With all broadcasting now in the digital format nationwide, many people are looking for an affordable cable or satellite TV package. The DIRECTV Family package might be something for you to consider if you have been affected by this recent change in broadcast requirements.  So why consider the Family package from DIRECTV versus what is available from cable?

First off, the DIRECTV Family package is extremely affordable.  At $29.99 per month, the only package out there that is less is probably the Dish Family package by competitor DISH Network.  If you are looking at low priced options from your cable TV company, generally the lower priced packages are going to be at least $50 per month.

Now with this DIRECTV package, you certainly won’t find a ton of channels.  Currently, the Family package has about 50 channels, and as the name implies, they are of course family friendly.  No start up fees or equipment charges apply, so that is another advantage if you are making your first step into the cable or satellite TV world.  Another way to approach this package is to start out here, then if you decide later you need a bigger DIRECTV programming package down the line, you can simply upgrade by making a phone call and there is no need for a technician to visit your home again.

So how does the channel lineup look with this DIRECTV package?  Certainly there are plenty of shopping and religious channels.  Add in a dozen or so cartoon and kid oriented networks, and the package is complete.  There are also four music channels, and your local networks are included as long as they are available in your area.  Here is a current channel list:

ABC
Bloomberg TV
Boomerang
BYU TV
CBS
CSPAN
CSPAN2
CW
Daystar
DIRECTV Basics
DIRECTV Pay Per View Previews
Discovery Kids
DIY
Disney Channel (East)
Disney Channel (West)
Disney XD
EWTN
FitTV
Food Network
Fox
GemsTV
GOD TV
HLN
HGTV
Gospel Music Channel
Hallmark Channel
HITN-TV
Home Shopping Network
Link TV
The N
NASA TV
National Geographic Channel
NBC
Nickelodeon/Nick at Nite (East)
Nickelodeon/Nick at Nite (West)
Nicktoons
Noggin
NRB
ONCE Mexico
PBS Kids Sprout
Science Channel
Shop NBC
QVC
RFD TV
TBN Trinity Broadcasting Network
TCT Network
Disney XD
Weather Channel, The
TheWord

Now if you have a new plasma screen or LCD television these channels are available in HD.  You do have to pay a $10 a month access fee for DIRECTV HD to receive these channels in high definition

ABC
CBS
CW
Disney Channel
National Geographic Channel
Nickelodeon/Nick at Nite
NBC
Food Network
Fox
Home & Garden Television
Science Channel
Disney XD
The Weather Channel

Finally, if you want to control your television rather than having it control you, the DIRECTV DVR is the perfect addition to this package.  At $6 per month, digital video recorder service is well worth the price in that it can save you tons of time over the course of a month.

So there are the basics on the DIRECTV Family package.  While it certainly can’t compare with the content available with the Premier package, it is a great way to keep the kids happy at an affordable price.

Update: Classic Silver 200 has been renamed Americas Top 200

A few months ago, DISH Network renamed their programming packages, switching away from the America’s Top bundles to names that match up with their Turbo HD packages. One such package is the DISH Network Classic Silver 200, which was formerly the America’s Top 200 package.

The Classic Silver 200 package includes all digital audio and video programming comparable to the DIRECTV Choice Xtra package. Right now, you can get a $25 discount on the DISH Network Classic Silver package, making it an affordable option compared to cable TV companies like Time Warner. So what all is included in this package? Here are a brief review of the DISH Network Classic Silver 200 bundle.

DISH Network satellite TV of course delivers signal to your home via a small satellite dish mounted on your home. You need a clear view of the southern sky, so even if you are in an apartment, you may be able to get the Classic Silver 200 package if you have a deck or balcony. From there, the DISH Network installer will provide service into your home, reaching up to four different television sets. Additional receivers are needed if you are getting more than two rooms hooked up, so be sure to verify the monthly charges for these extra satellite TV boxes.

With the DISH Network Classic Silver package, you will get all of the popular basic cable channels like ESPN, CNN, TNT and TBS. An added bonus for sports fans is the addition of the NFL Network to the Classic Silver 200 lineup, as the NFL and DISH Network recently reached a multi-year agreement to carry the station for several years.

