Decisions, Decisions! For HDTV Owners Which Is Better… Dish Network or DirecTV?

I am moving into my own place very soon and I would like to know which would be the best option for me as far as getting my television hooked up. I have cable right now at my parents house which includes about 85 channels and that would run me about $54 a month plus a little extra for a DVR. I want a contract that will last for about 12 months because next fall (2011) I’m transferring to another college and will be living in the dorms. Money is a big concern and so is local channels which I noticed some won’t offer.

Is there any packages or tips that you can refer to me?

I have a VIZIO HDTV.
Do I have to get a HD DVR & RECIEVER?
or can I just get a regular DVR & no reciever.

Thanks in advance!

Hello to you!

As far as Local Channels, I get all of the local Channels on my Dish Network setup. DirecTV states they also carry local channels. So it looks like we’re all set on local channels via satellite. Now let’s look at the different satellite networks that you spoke of.

With Dish Network
You’ll need a HD Satellite Receiver however it’s certainly your choice to go with a model (that Dish Network offers) like the Solo VIP 211K which includes a remote. With this model you can view both SD and HD programming through one HD TV.

Then there’s the DVR version which is the SoloDVR Vip 612. With this unit, because it is a DVR you can record your favorite shows and watch them whenever you want to. Additionally, you can watch one program and record something else. You get 30 hours of HD recording and up to 200 hours of SD Recording.
Here are the Dish HD Receivers Options

12-Month Contract
For $24.99 per month you’re locked in with 120 channels. If you add 65 HD Channels, that will be an extra $10 per month. So that’s a total of $34.99 per month and 185 channels. If you choose the DVR, it’s $6 extra per month.
Here’s the Dish Network Channel Lineup

With DirecTV
You’ll need an HD Satellite Receiver. Still, it’s your choice to go with a model like the DirecTV HD Receiver. The DVR Version of this is the DirecTV Plus HD DVR.

You can read about both of the DirecTV HD Receivers here.

12 Month Contract
For $29.99 per month you’re locked in with 150 digital channels. If you add 35 Channels, that will be an extra $10 per month. So that is a total of $39.99 and that totals 185 channels. It’s pretty sketchy but looks as if there is a $5 leased receiver fee for the DVR flavor. That’s monthly.
Here’s the DirecTV Channel Lineup

Cable
The option of Cable would be different with each local carrier. In order to be more thorough, the city and state you live in would be needed. Cable is typically more money than satellite but I’m sure this isn’t true in all cases (or is it?)

I hope this breakdown helps you!

Lots of Love,
SophIe