Comparing Satellite TV Providers: DISH Network, DIRECTV, and Sky Angel

Company Overview

DISH Network

• Launch Year: 1996
• Satellites: 9
• Subscribers: Over 12 million
• Notable Achievement: Ranked #1 in customer satisfaction by J.D. Power & Associates

DIRECTV

• Launch Year: 1994
• Satellites: 15
• Subscribers: Over 14 million
• Notable Achievement: Ranked #2 in customer satisfaction by J.D. Power & Associates

Sky Angel

• Launch Year: 1981
• Satellites: Utilizes DISH Network's satellites
• Subscribers: Not publicly disclosed
• Notable Achievement: Focuses on family-friendly and faith-based programming

Customer Satisfaction

According to the latest J.D. Power & Associates rankings:

• DISH Network: #1
• DIRECTV: #2
• Sky Angel: Not ranked

Programming Comparison

Program Packages

Local Channels

• DISH Network: $5/month
• DIRECTV: $3/month
• Sky Angel: $5.99/month

Music Channels

• DISH Network: 52 music channels + 60 Sirius radio channels
• DIRECTV: 67 XM radio channels
• Sky Angel: 16 music channels

Pay-Per-View

• DISH Network: Movies $3.99, special events vary
• DIRECTV: Movies $3.99, special events vary
• Sky Angel: Included with service

Sports Packages

• DISH Network: Various sports packages available
• DIRECTV: Various sports packages available
• Sky Angel: No sports packages

Adult Programming

• DISH Network: Available
• DIRECTV: Available
• Sky Angel: Not available

Internet Service

• DISH Network: Available
• DIRECTV: Available
• Sky Angel: Not available

Service Commitment

• DISH Network: 1-year commitment, early cancellation fee
• DIRECTV: 1-year commitment, early cancellation fee
• Sky Angel: 1-year commitment, early cancellation fee

Equipment Comparison

Equipment Prices

• DISH Network: Free dish and up to four receivers with subscription
• DIRECTV: Free dish and up to four receivers with subscription
• Sky Angel: $149 for one dish, one receiver, and one remote

Equipment Warranty

• DISH Network: Lifetime warranty
• DIRECTV: 1-year warranty
• Sky Angel: Lifetime warranty

DVRs (Digital Video Recorders)

• DISH Network: Free DVR receivers ($4.98/month for service)
• DIRECTV: Free DVR receivers after $99 rebate ($4.99/month for service)
• Sky Angel: Not offered

HD (High Definition) Receivers

• DISH Network: Two free receivers
• DIRECTV: Free receiver after $99 mail-in rebate
• Sky Angel: Not offered

Installation

• DISH Network: Free installation of dish and receivers
• DIRECTV: Free installation of dish and receivers
• Sky Angel: $99 to $199 for installation

Installation Time

• DISH Network: 1 to 5 days depending on location
• DIRECTV: 1 to 5 days depending on location
• Sky Angel: 1 to 5 days depending on location

Miscellaneous Information

Customer Service

• DISH Network: 24/7 toll-free and online support
• DIRECTV: 24/7 toll-free and online support
• Sky Angel: 24/7 toll-free and online support

Free Bonus Gifts

• DISH Network: Check current offers here
• DIRECTV: Check current offers here
• Sky Angel: Check current offers here

Ordering

• DISH Network: 24/7 online and toll-free ordering
• DIRECTV: 24/7 online and toll-free ordering
• Sky Angel: 24/7 online and toll-free ordering

Conclusion

Choosing the right satellite TV provider depends on your specific needs and preferences. DISH Network and DIRECTV offer a wide range of programming and additional services, while Sky Angel focuses on family-friendly content. For the latest information and offers, visit the providers' official websites.

Interesting Stats

• DISH Network: As of 2023, DISH Network has over 12 million subscribers, making it one of the largest satellite TV providers in the U.S. (source)
• DIRECTV: DIRECTV's NFL Sunday Ticket is one of the most popular sports packages, with over 2 million subscribers annually (source)
• Sky Angel: Sky Angel was one of the first providers to offer faith-based programming, a niche that continues to grow (source)

For more detailed comparisons and the latest updates, always refer to the official websites of the providers.