Other popular channels carried on the Classic Silver 200 package include MSNBC, Speed, the Fox News channel, and Toon Disney. At the bottom of this article we have included a full list of channels in this package.

As mentioned earlier, there is a deal on the DISH Network Silver 200 package which offers a $25 discount for the first six months of service. This reduces the price from the normal rate of $47.99 per month down to $22.99 a month. What additional charges can you expect with this package?

DISH Network offers the lowest bottom line prices when comparing programming packages with DIRECTV and cable TV providers. So while the price looks great up front, be aware of charges for DISH Network local channels and DVR service. Right now, DISH Network charges $5 per month for local programming, which almost everyone wants. Additionally, while DISH Network will provide new customers with a new DVR or HD DVR when agreeing to a two year service agreement, you do have to pay extra for DVR service. This is currently in the area of $6 per month per DVR. Also if you need or want more than one DVR when setting up service, you will pay for that too. One nice thing is that installation is free for up to four rooms, as long as there isn’t anything extremely labor intensive in getting your satellite TV system setup.

The current makeup of the DISH Network Classic Silver 200 package is approximately 110 video channels and about 90 audio channels, of which more than 20 are provided by Sirius satellite radio. No premium movie channels are included in this package, but of course can be added individually or as packages.

Finally, most new DISH Network and DIRECTV customers are setting up service in order to get HD programming. With the Classic Silver 200 package, you also get the SilverHD package free for six months. If you continue with HD service after six months, the cost is an extra $10 per month. While cable TV companies like Comcast claim to offer “free HD” you can usually come out with a lower overall price with DISH Network when comparing with regular cable TV prices.

So how does the channel lineup look for this DISH Network package? As mentioned earlier, here is a complete list of the current channels included. Of course this is subject to change, so check with DISH Network directly if you want the most current information.

A&E
E! Entertainment Television
Sci-fi Network
Telefutura Este
BBC America
FX
SiTV
Telefutura Oeste
BET
Galavisión
SoapNet
USA Network
Bravo
Game Show Network
Spike TV
Univision Este
CCTV-9
IMF
TBS
Univision Oeste
Comedy Central
Lifetime
TNT
WGN Superstation
ReelzChannel
Oxygen
TV Guide Chanel
We: Women’s Entertainment
Mens Outdoor & Recreation
ION
KBS World
C-Span
CNN
CNN Headline News
NASA
C-Span2
Fox News Channel
MSNBC
The Weather Channel
CNBC
G4techTV
The Pentagon Channel
FAMILY
ABC Family
Disney Channel (West)
Noggin/ The N
TV Land
Cartoon Network
Nickelodeon / Nick at Night (East)
Nickelodeon / Nick at Nite (West)
Toon Disney
Disney Channel (East)
MOVIES
American Movie Classics
Independent Film Channel
Turner Classic Movies
SPORTS
NFL Network
ESPN
ESPN Classic
ESPN2
ESPNews
TVG – Horse Racing TV
HorseRacing TV
Speed Channel
Fox Sports Net (Varies by Region)
Animal Planet
Discovery Health
History Channel
The Learning Channel
Discovery Channel
Food Network
Home & Garden Television
The Travel Channel
Florida Education Channel
University House
University of Washington TV
Country Music Television
MTV
MTV2
VH1
Fuse
BYUTV
Free Speech TV
Documentary Channel
University of California
Classic Arts Showcase
Good Samaritan Network
Colours TV
HITN
LINK TV
Research Channel
RFDTV
Angel One
Daystar
Eternal Word Television Network
Trinity Broadcasting Network
SHOPPING
Beauty & Fashion Channel
Jewelry Television
Men’s Channel
Shop NBC
Home Shopping Network
iDrive Resort & Residence

