How to Choose a Satellite Provider - Part II

Webmasters: You may reprint this article in its entirety, providing you leave Byline and About Author sections intact, including links to Dish Network Satellite TV. RATING DISH NETWORK and DIRECTV POINT by POINT:

• Satellite equipment - DirecTV - FREE DISH Network - FREE
• Satellite Installation - DirecTV - FREE (up to 5 tv's) DISH Network - FREE (up to 4 tv's)
• Picture Quality - DirecTV - Outstanding DISH Network - Outstanding
• Pricing - DirecTV Total Choice Package $39.99 per month DISH Network America's Top 60 Package $24.99 per month
• Programming Quantity - DirecTV offers programming packages up to 250 channels DISH Network has capacity to offer up to 500 channels
• Programming Quality - DirecTV has outstanding programming package options with a heavy emphasis on seasonal sports packages.

DISH Network also has outstanding programming package options with somewhat less of an emphasis on sports.

• Customer Care - DirecTV - Outstanding with both online and 800 toll free support. DISH Network - Outstanding with both online and 800 toll free support.

Both DISH Network and DirecTV offer an outstanding television viewing experience. The picture reception for both is far superior to that of cable tv. DISH Network's entry level package is cheaper than DirecTV's; but then Total Choice package comes with alot more channels. DirecTV is stronger in area of sports coverage, while DISH Network places somewhat more of an emphasis on its premium movie packages and foreign programming options. And both have outstanding customer care, both having won prestigious J.D. Power Award in recent years for providing best overall service among satellite and cable subscribers.

Dish Network in the Sky

Webmasters: You may reprint this article in its entirety, providing you leave Byline and About Author sections intact, including links to Dish Network Satellite TV. DISH Network Satellites in Sky

DISH Network has been around for over a decade now, providing digital services to millions of customers worldwide. With its most recent launch of EchoStar IX, DISH Network boasts nine state-of-the-art satellites in its primary servicing system. Ever wonder where all those satellites are?

DISH Network launched its first satellite in 1995, just three years after EchoStar was granted its first orbital slot. EchoStar I was launched from Xichang, China and placed at 119 degrees West Longitude on December 28, 1995. In March of 1996, DISH Network begins broadcasting to its customers from its very first uplink center in Cheyenne, Wyoming. EchoStar I services an area that spans western United States to Central/Mountain region.

With more than 100,000 customers, company launched its second satellite, EchoStar II from Kourou, French Guiana in South America in September 1996, just one month after opening its second service center in Thorton, Colorado. Also servicing Western United States, EchoStar II was built by Lockheed Martin and had a launch weight of a whopping 6,360 pounds. Broadcasting began two months later in November 1996.

In October 1997, EchoStar launches its third satellite, EchoStar III from Cape Canaveral, Florida. Another Lockheed Martin product, EchoStar III weighed in at over 8,000 pounds at launch and orbits at 61.5 degrees West Longitude. The satellite services Eastern United States and has double transponders of its two predecessors. Just two months later, DISH Network celebrates its millionth customer.