HDTV Satellite Receivers Compared

Satellite HDTV (high definition TV) is all the rage these days, and DISH Network and DIRECTV are broadcasting more and more of their programming in high definition. So how do their HDTV receivers compare? Let's take a look ...

What is HDTV?

HDTV is a television broadcast format that uses a digital signal to produce an image that's far more detailed than a regular analog TV signal. In fact, an HDTV image is so lifelike it's like looking at a scene through a window.

In order to get satellite HDTV you need to subscribe to either DISH Network or DIRECTV satellite TV service, and you need the following equipment:

* An HDTV - LCD, plasma, or tube TV.

* An HDTV compatible satellite dish.

* An HDTV satellite receiver.

HDTVs

HDTVs come in a variety of makes and models. You can get an inexpensive tube HDTV for less than $300. LCD and plasma TVs will run you $900 to $30,000. And large-screen projections TVs will set you back $1,000 to $13,000.

Note: For more information on HDTVs click on the links below.

HDTV Satellite Receivers

DISH Network and DIRECTV HDTV receivers feature:

* Digital video with 1080i lines of resolution for the clearest picture available.

* Dolby Digital Surround Sound for three-dimensional audio.

* On-screen programming that allows you to create a list of your favorite channels, and search for programs by name, by actor, or by keyword.

* Outputs that can connect your receiver to your stereo or home theater system for superior sound.

DISH Network will give you a free HDTV receiver when you subscribe to their service, and DIRECTV will give you a free HDTV receiver, after a $99 mail-in rebate, when you sign up with them.

If you want to record your favorite shows in HD format, you can get a combination DVR (digital video recorder) HDTV receiver from DISH Network or DIRECTV that will record up to 200 hours of programming, and store those programs inside your receiver.

For more information on HDTV receivers click on the links below.

HDTV Satellite Dish

DISH Network and DIRECTV will give you a free satellite dish, a free four-TV receiver system, and install your satellite TV system for free when you subscribe to their service. Your installer will even show you how to operate your new system.

HDTV Programming

DISH Network HDTV programming starts at $29.99 a month for 25 HD channels and 75 regular satellite TV channels, and goes up to $79.99 for 25 HD channels and 350 regular channels.

DIRECTV has one HDTV programming package which has seven HD channels for $9.99 a month. In order to get this package you must subscribe to one of their regular programming packages which start at $29.99 for 155 channels.

Bottom Line

When it comes to which HDTV receiver is the best, there's really not much difference between DISH Network and DIRECTV receivers. Both are state-of-the-art and top-of-the-line.

When it comes to HDTV programming, however, DISH Network has the edge over DIRECTV when it comes to number of HDTV channels and price.
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