Have you ever just missed your favorite show or movie? It can definitely be frustrating but if you’re a DIRECTV customer, you still have plenty of ways to catch it. A key feature of all their modern receivers, you can access Video on Demand simply by connecting to your home’s internet – you’ll then be able to view over 7,000 shows and movies. Here’s how it works:

First off, get connected

At the back of your receiver you’ll find a input for an ethernet port (just like your computer). Connect directly to that or if you have WI-FI signal, it’s even easier. Just make sure the receiver is acquiring a sufficient signal from your router and you’re all set. If you run into any problems, simply call up DIRECTV’s customer service and they’ll walk you through it.

Find missed episodes or entire seasons

One of the best parts of VOD is the option to download the entire season (or individual programs) of your favorites shows. That includes all the premium movie channels: HBO, Cinemax, STARZ, Showtime and more. Recently, to promote VOD, they’ve also been premiering special shows on Video on Demand BEFORE they’re broadcast to the general public. Check your program guide for all the upcoming promotions.

Get plenty of free movies

If you’re a NETFLIX freak, DIRECTV’s VOD includes a solid cross-section of their movie library. Covering a variety of categories, you’ll find top (and even fun/obscure) movies from every generation, all 100% free. Even better, DIRECTV is always adding to their collection so every time you check in, you’ll probably find new additions to each category.

Hollywood blockbusters and early releases

With new streaming and VOD companies seemingly popping up every month, they’re all fighting to get first dibs at movies just out of their theatrical run. DIRECTV has managed to win over a few studios, so you’ll actually find a few movies on their VOD before you will on NETFLIX or anywhere else.

With most of the freshly released flicks, you’ll have to pay a small rental fee (usually in the $5-$8 range). However, one of the nice upsides of having the VOD on your DIRECTV box is all the movies you rent will take full advantage of the size/sound of your primary TV (vs having to watch on your iPhone or iPad).

It’s only getting better

DIRECTV’s Video on Demand is still relatively new, but it’s made some solid strides over the past year. Real-time/multi-TV streaming, customized programming suggestions and social sharing are all hot right now and I’m sure DIRECTV is experimenting with each of them. With a strong motivation to stay at the top of the satellite TV heap, any new feature introduced by a competitor is likely to find a home with DIRECTV in the not-so-far future. Their VOD is probably not robust enough to ditch your NETFLIX subscription just yet, but give it a few months and you just might be surprised.

If you’ve gone through the process, you know one of the biggest steps in getting satellite TV is setup and installation. There’s no shortage of Dish Network Installers out there, so you really need to make sure you go with a reputable and trustworthy company. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most important things to look out for before your install day.

Review your TV and room setup

When the installer arrives with your equipment, the first thing they’ll ask you is which TVs and rooms you’d like hooked up. Chances are you’ve already given it some thought, but if not, it’s always a good idea to finalize your preferred setup beforehand. That is, figure out which rooms currently get the most use and if that’s best setup long-term.

If you rent, get your forms ready

If you’re renting (especially in an apartment), Dish Network installers won’t move forward unless they have a release form from the building’s landlord or owner. You can view and print a generic copy of a permission form here. To cover your bases, it’s a good idea to give your landlord a call before you even order service. Some complexes don’t allow certain providers, for any number of reasons (exclusive contracts with cable, DISH or DIRECTV, line-of-sight issues, etc.). This day and age, with DISH installations being free and visually unobtrusive, most owners prefer to keep their renters happy and let them decide.

Local is usually better

For the most part, a local installer is usually in your best interest. They’re familiar with the area (e.g, won’t get lost getting to your place!), easier to contact before or after the install and they’re more invested in getting it done right. Major dish retailers have a team of installers available in most metropolitan cities and suburbs. When you call up, ask if they have someone local. It shouldn’t be a deal breaker, but local does offer a bit of additional piece of mind.

Conclusion

When you’re ready to get DISH, finding a reputable and licensed Dish Network Installer is an important first step. You have a lot of options out there and unfortunately won’t know you’re in for a long day until during/after a bad install job. We’ve worked with all the top DISH retailers and we’ve consistently been impressed with a handful of companies. Ongoing training, re-certification and customer service testing have kept their installers at the head of the pack. Check out the blue box below to learn more about our top pick. If you’re still a bit uncertain about DISH, read more about the pros and cons of Dish Network.

