Satellite TV companies like DISH Network and DIRECTV have gained millions of subscribers over the past 15 years, in most cases at the expense of cable TV corporations. But new technology has been deployed, allowing telecom players like AT&T and Verizon the ability to enter into this competition. AT&T has been deploying their U-Verse service, but Verizon has been even more aggressive with their FiOS TV. In fact, Verizon now has over 1 million FiOS TV customers.
So with this option now available to many in the Verizon service area, the question begs:
Which service should you go with, DIRECTV or Verizon FiOS?
While comparing technology and prices can be difficult, Verizon has put forward a fairly straightforward pricing strategy, making the comparison a little easier.
Verizon FiOS keeps it pretty simple as far as base pricing. Their website promotes just one package, the FiOS TV Premier package for $47.99 a month. This package includes over 200 all digital channels, including all of the popular networks such as ESPN, TNT, USA, MTV, Discovery, CNN and others. Local channels such as ABC, NBC, and CBS are also in this package.
Verizon also offers a Spanish language package titled La Conexión, for $37.99 per month. This package competes with the Direct TV Mas packages available via satellite dish. La Conexión offers nearly 140 channels including 25 Spanish and 35 English channels. The rest of the programming is made up of digital audio including 47 Music Choice and 48 Urge Radio channels.
Where Verizon FiOS makes their money is in their add-ons. Check out the following charges that can really nickel and dime the customer:
HBO & Movies $25.00/month
Cinemax $11.99/month
Sports $7.99/month. Includes over a dozen different sports channels, Features Fox College Sports, Outdoor Channel, GolTV, The Golf Channel and more
Standard Definition Set Top Box $5.99/month
High Definition Set Top Box $9.99/month
Digital Video Recorder (DVR) $15.99/month
Home Media DVR $19.99/month
HBO & Cinemax $21.99/month for both
HBO $15.99/month
Movies $14.99/month Includes Starz, Showtime, Encore, TMC, Flix and Sundance
From this list, you can see how your Verizon FiOS TV bill could easily exceed $100 per month based on having a couple of HDTV’s and a movie package added to your account. One nice feature is the Verizon FiOS Home Media DVR, which allows all of the TV’s hooked into FiOS service the ability to access the content on the main DVR. DIRECTV does not offer anything like this currently.
What about promotions with Verizon FiOS? As with any cable TV provider, there are always deals out there to try to lure the customer in the door. Verizon FiOS deals are no different, and they have a couple of options right now for the customer.
Current Verizon FiOS promotions include the first month service free and free activation. Verizon is also offering free DVR service for the first 12 months and HBO and Cinemax free for 30 days. Check with Verizon directly to find out the exact terms and conditions.
With DIRECTV you also get free activation and free installation. Depending on the package you select, you will get DVR service included, and there is usually a movie package available free for 3 months or so. DIRECTV does not offer a free month of service to begin, but is currently offering an $18 bill credit for the first 12 months of service, resulting in a $216 savings. To keep all of your options available, you also may want to compare Verizon Fios vs Dish Network to see if the other satellite provider may be best for you.
As far as monthly fees go, with DIRECTV there are several programming package options available, starting from $29.99 per month for the DIRECTV Family package, and going all the way up to the all-inclusive Premier package, which runs in the area of $105 per month.
One thing that Verizon FiOS does offer that you can’t usually find with regular cable TV companies like Comcast and Time Warner is international programming. FiOS bills these channels individually, so there aren’t any bundles packages of international channels. Here are the channels and pricing for international with Verizon FiOS:
SBTN$ 14.99
China Central Television FREE
CTI Zhong Tian Channel $11.99
TV JAPAN $25.00
MBC $12.99
TV Polonia $17.99
The Filipino Channel $11.99
TV Asia $14.99
ART $12.99
RAI $9.99
TV5$9.99
Rang A Rang $14.99
RTN $14.99
Channel One Russia $14.99
DIRECTV offers several different bundles that include international programming, from the DIRECTV Chinese packages to the DIRECTV Mas Spanish language offering. These packages include several channels in the represented language, and can be bought either as stand alone package or as add-on bundles to the base DIRECTV packages.
One area to consider when comparing Verizon FiOS and DIRECTV is HD. Hi definition programming has become more important as homeowners look to hook up their new flat screen and plasma TV’s with the latest technology. DIRECTV currently claims to have 130 HD channels, though most of the recent additions to their HD lineup were pay-per-view channels. Verizon FiOS HD lineup is very competitive with DIRECTV, which is something that can’t be said for other cable TV providers. The fiber optic element of the Verizon FiOS network provides enough bandwidth to deliver the HD content customers want.
