in addition to their dish can also enjoy high definition local programming where available. Receiving high definition satellite signals requires an HD-compatible dish and receiver, which are available from DIRECTV at an extra cost.

DIRECTV also offers satellite internet service through its partner HughesNet

Total Available Channels:

280+, depending on plan

Sports:

30+ sports networks, plus multiple subscription options including NBA League Pass, ESPN Full Court, ESPN College Grand Slam, MLB Extra Inning, ESPN College Grand Slam, MLS Shootout and more.

Foreign Language Programming:

Spanish, Chinese, African, Arabic, Armenian, French, Japanese, Russian, Chinese, German, Greek, Korean, South Asian, Italian, Polish, Urdu, Persian, Hebrew, Portuguese, Filipino, Ukrainian and Spanish.

HDTV Channels:

Up to 32 channels, depending on location and equipment.

Local Channels:

Available in over 170 television markets and 96% of television households.

Monthly Cost:

$19.99 to $77.99 for base packages, premium subscriptions costing extra.

Geographic Availability:

All 50 states and Puerto Rico.

Buy Dish Network from the following retailers:

VMC Satellite