It’s a motto as old as advertising itself: treat your new customers well and your current ones even better. That’s certainly the case in the competitive world of satellite TV, where dish network promotions for new customers make it incredibly easy for new subscribers to save right from day one. Here’s a quick overview on how to maximize your savings:

Strike while the iron’s hot

There’s usually always a Dish network special running, but they’re not all created equally. Over the past year or so, DISH has offered HD for life, premium movie channels and Blockbuster@Home (access to more than 100k movies) all at no additional charge. Chances are they’ll continue to sweeten the pot with at least those features, but there’s never a guarantee — bottom line, if you’re thinking of switching, get in before it’s too late.

Confirm during your order

Sure, everyone assumes they’re getting the best offer possible during the ordering process, but the only way to be certain is to simply ask your sales agent before they complete your installation request. It’s as easy as: “Is this the best deal you currently have available?” or “Based on the programming I selected and the max price I can pay, is there another package or deal that’ll help me save more?” It’s not that they’re trying to hide anything, they’re just often juggling a variety of different specials and promos at any given time. So, the more specific you can get with your request, the more you’ll save. Your service rep is there to help you in every way possible, just make sure you help them when it matters the most.

Double check your first bill

After your order and installation, it’s always a good idea to check your first bill (either online or via regular mail) and make certain you’re being charged as promised. Particularly if you signed up for paperless billing, it’s all too easy to forget to login and confirm (it’s happened to me a few times). In any service industry, mistakes can and will happen, so don’t forget to be your own advocate and review the price. If you do spot an error, Dish Network is very good about rectifying the problem and crediting you for the difference.

Well, that pretty much covers the basics, hopefully, this quick rundown will be of some help. Each step is fairly common sense but in the rush to order your cool new system or dish network internet bundle, your left brain can and will shut down . Remember, dish network promotions for new customers only come around once, so take those extra 5 min during the call to cover all your bases. Finally, if you’re not quite sure about DISH Network, check out our directv or dish network articles for a side-by-side comparison of each provider. Enjoy your new service!

Just as with any major purchase (especially service related), it’s important to take a closer look at everything it offers…and, often more telling, what it doesn’t. In this article, we’ll take you through the pros and cons of Dish Network, from programming and customer satisfaction to pricing and packages. If you’d like to compare both of the leading satellite providers, be sure to also check out our direct tv pros and cons.

DISH NETWORK Pros

Base Price – Dish Network’s biggest upside is their industry-leading price for their base package (Dish Family @ $19.99/mo). Since they burst on the scene in the late 90s, DISH’s strategy to win over customers has been fairly simple: competitive and easy-to-understand pricing. Families that grew tired of cable’s fee hikes and still couldn’t afford DIRECTV’s entry package ($29.99/mo) could now find a home with DISH TV.

Customer Service – you can have all the customers in the world, but if they can’t get a firm hold on support, even for the simplest of questions, you’re sunk. Early on, Dish Network put a huge premium on their customer service team and it’s paid off in spades. They were recently rated #1 in Customer Satisfaction from J.D. Power and Associates (not an easy award to get).

BlockBuster Movie Pass – it’s the way of business: strong companies take over the struggling, either to remove the competition or revive them. In this case, it’s the latter. Dish Network bought out the brick and mortar video rental company not long after they filed for bankruptcy. In an attempt to out-compete DIRECTV (and NETFLIX), they reinvented the Blockbuster brand and introduced it as an add-on to their satellite service. As of this writing, Dish Network customers get unlimited access to over 100,000 titles (movies, TV programs and games) via the mail. You can bet they’re working on a streaming version of the service as well, so keep an eye out.

DISH NETWORK Cons

Not so sporty – for most, Dish Network’s biggest flaw is their lack of specialty sports coverage. Namely, to get your dish nfl sunday ticket (or NASCAR HOTPASS) fix, you’ll have to be watching DIRECTV. And that won’t change anytime soon as DIRECTV has paid serious bucks for those exclusives (it gives them a huge marketing edge).

Average Programming Guide – the on-screen programming guide (the channel lineup which lets you find and record shows) is sort of like a referee…you shouldn’t ever notice them and only do if there’s an issue. Don’t get us wrong, Dish Network’s guide is well engineered (way better than any cable guide we’ve seen), but compared to DIRECTV’s, it’s not quite as user-friendly and easy to navigate. But, much like computer operating systems, they’re always improving, so the next version may just be the next Windows 7.

