High Definition Television - Who Has The Lead In The Satellite TV Market?

Directv HDTV versus the high definition option through your satellite dish network. Which do you go with? In many ways, Direct TV and the Dish Network are comparable like with similar programming and similar pricing structures. But who offers the best service and quality in high definition television? First of all, let's find out exactly what high definition television (aka HDTV) is and if you would even want that option in your TV satellite dish system.

Clarity is what most people think of when they think of HDTV. The picture quality is outstanding and many people have exclaimed that it is like they walked right into the TV, as if it was part of our world. The picture on the screen is so life-like; you could almost feel that sun on the TV shining on you or could almost feel the blades of grass beneath your feet as if you were in the TV show yourself. The sound that accompanies the high definition picture is also very life-like. It is digital sound, not analog, so it is almost like having your CD player inside your TV.

Both the Directv HDTV and the one that the Dish Network offers are similar. The clarity of the picture is about ten times better than an analog broadcast. The format of the shows and movies you watch through the HDTV programming is a wide screen format, much like what you experience at a movie theater. The audio feed of the programming you watch via HDTV is digital - that means, it is crisp and clear.

The difference between the Directv HDTV and the Dish Network's version is a matter of programming. Depending on what you are looking for in satellite TV's programming will influence your choice of these two rivals. So, let's do a quick comparison of the two. The Dish Network offers a few more channels in high definition TV than does Direct TV. Several movies channels and news channels are in HDTV as are a few sports channels and pay per view movies. In other programming offerings, they are more global, offering extra foreign markets.

Directv HDTV does not have quite a many HDTV channels, but if you are a sports fan, the Directv option may be the best bet for you. While the Dish Network's HDTV programming does offer some sports, your Direct satellite TV in high definition has more sports options, including the NFL Sunday Ticket, the Holy Grail for the football fanatic. Football widows despised the day that HDTV came out, that is for sure! Not only does the Directv HDTV have great sport coverage, it also has a few major networks that Dish Network does not have like Fox and NBC.

So, if the sports thing is not for you and you appreciate the more international flavor the Dish Network has to offer in regards to high definition TV, then they are the logical choice. However, if the sports are a major selling point for you, then the Directv HDTV is the way you should go.

About the author:

James Croydon, Satellite Installation Engineer and DirecTV HD advisor - focusing on Direct TV com and DirecTV com