Dish Network vs Direct TV

About three months ago I moved to a place that didn't have cable (don't ask how that's possible in 2007 -- I didn't understand it either). But anyway, that left me with three choices.

(By the way, you can click on any of the links here to go to the sites I'm talking about.)

I could go with some ridiculous pseudo-cable alternative that was exclusive to my complex, and was a total rip-off, or I could get satellite TV. THAT choice was easy.

But then I had to choose between Dish Network and Direct TV, which wasn't so easy -- know what I mean?

The problem, and you've probably seen the same thing, is that it's pretty hard to find a place that just gives you the straight scoop on which service is better.

And believe me, I looked. Most of the sites out there that try and compare the two are complete garbage. They don't tell you what you want to know.

So after about two weeks of watching only over-the-air broadcast channels (something no one should ever have to experience), I started digging a little bit harder.

Honestly, I don't really have too much use for sites that try and convince me one way or the other. Just give me the facts and let me decide.

Don't you agree?

I did finally find a couple sites that helped me decide.

THE FIRST THING YOU SHOULD KNOW...

...is that you almost always -- I mean like 9 out of 10 times -- will get the best deals when you order online.

That's just the way it is. No company wants to pay order takers anymore, so they're trying to move everything online. As a result, you'll get a better deal -- either free stuff or a lower price.

THE SECOND THING YOU SHOULD KNOW...

...is that you should almost never order either Dish or Direct TV based on what you're presented with on their homepages.

This is so simple but no one ever thinks to do it.

Shopping for satellite TV is a lot like trying to find a cheap airline ticket. Have you ever done that, where you check one minute and the ticket is one price, and then check a few hours later and it's already different?

It's kind of like that.

So what would you do in that case? Go directly to the airline's website, right?

Well that's kind of like what you can do here. But again, NOT to the homepage!

You NEED to go to the "hidden" pages inside the sites where they have the latest deals. They won't just announce the best ones, because they'd rather you pay full price, right?

So where do you find those?

Here's the one where you'll see the "secret" Direct TV deals. (Click on the link to the left.)

And here's the one where you'll find the "secret" Dish Network deals. (Same here -- click on the link.)

LET'S WRAP IT UP...

In the end, I went with Direct TV for one reason. They offer more sports. I'm a huge baseball and football fan and wanted those packages that give you the out-of-market games. And since only Direct TV has those, that's who I went with.

(I found a little article about the sports stuff on Direct TV and posted it below. If you're into that, you might find it helpful. If you're not, just ignore it.)

But Dish Network would be cool if you don't need or want that kind of coverage. I'm pretty sure they have more HD channels as well, but don't hold it against me if I'm wrong on that.

Anyway, I hope that helps. I know it's hard to choose between the two.

Sports are a way of life for some people and being able to watch the sports that they want is a big consideration in their choice between Dish Network vs Direct TV.

By evaluating what sports packages that these two service providers offer, you can determine which service provider will work best for you and your particular television viewing needs. This will help you decide which service provider to give your business to.

Direct TV offers a great deal more in sports programming than Dish Network. All of the channel offerings are sure to make any sports hungry fan happy and content.

They offer all of the normal sports channels, in addition to three channels that are not offered by Dish Network. They also offer you special events programming that you can purchase. These offer you a special view into the sports that you love.

- NFL Sunday Ticket-This programming options offers you the chance to watch up to 14 games each and every Sunday. It also has additional features, including player tracker, where you can track the stats of your favorite players, stats and scores from other games, and more to help make the most of your football viewing experience.

- NASCAR HotPass-This is the programming option for the NASCAR lover. It offers you the ability to watch the race from the view of five individual NASCAR drivers, to watch all 36 of the NASCAR Nextel Cup races, and gives live audio between the driver, crew chief, and spotter. This programming option makes you feel like you are right there behind the wheel or in the pit with the crew, which will make any NASCAR lover extremely happy.

- NCAA Mega March Madness-This programming option is for those basketball lovers. It allows you to watch up to three games at once, all on one screen, and it allows you to watch up to 37 games from outside your region. If March Madness is your favorite month, then you will definitely want to consider this programming option.

- MLB Extra Innings-If baseball is your favorite sport, then this is your programming option. It will give you the opportunity to watch up to eight games at one time and watch up to 60 games a week that are not normally available in your area.

Whatever sport that you are into, you can find a programming option for it on Direct TV. The additional features that you can get through this programming helps to ensure that you are getting to see exactly what you want, when you want.

If you just want to be able to watch all different kinds of sports, then you are in luck, too. The Sports Pack that Direct TV offers will give you over 25 regional and specialty channels. This should keep you entertained for many hours of nachos and popcorn.

If you love sports and have been looking for a service provider that will give you a great deal of flexibility, then you will want to consider Direct TV. Dish Network vs Direct TV is no contest for the sports lover. Direct TV comes out swinging and wins with a knockout!