Digital Audio Channels

70s Songbook
CD Kidtunes
SIRIUS Classic Vinyl – Early Rock
SIRIUS Praise – Gospel Music
Acoustic Crossroads Latin Styles
SIRIUS Classical Voices – Operas
SIRIUS Prime Country – ’80s & ’90s Country
Adult Alternative
Light Classical
SIRIUS Disorder – Free Form Rock
SIRIUS Pure Jazz – Classic Jazz
Adult Contemporary
Modern Rock Alternative
SIRIUS Elvis – All Elvis!
SIRIUS RUMBON – Reggaeton/Tropical SIRIUS RUMBON -
SIRIUS Faction – Punk HipHop Rock Mix
SIRIUS Remix – Dance Club Mix
BYU Radio Network New Country
SIRIUS First Wave – Classic Alternative
SIRIUS SPA 73 – NEW AGE
Big Band Era
NuJazz
SIRIUS Gold – ’50s and ’60s Hits
SIRIUS Soul Revue – Classic Soul
Blues Power Rock
SIRIUS Hair Nation – ’80s Hair Bands
SIRIUS Spectrum – World Class Rock
Reggae
SIRIUS Hard Attack – Heavy Metal
SIRIUS Spirit – Christian Hits
Classical Ambience Urban Beat
SIRIUS Heart & Soul – R&B Hits
SIRIUS Standard Time – Standards
Contemporary Christian
SIRIUS ’60s Vibration – ’60s Hits
SIRIUS Hip Hop Nation – Uncut Hip Hop
SIRIUS Super Shuffle
Contemporary Instrumentals
SIRIUS – BBC-1 SIRIUS Hits One – Top 40 Hits
SIRIUS Symphony Hall – Symphonies
Contemporary Jazz Flavors
SIRIUS – Love Songs
SIRIUS Hot Jamz – Hip Hop & R&B Hits
SIRIUS THE GLOBE SIRIUS THE GLOBE
Country Classics
SIRIUS Alt Nation – Alternative Rock
SIRIUS Jam on – Jam Bands
SIRIUS The Coffee House
Country Currents
SIRIUS Area 63 – Trance/Progressive
SIRIUS Jazz Cafe – Smooth Jazz
SIRIUS Totally ’70s – ’70s Hits
SIRIUS Back Spin – Old Skool Rap
SIRIUS Left of Center – College Rock
SIRIUS Underground Garage – Garage Rock
Eurostyle
SIRIUS Big ’80s – ’80s Hits
SIRIUS Mexicana – Regional Mexican
SIRIUS Universo Latino – Latin Pop Mix
Fiesta Mexicana
SIRIUS Bluegrass – Bluegrass Music
SIRIUS Movin Easy – Easy Listening Hits
SIRIUS WAX – Hip Hop Mixes and Remixes
Hawaiian Music SIRIUS Blues – Classic Blues
SIRIUS Octane – Pure Hard Rock
SIRIUS the Bridge – Mellow Rock
SIRIUS Boombox – Breakbeats/Old Skool
SIRIUS Outlaw Country
SIRIUS the Pulse – The ’90s & Now
Jazz Traditions
SIRIUS Broadway’s Best – Broadway Musicals
SIRIUS Planet Jazz – Contemporary Jazz
SIRIUS the Roadhouse – Classic Country
Jukebox Gold
SIRIUS Buzzsaw – Classic Hard Rock
SIRIUS Pops – Classical Favorites
SIRIUS the Strobe – Classic Disco
SIRIUS the Vault – Deep Cuts Classic Rock
SIRIUS Classic Rewind – Recent Rock

The Dish Network Slingbox DVR may be just the what the company needs in order to regain ground against DIRECTV.

Introduced at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this past January, the Slingbox HD DVR device will officially be called the ViP922. Many Dish Network customers have been waiting for something of this sort, ever since Dish Network purchased Slingbox back in 2007.

The Slingbox digital video recorder will allow subscribers access to all of their saved content through a variety of media devices. Internet enabled devices such as laptop computers, iPhones, Blackberry units, and other smart phones will be able to play back content from the ViP922. The current Slingbox models can only play live television on internet enabled devices.

With the Dish Network ViP 922, the DVR will be “Slingloaded.” Often referred to as place shifting technology, Dish Network is envisioning the customer watching content in a variety of places and settings. But do customers really want to watch TV in places other than their living room?

That is a difficult question to answer, but for now it seems most people are not clamoring to watch TV on their computers or cell phones. It may be nice if your stuck in an airport or at a hotel room out of town, but for most people the day to day use of Slingbox technology is limited.