Remote DVR Management – as with the guide, this one’s always in flux as well. However, as of now, DIRECTV offers easier and better ways to control your DVR when you’re not at home. DIRECTV’s app is incredibly easy to use (it’s won a few awards) and their online (computer/tablet) options are just as good. DISH is making strides in this category, but it’s still an edge for DIRECTV.

Conclusion – Dish Network Pros or Cons

Everything considered, there’s good reason for Dish Network’s status as a leader in the satellite industry (they have well over 14 million subscribers). Reliable service and impressive dish network deals make them an extremely popular choice for just about any type of subscriber or household. We’ve used them for years and other than the few items above, don’t have any complaints. If you’ve already made up your mind, well, you’re in for a good time – check out the current promo below and enjoy your new service!

DIRECT TV has released a statement that it will hike subscriber rates by 4% sometime in February 2012. Announced online, they’re pinning the blame on increasing programming costs, which are up 10% this year. So, they’re basically passing along 40% of the fee increase to their customers (on average – those on larger/premium programming plans will likely pay a bit more).

Ugh, that’s never welcomed news. Lately, price increases (for ANY service) seem all too commonplace. If companies can afford it, they’ll eat most/all of their cost shifts (good for publicity and the price wars), but especially in this economy, it tends to trickle down to the consumer more often than not. In this case, it’s safe to say these programming fees pose a real issue as they’re affecting the entire industry. Comcast is also increasing their rates (by 2.9%) and, of course, NETFLIX publicly melted down when it went through their “restructuring” (though that was more of a failed business shift).

Verizon FIOS and Dish Network, on the other hand, have no immediate plans to raise their prices (the latter has already committed to a price freeze until 2013). That’s sure to gain them some goodwill and extra business, but companies can only hold off for so long, so expect their rates to increase when the waters calm a bit.

Offset the cost

If you’re already a DIRECTV subscriber and would like to offset the price boost, your first (and quickest) option should be to call up your DIRECTV rep. Ask them if you qualify for any price breaks (especially if you’ve been with them for a while) or special promotions. If you also use direct tv internet, find out of there’s a bundle available. If not, and you’re fine with downsizing your programming options, try jumping down to the lower plan. You’ll save a minimum of $10/mo and can always revert back if it doesn’t work out.

If you’re not a satellite TV subscriber yet, this price change may play a role in your decision, it really all depends on what you’re looking for. For example, if you gotta have your NFL Sunday Ticket fix, a few bucks a month probably won’t deter you, but if you’re shopping around for the lowest price around (especially after leaving cable) if could make all the difference. Either way, make sure you thoroughly compare the differences between directv vs dish network before you decide; you don’t want to be stuck with a service you’re not happy with, all for the sake of a few dollars a month.

When you’re in the market for satellite TV (or anything important, really), one of the best things to do is compare the pluses and minuses of the service. For those of you looking heavily at DIRECT TV, we’ve put together a list of the most important pros and cons of DIRECT TV. Note that we analyzed and categorized each item with the average subscriber in mind.

DIRECT TV Pros

SPORTS – since its inception, DIRECT TV has been the unrivaled satellite TV leader in sports programming. You’ll find the NFL SundayTicket, MLB Extra Innings, NASCAR HOTPASS, CricketTicket and more only on DTV. So, if sports is your game, you probably don’t need to read much further.
More Popular Channels, for less – With DIRECT TV’s Choice Package (entry level programming), you get more popular channels than the comparable package with Dish Network. Specifically, you’ll get AMC, Animal Planet, BRAVO, BET, MSNBC and more…all at no additional cost.
DVR Recording Flexibility – thanks to DIRECTV’s “Whole-House” DVR system, you’re able to start recording in one room and manage that recording from any other (up to 15 total receivers/rooms). With Dish Network, you’re restricted to the original receiver. Also, with DIRECT TV’s state-of-the-art mobile apps (for the iPhone, iPad, Andriod, etc), you can easily manage your programs from anywhere with an internet connection.