That being said, Verizon Fios is behind DIRECTV in most areas as far as the number of HD channels available. In the New York area, FiOS is competitive, but in many other areas, FiOS has not yet added HD channels. Check with Verizon directly to find out how many and what HD channels are available in your particular area.
While most are familiar with satellite TV services like DIRECTV, getting cable TV through your telephone company is a different animal. How does Verizon provide its FiOS TV service?
In order to provide FiOS TV, Verizon has to upgrade an area to fiber optic lines. This deployment is extremely costly and time consuming, remember, every line to every home, apartment, and business has to be switched out to fiber optics. In fact, according to Fortune, the cost for Verizon to do this across half of its network will be an estimated $23 billion dollars.
Once the lines are in place, Verizon can offer the customer voice, video, and high-speed internet all through the same line. These so-called triple play bundles are the holy grail of communications, at least in the eyes of the companies selling such bundles. Verizon gets not only a hefty payday each month from customers subscribing to these packages; they also have a loyal customer who is tied in with multiple services through one provider. This is why Verizon can afford to spend so much money, because they expect to make it back!
Now if you are currently in the Verizon area, you may or may not be able to get FiOS TV. It all depends on if Verizon has upgraded your area with FiOS technology. But if you have a clear unobstructed view of the southern sky, you definitely can get DIRECTV. So first check if you even have a choice of the two services.
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{ 29 comments… read them below or add one }
I don’t want to sound like the rest of the zealots out there hyping this service, but I must admit that the download speeds are impressive. I was on Comcast for-like-ever, and switched to FiOS when it came to our area. The install was a fricking migraine, but they were good to me about it (I asked for a credit — I got one) and since then I haven’t had a problem. Overall, quality service.
What I was really looking for was, are satellite (radio frequency) better or worse off then fiber optics. I know that nothing beats the speed of light. But with radio frequencies being able to reach everywhere at once, not just line of sight, or through wires, which technology is better overall?
I have Verizon FiOS and they have widgets. Widgets are like they have weather and traffic and news and sports and a lot of good stuff on there that people like. Like comcast they have on demand. I think that verizons is way way better. The internet is so fast. The FiOS is like crystal clear! Its so close to HD even not on a HDTV. Oh and Comcast internet was slow when i had it. And Direct TV doesnt have on demand so i would go with Verizon
I have DirecTV right now and it looks so much better then Fios TV. I had Fios TV last year and the Internet Kept on freezing and also when there was a Black out DirecTV still worked and Verizon just shutted down. So i prefer DirecTV. Its cheaper and they also give you HBO, Starz, and Showtime all movie channels for free for 3 months. How nice is that. And if your intrested in TVB, or TVB 2, or stuff like that Verizon FIOS doesnt have those stuff! Only DirecTV. Verizon FIOS only has English and Spanish. DirecTV has Eniglish, Chinese, Cantoneze, and even worldwide, Spanish, French, Italian, and all the languages you could possibly think of. The only thing that good about FIOS TV is that the TV is much more clearer. I strongly prefer DirecTV.
i have directv and it does offer on demand as well as all types of sports packages.with fios you cant get the nfl sunday ticket,the yes network,nascar.fios internet is the best hands down. when it comes to tv directv corners the market. they have more hd channels and i can be installed anywhere.i strongly prefer directv
What is the best way to have high speed internet and phone if you are a Fios customer and you want to try out Direct TV? Is there a cost effective way to switch? Right now Verizon tells me its $89.99 for internet and phone. If i add that to a direct TV bill , its about the same..
I recently just switched from Comcast to Verizon Fios, and am now giving serious consideration to switching again to Direct TV for these reasons. The Verizon customer service is pathetic, and having spent a considerable amount on Hi Def equipment, I want true High Def TV in 1080p, and not 1080i.
if your intrested in TVB, or TVB 2, or stuff like that Verizon FIOS doesnt have those stuff! Only DirecTV. Verizon FIOS only has English and Spanish. DirecTV has Eniglish, Chinese, Cantoneze, and even worldwide, Spanish, French, Italian, and all the languages you could possibly think of. The only thing that good about FIOS TV is that the TV is much more clearer.