Dish Network is betting that Slingbox technology will go mainstream in the next few years, and that people will want access to their TV sets at all times. The new Dish Network Slingbox does boast a number of bells and wistles that will certainly attract both the technology geek and the average consumer. Found among the ViP 922 feature list:

-Satellite, Broadband and Over the Air (OTA) Tuners
-1 Terabyte internal hard drive, capable of saving up to 1,000 hours of content
-Upgraded touchpad remote control
-Web based Sling Guide to control the ViP922 from the internet
-Connections to internet via Ethernet, Wifi, or HomePlug Turbo (Home power line connection)
-RSS Internet News feeds on home screen allowing access to news, weather and sports
-Ability to load MP3 and photos for home entertainment sharing
-Supports 1080p HD resolution

Subscribers can also connect external hard drives in order to save even more content. While the Dish Network Slingbox DVR will probably be a top of the line device, will it be enough to stop the subscriber losses that have mounted up during the past three quarters?

Probably not.

Customers continue to flock to DIRECTV and to a lesser extent AT&T U-verse and Verizon Fios for a couple of reasons. With DIRECTV, its premium content. DIRECTV continues to draw in customers with their NFL Sunday Ticket package, and with their HD content. While Dish Network has caught up in the HD channel count, the perception is out there that DIRECTV is still the HD leader.

With Verizon Fios and AT&T U-Verse, it’s the convenience factor. Customers can triple play bundle their voice, internet and cable TV service in many areas now with these telecom companies. The same holds true for Comcast and Time Warner cable. The convenience factor makes it difficult for Dish Network to make a play for many of these customers.

Overall, the Dish Network Slingbox offers just about anything to anyone, making it a formidable competitor to TiVo. Things should get interesting later this year as the ViP922 comes on the market, and will be competing against TiVo in many cases. DIRECTV inked a new deal to distribute TiVo devices once again in 2009, though there will probably be an additional monthly service fee to customers who select the TiVO device over DIRECTV’s own in-house DVR.
While exact pricing has not been released on the ViP922 Slingbox, expect it to be deeply discounted to lure in new subscribers for Dish Network.

Comcast raising rates has become an annual occurrence, but this year’s rate hike will hurt even more for an estimated 25 million cable TV customers. Yes the nation’s largest cable company is at it again, with the news that Comcast is hiking subscription fees, movie channel rates, and even monthly rates on its DVR service.

The Comcast rate increase will be the third since January 2007. Cable and satellite TV companies have traditionally raised rates early in the year, but Comcast’s latest hike is the second time in a row they have bumped prices in November. Just think of the rate increase as your election year bonus!

This years rate increase looks to be in the area of 3.5% to 6% for a variety of features and services. While every region served by Comcast has slightly different pricing, here is sampling of what the rate increase will look like in one area served by Comcast.

As mentioned, the rate increase will kick in on November 1^st. Comcast’s Standard Cable, which is what most folks would consider the basic cable package in one area pay $54.30 a month. This will jump $3.70 and these subscribers will now pay $58. The Expanded basic service which is now $36.30, will rise $1.75 and now cost $38.05. Limited basic service which has just a few channels will go up $1.95, from $18 to $19.95 per month.

Customers using Comcast’s Digital Video Recorder, or DVR service will not like the latest price increase. That service will be hiked $2 per DVR, going from $13.95 to $15.95 per month, and increase of 14.3%. Of course Comcast is counting on the fact that once you begin using a DVR, its almost impossible to go back to watching TV in the traditional manner. The Comcast rate increase applies to each DVR the customer has, not just the first one.

Letters notifying customers of the rate hike began to hit mailboxes late last week. No doubt the Comcast rate hike is partly due to economic conditions.  Comcast is feeling the pressure most businesses are dealing with, namely higher fuel prices and health care costs for employees. In addition, Comcast is citing higher programming costs including sports programming. Reading between the lines, Comcast is laying blame at the feet of the Big Ten Network, a regional sports channel that Comcast did not carry in the past. Comcast really had no choice in carrying the BTN, otherwise it would have faced another year of subscriber losses to DIRECTV and DISH Network, satellite TV providers that both carry the Big Ten Network. However, Comcast still does not carry the NFL Network on its basic cable tiers, collecting an extra fee from subscribers that want the all-NFL channel.

