TV Satellite Dish: Where to Find the Best Deals

Understanding TV Satellite Dishes

A TV satellite dish captures signals broadcast from satellites orbiting the Earth. These signals are then redirected to a low-noise block (LNB) converter, which amplifies and sends them to your TV receiver. This technology allows you to access a wide range of channels and services.

DISH Network Satellite Dish

When you subscribe to DISH Network satellite TV service, you receive a 20-inch multi-TV satellite dish equipped with an advanced LNB at no additional cost.

DIRECTV Satellite Dish

DIRECTV offers an 18-inch Dual LNB dish for free when you sign up for their satellite TV service.

Satellite Receivers

A satellite receiver amplifies and decodes the signal from the LNB converter, delivering it to your TV. Both DISH Network and DIRECTV provide various receiver options to enhance your viewing experience.

DISH Network Receivers

DISH Network offers a range of free receivers when you subscribe to their service:

• Standard Receiver: For watching satellite TV on one television.
• Dual-Tuner Receiver: Allows you to watch different shows on two TVs.
• DVR Receiver: Enables you to digitally record, pause, and replay live TV.
• HD Receiver: For viewing high-definition programming.

DIRECTV Receivers

DIRECTV provides several free receiver options when you subscribe:

• DIRECTV D11 Standard Receiver: For single-TV viewing.
• DVR Receiver: Allows you to digitally record your favorite shows (free after a $99 rebate).
• HD Receiver: For watching high-definition programming (free after a $99 rebate).

Note: Both DISH Network and DIRECTV offer free installation of the dish and receivers. DISH Network does not charge for shipping, while DIRECTV charges $19.99.

Satellite TV Service Packages

Both DISH Network and DIRECTV offer a variety of programming packages, ranging from budget-friendly options to premium bundles.

DISH Network Service Packages

DISH Network's programming packages start at $19.99 per month for their Family package, which includes 40 family-oriented channels. Their most comprehensive package costs $74.99 per month and offers 350 channels, including major movie channels, 52 music channels, and 60 Sirius satellite radio stations.

Additional offerings include:

• Local channels
• Pay-per-view movies and events
• Sports packages
• 20 international channels
• HD channels
• A channel dedicated exclusively to babies

DIRECTV Service Packages

DIRECTV's programming packages start at $41.99 per month for 155 channels, which include a variety of shows, news, sports, and music channels. Their top-tier package costs $96.99 per month and offers 250 channels, including major movie channels and 67 XM satellite radio channels.

Additional offerings include:

• Local channels
• Pay-per-view movies and events
• Sports packages
• 6 international channels
• HD channels
• Exclusive NFL Sunday Ticket

Interesting Stats

• As of 2021, DISH Network had approximately 8.42 million pay-TV subscribers in the United States (source).
• DIRECTV, on the other hand, had around 13.1 million subscribers in the U.S. as of 2021 (source).
• The average American household receives 189 TV channels but only regularly watches 17 of them (source).

Conclusion

Both DISH Network and DIRECTV offer high-quality satellite dishes and receivers. However, DISH Network provides free shipping, while DIRECTV charges $19.99. Additionally, DISH Network's DVR and HD receivers are free, whereas DIRECTV requires a $99 mail-in rebate.

For the widest variety of shows, movies, music, and international channels, DISH Network is a strong choice. If you're a sports fan, particularly interested in NFL games, DIRECTV's exclusive NFL Sunday Ticket makes it a compelling option.

For more information, you can visit the DISH Network and DIRECTV websites.