A Comparison Of Dish Network S Hardware With Directv S

First of all, I am impressed with the fact that DISH has dual-tuner receivers that can actually support 2 tv's simultaneously without losing any features on either tv. The way it works is that the receiver is installed and connected to the tv in room #1, say, the living room, and then a cable is run from this receiver to the tv in room #2, say, a den. Each tv has its own remote, in fact, each tv is designated either tv #1 or tv #2. Through this one receiver, you can watch whatever channel you wish to see on either tv at the same time. If you tried to do this with DirecTv's equipment, which are 'not' dual-tuners, you would have to watch the same show on both tv's.

Whatever is showing on tv #1, you'd have to watch on tv #2. It's a process called 'mirroring'. In addition, with DISH Network, you'll be saving another $5./mo. because DirecTv requires that each tv has its own receiver, and they charge $5./mo. for each receiver.

That amounts to a savings of $60. per year for each area in which one receiver is able to support two televisions. If you happen to have multiple televisions and can accommodate this arrangement in your home, you would be able to save this same $60./year in each instance. Why would you want to pay more than you have to for satellite television?

The recording capabilities of each company's dvrs are also very comparable, but DISH seems to get the nod here. While DirecTv's standard dvr, model R16, is able to record up to 100 hrs. of standard definition programming, and is able to record 2 shows at once, or even record one show while watching another live show or a recorded program, DISH's DuoDvr-625 provides up to 150 hrs. of standard definition programming , but it also allows people to either simultaneously watch, or record, separate shows on separate tv's in separate rooms, using just this one receiver. And the sound will be in Dolby Digital.

This DISH model also provides picture-in-picture (PIP), as well. Both companies charge a nominal fee of about $6./mo. as a DVR service charge, so they are very close in that respect. As far as the HD/DVR's are concerned, on the surface it looks like DirecTv might have the edge, but when we look closer, this may not be so. While DirecTv's top of the line, model# HR22, is capabale of recording up to either 100 hrs. in high definition, or up to 400 hrs. in standard definition.

DISH's top HD/DVR, model# DuoDvr-VIP722, designed to connect two tv's, one HD and the other SD, is capable of recording up to 55 hrs. in high definition programming, and up to 350 in standard programming, which, to be sure, is less. But remember that DISH's single receiver is supporting 2 separate tv's, and, again, it actually allows a viewer in one room to watch one program while a second viewer is actually watching and recording different shows on the second tv in another room.As I see it, I'd rather select the 2nd option with DISH Network and save some money at the same time!

By: Frank Bilotta

By: Frank R. Bilotta

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Frank helps people learn about Dish Network Satellite TV, and how they can save money every month with popular Dish Network Packages. Frank and his team also help people determine if satellite internet is right for them.