Does Dish Network or DirecTV Have More Digital Channels?

As of May 2011, Dish Network has exclusive satellite provider rights in Grand Rapids, Albuquerque, Oklahoma City and Honolulu. DirecTV is the exclusive satellite provider for Las Vegas, Memphis, Baltimore, Columbus and Milwaukee.

Both Dish Network and DirecTV offer all local channels available in an area, and are included in their lowest-priced packages. Some of these channels are also available in high-definition (HD). Dish Network and DirecTV also offer premium packages that include HBO, Cinemax, Starz and Showtime. Dish Network offers 49 premium channels -- 16 HBO channels, nine Cinemax channels, 14 Starz channels and 10 Showtime channels. DirecTV offers 36 premium channels -- seven HBO channels, five Cinemax channels, 15 Starz channels and nine Showtime channels.

Dish Network and DirecTV both offer comprehensive sports packages, covering everything from football and baseball to hockey, soccer, tennis and cricket. As of July 2011, DirecTV has 10 premium sports channels available and Dish Network has seven. Dish Network and DirecTV also offer pay-per-view movies and special events. Dish Network has 84 channels devoted to pay-per-view showing an average of 75 movies a month in addition to sports and special events. DirecTV has 55 channels devoted to pay-per-view that show an average of 60 movies a month plus sports and special events. As of July 2011, DirecTV offers 160 full-time HD channels, with another 30 scheduled for launch. Dish Network offers between 140 and 200 HD channels depending on the programming package. Both providers offer premium HD movie and sports channels, as well as local channels where available.

Package pricing for DirecTV and Dish Network fluctuate and both providers often offer special introductory pricing for new customers. As of July 2011, DirecTV offers four packages that range from $60 to $114 a month after introductory periods expire, and Dish Network offers eight packages with a regular price ranging from $34 to $99 a month. Both providers offer a digital video recorder (DVR) for around $5.99 a month. DirecTV offers the first receiver free and charges $5 a month for each additional receiver. Dish Network also offers the first receiver free, but charges $7 a month for each additional receiver and another $3 for HD/DVR receivers.