DirectTV was launched in the summer of 1994 and was really the pioneer of the Satellite TV industry. By the end of the year almost 1 million systems were sold. There are now over ten million customers across America.

DirectTV has over 225 channels including a number DVR and HD of programming packages. Local programming is offered in all major cities and most metropolitan areas across the USA.

What advantages does Direct TV have?

Dish Network and DirectTV are very similar in what they have to offer, but there are some small differences that might make you decide one or the other. It depends a lot on your personal preferences and what you want out of your viewing experience.

DirectTV does offer a few extra sports channels, but remember that these are extra channel packages that you need to pay for. These channels include the NHL Center Ice, the MLB Extra Innings, NFL Sunday. Both networks have plenty of sports channels, but DirectTV boasts a few extras.

For a comparison of Dish Network and Direct TV click here

Direct TV offers 3 basic packages (for more information on these packages, please read the information on the programming section of this site)

- TOTAL CHOICE® with Local Channels - Over 130 Channels, $39.99/mo

- TOTAL CHOICE® PLUS with Local Channels - Over 150 Channels, $42.99/mo.

- TOTAL CHOICE® PREMIER with Local Channels - Over 210 Channels, $90.99/mo.

LOCAL CHANNELS
Local channels are available for customers in designated areas. If the local channels aren't available in your area, or you choose not to subscribe to local channels you can still enjoy exciting DIRECTV entertainment at a lower price and you may still be able to receive local channels through a rooftop or set-top antenna.

TOTAL CHOICE (without Local Channels) $36.99/mo.
TOTAL CHOICE PLUS (without Local Channels) $39.99/mo.
TOTAL CHOICE PREMIER (without Local Channels) $87.99/mo.

Direct TV also offers the following premium services:

Direct TV offers over 30 premium movie channels. Choose from a wide selection of Hollywood hits, award-winning original programming, specials and much more.

Sports fans will score over 25 regional and specialty sports networks with our SPORTS Pack premium service. With everything from fly fishing to auto racing, you'll get your fill of action and adventure.

For more information on premium services, visit the Direct TV programming section of the website

Additional Direct TV Services include:

- DIRECTV offers a monthly television guide for $2.99 a month or $29.94 per year.

- DIRECTV PROTECTION PLAN - Provides technical troubleshooting 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If we can't fix the problem over the phone, we'll send a trained technician to your home or send you new equipment via priority delivery $5.99 per month.

- ADULT PAY PER VIEW - Mature viewers can select from a variety of adult pay per view channels, including Playboy TV, A Taste of Spice, SPICE PLATINUM, The Hot Network and The Hot Zone.

For a comparison of Dish Network and Direct TV programming