Eenie meenie, miney mo - to which satellite TV service shall I go? Choosing between Direct TV (it is really called Directv) and the Dish Network is like deciding which political party is more corrupt than the other. It is all a matter of your perception of the programming and preference. Is one really better than the other? Not really. They even have similar marketing promotions like a free satellite TV system when you purchase their satellite TV receiver or buy a certain programming package.

If you go by the number of customers alone, Directv would the outstanding choice. However, that is not necessarily true. They just have a lot more money to spend on advertising. How about price? Should you go by price alone to decide on a satellite dish network or a Direct satellite TV? The answer is no. Each of these satellite TV providers offers something a little different, which could make or break the choice, depending on preference. There is that pesky 'preference' thing again!

First of all, let us look at what they both have in common. Both companies present similar deals like free installation or a free satellite TV system. When it comes to movie and local television programming, the pricing is practically the same. Both the Dish Network and Direct TV offer DVR or digital video recording. With your Direct satellite TV however, you could upgrade to the Directv Tivo option for a nominal fee.

The differentiation is in the programming offered to subscribers. If you are aiming for a more international flavor, then the Dish Network would be your best bet. They have networks available in foreign markets that are broadcast in a variety of languages. So if you have transplanted yourself in the United States from somewhere else, chances are you might be able to catch the news and other shows from your homeland. Direct TV does have some foreign programming, mostly on the movie channels, but not the scope that the Dish Network offers.

Now, Directv subscribers have a plethora of options when it comes to American sports. Football, baseball, hockey, NASCAR ... these are important to sports fans. When the major sports have play-offs like the NFL or NBA, you can count on those rabid sports fans purchasing a 'pass' which buys a whole block of games. The Dish Network does offer sports, but they are more global in their choices. You will likely find rugby, lacrosse and soccer just as much as the football or baseball. They just don't have as much of a selection. So, if sports are your thing, then going for a Directv dish and satellite system is the best choice for you.

Now you have a perspective from both sides of the two major satellite TV service providers. Both offer similar programming. It is choosing the little things that will influence your decision. Think about the Directv Tivo option. Think about the future possibility of Directv HDTV. If having these things in the future is important, then perhaps your mind is already made up, unlike that decision about which political party is more corrupt ...

James Croydon, Satellite Installation Engineer and DirecTV DSL advisor - focusing on Dish Network Special and Dish Network Special