The Comcast rate increase will hit subscribers across the nation. Of course the best place to be is a new customer, as there are Comcast deals out there for those who haven’t had service before. Comcast holds cable franchises in some of the most populated cities including Chicago, San Francisco, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Atlanta and Denver. Other regions serviced by Comcast include Michigan, Washington State, Maryland, Florida, California and Pennsylvania.

No word on if  DIRECTV or DISH Network will increase prices in 2009. DIRECTV increased rates on its packages in early 2008, and DISH Network did as well on some packages, while promoting a rate freeze on other packages. With current economic conditions, however, expect most cable and satellite TV companies to closely match Comcast’s raising rates.

Many parts of the country now have an additional choice when considering their cable TV options. These additional options are coming from the former Bell companies, AT&T and Verizon, as they now offer U-Verse and FiOS service, video services delivered over fiber and copper lines to each home. AT&T is ramping up their U-Verse service, aiming for a million customers by the end of 2008.

So how does AT&T’s U-verse service stack up with a satellite service like DIRECTV?

As with anything, there are several considerations, and it can be difficult to make an across the board comparison, but here are some facts and figures to consider when comparing U-verse to DIRECTV.

First, let’s consider a few of the U-Verse highlights.

U-Verse is a new initiative by AT&T to provide video services to residential customers via their existing network. In most areas, the actual service is delivered by VDSL technology, meaning it is not fiber to the home, (FTTH or FTTP), but is sent to a “node” in the neighborhood, then delivered by your existing copper line to your house.

The service is 100% digital, as is satellite service through DIRECTV. But since it is delivered by hard line, you can expect a little more reliability overall. While satellite TV has made vast improvements in delivering signal, it still goes out occasionally during intense weather.

AT&T U-verse service is available in four different programming package levels. They are the U100, U200, U300, and U400 packages. While DIRECTV offers television programming and that’s it, AT&T has bundle packages, which combine the cable TV product with your choice of U-verse internet and/or a Uverse home phone line. So while the prices quoted here for AT&T U-Verse service may seem a bit high, remember if you combine them with other  services, you will obviously get some sort of U-verse bundle discount. Every area can be different, so you will have to contact AT&T directly to get a quote on U-verse and other services combined.

First off, AT&T U-verse TVservice currently includes the following when you start up. Professional installation is included of course, and also one month free TV service.  Another promotion to consider it their $200 cash back deal. While the details seem long winded and extensive on this program, you basically have to sign up for U-verse and their high speed internet, fill out all the forms, and wait for your check in the mail. Check with AT&T for the exact details.

UVerse service currently has the following pricing tiers:

U100 – $69 for TV and high-speed internet, $44 for TV only. This package is the only AT&T package that does not include a HD receiver with a DVR. Package includes up to 100 channels and Video on Demand.

U200 – $84 for TV and internet, $59 for TV only. The U200 includes “up to 200 channels,” digital music channels, VOD, but no movie channels

U300 – $104 for combination TV and high speed internet, $79 for TV only. Package includes “up to 260 channels,” HD receiver, DVR, music channels, and Movie Package which has 30 premium channels of Starz, Showtime, Encore, and the Movie Channel.

U400 – $124 for combination, $99 for U-verse television only. This package includes up to 320 channels. Everything in the U300 plus all of the HBO and Cinemax channels, as well as extra regional sports networks are included here. This is the all-inclusive, all you can eat buffet package from AT&T.

As you can see, pricing on AT&T U-Verse is much higher than the promotional pricing you can receive from DIRECTV. Here are the current prices for DIRECTV packages, which reflect a discount of $18 a month for the first year. The only exception on this pricing is the Premier package, which has a discount tied in with the NFL Sunday Ticket package. Even after the first year discount, DIRECTV pricing is still lower than the U-verse pricing on the AT&T website.

How does U-verse from AT&T stack up with DIRECTV in other areas?