Thanks for the comparison HC & others. I have D* for the football like most people but Time Warner and Verizon FIOS are both new options here and are hounding me with great offers. Very tempting. My bill with premier, HD, locals and 5 HR20′s is more expensive but you have convinced me that for me it is the best option.
I have DirecTV right now and it looks so much better then Fios TV.
Earlier this year I purchased a Samsung 58″ Plasma. While watching HD channels on DirectTV, I became concerned something was wrong with the TV. Lots of quantization/pixelization. While the HD was good, it looked just like my father-in-laws DishNetwork signal. Put in a blue-ray and confirmed it was not the TV.
I did some research and discovered that DirectTV has some of the worst compression and bitrates in the industry for its HD signals. Unless they add more satellites they can only send so much data per transponder and have to compress the heck out of the signals to offer more channels.
I tried FIOS and was absolutely amazed at the picture quality. The same channels on FIOS are crisp and I have never seen quantization/pixelization errors, which are especially visible with fast moving video, such as, sports. FYI – Quantization errors are those little muddled “blocks” you see on the screen during lots of motion – they are due to overly aggressive compression ratios.
I would love to switch back to DirectTV but until they stop compressing the heck out fo their signals, FIOS has a far superior HD quality.
Fios is the bomb. Really cant ever see myself going back to Direct, Dish or especially Time Warner cable.
We prefer DirecTV primarily because of the NFL Sunday Ticket – no other carrier has this.
I really really really despise Verizon’s service and their general attitude towards customers– They dont you unless its a new install.
They ripped my 70 year old dad off with respect to HD services that were supposedly to be provided and charge him an insane amount.
Direct TV is for us
I’ll soon be moving to an area serviced solely by Verizon and I’m not liking it. Yes, their customer service and website stinks. The cost of the FIOS tv is much higher then Directv plus . Going to stick with Directv !
I have direct tv now but am switching because they really don’t offer the value they used to and I got used to through dtv. Sorry I’m trying out FIOS
I live in New York. I’ve had Cablevision (too much money/picture quality stinks/not enough premium channels) and Directv (black outs galore/picture quality o.k/ not nearly enough premium channels), but Verizon Fios is the BEST hands down. I have Satellite TV (picture quality near blu-ray/no black outs/loads of premium channels), Internet (speed is sooo fast) and Phone for under $175. There are no additional monthly fees for my On Demand or HD On Demand, like HBO, Cinemax, Showtime, The Movie Channel, and so many others. I have no interest in NFL, so no skin off my back. I love Fios so much that i’m basing my move to a state that services them. Most likely St. Petersburg/Tampa Florida Area.
Almost signed up for fios the other day. I love Directv but would also love to be rid of the dish. The deciding factor for us was the Verizon HD DVR capacity stinks. My family uses the heck out of our Directv HD DVR and we need the capacity for all our shows that we miss. I’ll live with ugly dish on my porch for now. I thought Verizons sales tactics were a little pushy also which really turns me off.
I had Direct TV forever, and switched to FIOS last week. WOW, what an improvement. The gent that installed it was great, as was the customer service leading up to installation and since. The DVR is FAR superior with FIOS. The picture is FAR superior with FIOS. I no longer have 6 second delays from the time I hit the remote button to the time something happens. We had alot of rain this weekend, and man was it good not to have the service go down every other hour like always happened with Direct TV. I get about 70 more channels for about $25 less per month. My wife and I love the access to all the free movies. My neighbor said it looks like we now have HD, and we don’t. I was a big Direct TV guy, but FIOS honestly blows it away by far!
We have had Verizon Fios since its inception in our suburb of Wash. Dc. , replacing Cox Cable and all I can say is it has been the best most reliable service bar none. We have had Directv in the past for years and we did love that but it got expensive and we were not watching tv all that much. It is true that Only Directv has NFL Sunday Ticket and that was awesome and I do miss that but Fios does have its own NFL related channels and the PQ is amazing compared to cable and I think it is even better than Directv. Granted for those purists out there Directv is true 1080p but you do pay more and have to deal with issues related to weather. Every network has its pros and cons and you just have to figure out what works best with your needs and equipment.
Depending on how many TV you have, you must add $7 to $15 for leasing each set top box. It is required one set top box tor each TV you want to watch. This is the hidden cost they don’t want tell you before your ordering. If you want to stay with Verizon for years, you must consider this leasing equipment cost.
Comcast does offer some international channels but not a list as extensively as that.