DIRECT TV Cons

Starter Cost – while both DIRECT and DISH have their starting packages competitively priced, DISH NETWORK’s Family package comes in at $5 less per month ($24.99) than DIRECT TV’s lowest package. New customer discounts are also in play so be sure to check out the latest DIRECT TV specials. If your bottom line is cost, you may want to take a closer look at Dish.
Total Number of Channels – on the opposite side of the spectrum, if you want every channel satellite TV has to offer, DIRECT TV comes in at a close second. They offer 285 SD channels, to DISH’s 295+. On the HD side, it’s a similar trend – DIRECT TV delivers 160 high-def channels, while DISH carries over 200.
International Programming – this is a category where DISH has really outpaced the competition. Dish Network has over 200 international channels, including a variety of specialty languages. Currently, DIRECT TV only offers the following: Brazilian, Cantonese, Filipino, Korean, Mandarin, Russian, South Asian and Vietnamese.

Bottom line, if one of the DIRECT TV pros or cons above jumps out at you, use that as a factor in your decision process. As you can see, the differences between each service are relatively minor, so it often comes down to a specific feature or just flat preference. In the end, decide what the single most important requirement is for you and your family…everything else usually falls into place.

If you’re stuck in between, don’t worry. Finding the right satellite TV provider can often be a confusing process. If none of the factors above is particularly important to you, your best bet is to check out the current specials being offered. New customers qualify for the best deals available, so start comparison shopping between direct vs dish and let the numbers make the decision for you.

If you’re an avid TV watcher and are looking for the best in price, programming and customer service, you’re probably interested in one of the two top satellite tv services. Satellite, Direct TV and DISH all have merits but there’s good reason Direct TV is at the head of the pack. They’ve been around since 1994, currently have over 19 million subscribers and don’t show any signs of slowing down. In this article, we’ll delve deeper into Directv and discuss its history, services and more popular features.

History
In 1990, DIRECT TV proper was created to build and launch a global, aerial communication and broadcasting technology that could beam programming to the masses. Soon after launch, the system proved highly reliable, all harnessed by an 18-inch dish. Customers quickly took to the technology, with 1 million by the end of their first year in business. They struck broadcasting gold and even with the stiff competition from DISH Network in subsequent years, their status as the satellite TV leader has never been called into question.

Quality Service and Programming
It’s one thing to have a working and efficient technology, it’s quite another to acquire customers and keep them happy. Since the get-go, DIRECT TV has invested and focused heavily on customer satisfaction. The first and most important facet of that for new customers is the sign-up process. If you’ve ever signed up for cable you know how difficult and frustrating the process can be. DIRECTV has streamlined the entire experience with highly trained (and domestic) sales associates and professional local installers. Not surprisingly, for the seventh straight year, they’ve been voted “Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Satellite/Cable TV Subscribers” by J.D. Power and Associates.

Sounds good, but what about programming? That’s where the rubber meets the road for most prospective subscribers. Well, Direct TV channels have evolved numerous times over the years, each time for the better. There’s a package to meet any taste and size of household. For instance, their entry-level package (CHOICE pack) broadcasts over 150 channels for only $29.99 per month. If you’re looking for a lot more variety and options, their top package (PREMIER) includes over 285 channels, with more added every year.

Exclusive Channels
It’s no secret that exclusivity (especially if in high demand) drives attention. DIRECTV has heavily bought into that model (literally) and it’s really paid off. For example, for years, the only place to get the NFL Sunday Ticket and NASCAR Hot Pass has been with Direct TV. That didn’t come at a small price but both of those sports have skyrocketed in popularity over the past decade and it’s a been a boom for DTV. To this day, if you’re looking for satellite TV and a massive fan of the NFL or Nascar, your decision’s made.

Whatever your situation, before you make a decision make sure to carefully review the offer on any free satellite Direct TV. You may even be able to save a bit more by redeeming a DIRECT TV coupon. In the end, the most important step is to understand your needs. If it’s a low price contract, try to lock in the lowest rate possible for at least a couple years. If it’s purely entertainment (with as many movie channels as possible), you’ll be able to save quite a bit by packaging most of the premier movies channels together (HBO, Showtime, STARZ and Cinemax).

Direct TV has come a long way over the years and they’ve signed and kept over 19 million customers for good reason: service, loyalty and reliability. If you’d like to learn more about them, check out the site links to the right for the latest news and specials.

