Best Satellite TV Offer

Due to the fierce competition between DISH Network and DIRECTV, both providers are promoting satellite TV offers that include free equipment, free installation, and free HD and DVR receivers in order to get your business. In addition they're also offering cheap introductory programming rates.

Here's a rundown on what DISH Network and DIRECTV have to offer ...

Best Equipment Offer

DISH Network

Acquiring a complete satellite system from DISH Network won't cost you a penny. They're currently giving away everything you need to receive DISH Network programming - the dish, up to four receivers, and remote controls.

In addition, DISH Network is offering their HD (high definition) receivers and DVR (digital video recording) receivers free of charge too.

Installation also is free, and you can have a system installed in as little as 24 hours after you order a programming package from DISH Network.

DIRECTV

DIRECTV is offering a free dish and up to four free receivers with remote controls when you sign up for one of their programming packages.

HD receivers and DVR receivers are free after a $99 mail-in rebate.

Installation of the system is also free and takes anywhere from one to five days after you sign up with them.

Note: For the latest information on DIRECTV and DISH Network equipment offers click on the links below.

Best Programming Offer

DISH Network

When it comes to the lowest-priced satellite TV package, DISH Network is the hands-down winner, offering their Dish Family Pak for $19.99 per month. This package includes 40 channels of family-oriented programming, plus the Starz movie Pak (8 movie channels).

DISH Network's most popular programming package, America's Top 120, includes 230 channels of programming including 60 Sirius radio channels, and three months of Starz Movie Pak for $29.99 a month.

DISH Network's top-of-the-line package, America's -- Everything -- Pak, consists of 350 program channels including, 60 Sirius radio channels, and 31 movie channels from HBO, Showtime, Cinemaz, and Starz, for $74.99 per month.

DISH Network also offers a variety of sports programming packages, international programming packages, plus pay-per-view movies and special events.

DIRECTV

DIRECTV programming starts with their Total Choice package which has 155 program channels, 50 XM satellite radio channels, and three months of HBO, Showtime, and Starz (31 movie channels), for $29.99 per month.

Their midline package, Total Choice Plus, comes with 185 program channels, including 67 XM radio channels, for $46.99 per month.

DIRECTV's top-of-the-line Total Choice Premier package includes 250 program channels, three months of HBO, Showtime, and Starz, and 67 XM radio channels for $96.99 per month.

In addition, DIRECTV offers sports programming packages, international programming packages, plus pay-per-view movies and special events.

Note: For the latest information on DISH Network and DIRECTV programming offers click on the links below.

Bottom Line

As far as the best equipment offer goes, DISH Network has the slight edge over DIRECTV. Both company's equipment is pretty much the same -- high tech and high quality -- but DIRECTV charges a $19.99 fee to have their equipment delivered.

When it comes to which satellite TV provider has the best programming offer, it depends on what you're looking for.

If you want the biggest variety of TV shows, movies, and International programming, DISH Network is your best bet with 350 program channels, 31 movie channels, and 91 International channels.

If sports is your thing, DIRECTV has the most sports channels including the ever popular NFL Sunday Ticket package and the NCAA Mega March Madness package.