Verizon is the worst outfit. They lie, steal, misrepresent, and generally rip people off. I have had FIOS for two years now, and the price has steadily gone up, even if I accept being “locked in” to their two year contracts. They offered a free HBO trial, then instead of cancelling it when I asked, they signed me up to a higher price package that included HBO and retroactively charged me for it! When I complained to the FCC online, they finally stopped that particular tactic. I think the Comcast picture I previously had was not as good as FIOS, and their service was poor but not the thievery that Verizon exhibits. I am deciding that the prettier picture is not worth dealing with these pigs. I advise you to avoid Verizon until somebody cleans them up! Not worth it!
I totally agree with the commenters on Verizon being pathetic. They DO rip you off and their customer service is beyond horrific. They keep bumping the prices up without your knowledge. We are paying close to $200 plus a month for TV services, internet and phone! WAY TOO MUCH and company WAY OVERRATED!! Don’t bother with Verizon. A lot is to be said when any customer service of any company SUCKS!
At this point, we are switching to DirectTV.
I live in New York. I had Cablevision then switched to Direct Tv about 4 years ago. No comparriosn. Direct TV is so far supperior to Cable and FIOS. Friends of mine have Fios which is a decent product. But in no way is the picture quality better on FIOS. I have 3 Flat screens and a 3D plasma. The reception I get and picture quality is awesome. The DVR from Direct TV has more memory than their competitors. Direct TV has the most HD channels and 5 3D channels and the best sports package anywhere. I have seen FIOS on a state of the art LED and still Direct Tv’s picture quality is better. I never lose reception in a storm or bad weather. FIOS also does not have MSG in high definition. It’s all a matter of choice…But hands down–Direct TV wins.
I live in Temecula and used to have Time Warner but was very frustrated with the many video and black out problems so about 1 1/2 years ago I switched to Verizon-Fios. Have to admit that the picture quality was a great improvement but with phone/internet/tv and when you add a hi-def dvr/3 4 boxes, and the hbo/movie package it’s costing us over $200.00 per month! I’ve been thinking switching to direct-tv or dish to lower my monthly bill but am concerned about finding internet service which wasn’t available through any other service but Time Warner. What to do…….
I retired “early” from VZ, I was a Fios supervisor. I can tell you this, if you choose FIOS be aware that the company is making many many changes, “not for the better”, look at what happened to the folks who lived in the west that had FIOS. The network was sold off and suddenly everything changed for those people who were locked in contracts. The company is changing it’s CEO and focusing on it’s wireless and has basically abandoned FIOS. I wish this were not the case as I can tell you first hand the sky was the limit with FIOS and the developers that were laid off had some really amazing products that were never released to the public. as far as the widgets most new televisions already include them. My choice Directv, as far as internet save yourself a bundle of money and if you can, get a 7meg DSL for internet. I watched 50meg fios still download at a sluggish 70kbs. Remember the internet is not fast enough for the extra speed of FIOS. As far as terrestrial cable (comcast, etc.), don’t even bother these are the biggest crooks out there. These companies continue to compress there television signals in order to compensate for digital phone and data, thieves nothing more. Get OOMA, SKYPE, even magik jack, there is no reason to pay over 30 dollars a month for phone service. If 911 is a concern stick with Vonage, remember folks those cable companies phone service is also VOIP so why are you paying so much for it? Avoid bundles, have three bills and save yourself money, the big cable companies (Verizon included) are looking to lock you in for a contract that’s it!!! Lastly I don’t want to sound like a scorned employee, I loved Verizon and they treated me great, I always provided outstanding service to my customers for 15 years. Unfortunately I saw the writing on the wall and knew that telecommunications was quickly becoming a dinosaur so I took an early retirement and changed careers. Good luck everyone and avoid contracts.
It’s not that I didn’t enjoy my DirecTV service but at the end of the day, I decided to switch and in my mind it was the smartest thing I could have done. Being a former consumer of DirecTV and a current customer of DISH Network, the decision for better service is not a question. “More for less”… who wouldn’t love that? Especially these days, every penny counts, and needless to say DISH Network fulfilled every aspect of a TV provider that I could have asked for. Condensing the receiver fees with the dual tuners, HD free for the LIFETIME of your account, not to mention; after the promotional period expired, the base price was still less than DirecTV. If anyone ever wants more info regarding DISH or the promotions you can also get it at wwww.dishnetwork.com. Great new product! –Joe
Verizon SUCKS! Don’t Do It! If you do you’ll remember my words. Stay/Get Direct TV. Good Luck.