For most, they’ve already made the decision to go with satellite TV over the inflated costs and technical limitations of traditional cable TV. One of the next steps is to decide whether to go with DIRECT TV or DISH. The biggest advantage DISH Network has over DIRECT TV is in price. For any programming package, DISH TV packages are consistently $10/mo cheaper (if not more). In this article, we’ll delve a bit deeper into each package and briefly discuss each of their advantages.

America’s TOP 120 DISH Package

This is the most economical DISHNETWORK TV package available. Its traditionally priced at $29.99/mo and broadcasts a minimum of 120 channels. What’s nice is the channels included are some of the most popular on television (CNN, ESPN, DISNEY, DISCOVERY, etc). They’re also varied enough that most families find this package to be more than sufficient. To get a full rundown of the channels included, check out our dish tv programming comparison.

America’s TOP 200 DISH Package

If you find 120 channels a bit restrictive, this plan may be right up your alley. In addition to all the programming in the 120 pack, it includes entertaining channels such as Animal Planet, BRAVO and the CBS College Sports pack. If you’re a radio lover, you’ll also like the fact it includes Siruis satellite radio (which is a completely different listening experience compared to terrestrial radio!). The price on this 200-channel package is usually $39.99/mo (if there’s a special promo running, you could even get it for less).

America’s TOP 250 DISH Package

This DISH TV package is picture perfect for the TV lover. On top of all the channels in the 200 plan, you’ll get History Channel International (interesting perspective vs the domestic version), Discovery Kids and the FOX Movie Channel. The bonus add-on is the DISH Music Channel pack which turns your TV into a multimedia hub. You’ll get over 30 themed music channels that play 24 hours a day with no commercials. Perfect for the transition from TV watching to the dinner table, just flip the switch and you’re set. This package goes for $44.99/mo and offers great value at that price.

America’s Everything PAK DISH Package

Here’s the big kahuna. Need EVERY channel and need it now? This package has you covered. You’ll get all the previous channels discussed plus 22 premium movie channels: HBO, SHOWTIME, CINEMAX and STARZ. You’ll also get a ton of extra sports channels thrown in. The single biggest advantage of this package is the bundling. By grouping all the movie channels and extra channels, you’ll save more than 30% compared to individually adding each one. The price? $79.99/mo (regularly priced at $104.99/mo). If you can afford it, this is where you’ll get the most value per channel.

So Which DISH TV Package Should I Choose?

Well, it ultimately depends on your needs. If total cost is your primary concern, go with America’s TOP 120 or 200. If you have a big family with a wide variety of interests, you might find the TOP 250 package gives you the needed flexibility to satisfy everyone! If you’re a movie buff and want every channel at your fingertips, indulge yourself with the Everything PAK. Whichever you choose, rest easy as DISHTV makes it extremely easy to swap packages at anytime, with no penalty. Enjoy your new programming!

Just a few short months ago, Netflix was the undisputed king of DVD home delivery and online streaming. After a hiccup with the now-defunct Qwikster and a 60% price hike, they’re deep into damage control mode. Sensing an opportunity to capture market share, Dish Network has leveraged their recent Blockbuster takeover and is heavily advertising their latest offer: order Dish and get the new Blockbuster “Movie Pass” free for 12 months (DVD-by-mail and Internet video).

Only time will tell how many Netflixers will head for greener Dish pastures, but it’s a bold move. Movie Pass doesn’t quite have the same offerings as Netflix, but it might be the cherry that seals the deal for certain customers. To boot, Fall and Winter is a boom for the primary competition as DirecTV offers exclusive NFL coverage, so they’re looking to get as creative as possible with incentives.

Will the Blockbuster deal make a dent in Netlix or DirecTV? I think so, but only time will tell..

With DirecTV’s release of its iPad app, it’s turned the popular mobile device into a remote control. The free app lets use browse through movies, shows and sports without having to change the channel on your TV. After you’ve found a program you want to watch, simply switch to your home’s Wi-FI connection and tap to watch.

In addition, you can program your DVR (and the playlist) anytime and anywhere. It’s all synced up with their online and other DVR update options, so there’s absolute no downside. For sports fans, another perk is the app delivers real-time scores and schedules.

User-wise, you can customize most of the layout and homescreen, allowing you to find your favorite sections and categories. The application is available now to all US customers. Grab it now!