High definition programming is something most people are looking for today. HD access on the U-verse service is $10.00, and is $9.99 from DIRECTV. The big difference here is in the number of HD channels available. DIRECTV offers 95 national HD channels, as well as local HD in almost all major markets. AT&T U-verse offers 41 HD channels, and twelve of those are premium movie channels, so obviously quite a difference in this area.

Comparing DVR services is often difficult unless you can use each service for a period of time, then report back on what you like. As far as specifications go for the U-verse Digital Video Recorder, probably the most amazing thing is that it can record up to 4 shows at one time – wait, who needs to record 4 shows at the same time. Anyhow, it is there if you need it. One frustrating aspect of U-Verse is that there is a one DVR per household policy, and additional receivers cost $5 for the other TV’s in the house. With DIRECTV, you have the same fee for each additional receiver, but you can pay just $1 extra per month and get DVR service on every receiver as well.

As far as capacity, the U-verse DVR can hold up to 133 hours of SD programming, and 37 hours of HD programming, while the Direct TV DVR goes 200 and 50 hours respectively. Advantage to DIRECTV as far as DVR capacity goes. Other than that, the DVR’s have similar features such as programming menus, parental locks, and the ability to pause live TV and skip commercials on previously recorded shows.

Installation of U-verse and DIRECTV is one of those things that can go either way. Everyone has their horror story and wants to share it with the world, so individual experiences will of course vary. UVerse is in its infancy, so there is a learning curve going on in many areas, and AT&T has brought on board quite a few technicians in order to meet demand for U-verse. The AT&T website says installation will generally take 4-6 hours, and recommends setting a morning appointment. This of course would also include setting up your high speed internet connection as well.

In general, DIRECTV installations take between 2-3 hours. Work is often done by contractors, who are paid by the job, so they may work a little faster that the phone company. Expect to spend at least a half a day at home, whether you have either company hooking up your service.

AT&T currently has a resale agreement with DISH Network. If you call in to order U-verse and it is not currently available in your area, they will offer you DISH Network service, so if you want DIRECTV, you will have to order it separately from AT&T. This may change in 2009, as AT&T is evaluating who they will partner with in the future.

Finally, picture quality is the last item we will consider. This is no doubt highest on the list of those who have HD television sets, and the question they want answered first.

Who has the better picture? While wholly unscientific, browsing through the reviews you can find through a Google search can give you a general idea of what people think.   Most report that DIRECTV still offers better HD picture quality than AT&T U-Verse.

Flying under the radar last week, DIRECTV officially released their Video On Demand, (VOD) service. Titled DIRECTV On Demand, the satellite provider is promising more than 4,000 offerings in both standard and HD initially. Titles will be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

DIRECTV is not charging anything for the on demand service, following the lead of cable TV leaders Comcast and Time Warner. Customers do need the proper receiver, either a DIRECTV Plus HD DVR or a R22 DVR receiver in order to access on demand services. Customers also need a broadband connection in order to download much of the content.

That is the potential sticking point for many DIRECTV customers, as satellite TV is the only option in many rural areas. At the same time, rural areas are usually the last to receive upgrades which can deliver high speed internet services. DIRECTV will also provide pushed on demand content. In this case, programming will be delivered via satellite directly to the customers DVR. DIRECTV said in a press release that generally this content will be restricted to blockbuster movies, probably a good idea as most people won’t want a bunch of stuff that they don’t want sent to their digital video recorders.

To get set up with DIRECTV on Demand, customers must either choose to install the needed equipment themselves, or have a professional installation done. This presents another potential obstacle in getting the more than 17 million DIRECTV customers on-demand capable. Hooking these customers up one at a time will take many years, and will also open the door to customer frustration as many attempt to hook up the service themselves at first.

DIRECTV has been promising their on demand product for some time, and as part of the rollout touted its easy to use customer interface. As part of the program, each programmer that provides on demand content will have its own channel. The example cited in the press release from DIRECTV was the Discovery channel, currently broadcast on channel 276. The Discover Channel on demand will be on channel 1276, so any time a customer wants to see the on demand offerings from a particular network, the can just put a “1” in front of the current channel they are on to investigate what is available.

DIRECTV on demand is also offering additional features such as internet remote scheduling and expanded pay per view offerings as part of the service.