Since the demise of Pegasus and VOOM, there are just two satellite TV service providers battling it out for the top spot -- DIRECTV and DISH Network.

Both companies provide excellent service, all-digital broadcast quality, and great customer service. The main difference between the two companies is the programming they provide.

How Satellite TV Service Works

Satellite TV providers such as DIRECTV and DISH Network send a broadcast signal carrying television programming to a satellite orbiting above the earth. The Satellite then broadcasts the signal back down to earth.

This signal is picked up by a satellite TV dish then transmitted to a receiver where it is amplified and sent to a TV screen.

Benefits of Satellite TV Service

* Satellite TV is broadcast in all-digital format, providing the highest quality picture and sound available.

* Satellite TV gives you access to hundreds of different programs, pay-per-view movies, special events, and commercial-free music channels.

* Satellite TV utilizes DVR (digital video recording) receivers so you can record your favorite programs and bypass commercials while watching live TV.

* Satellite TV is much more reliable than cable or over-the-air TV. Broadcast outages average only 1% as opposed to 3%-5% for cable.

Satellite TV Services

DIRECTV

DIRECTV was launched in 1994 and was the first DBS (direct broadcast satellite) service in the world. It is currently the largest satellite TV provider with 14.5 million subscribers. It is ranked #2 in customer satisfaction by J.D. Power and Associates.

DIRECTV offers more than 225 channels of programming, including movie channels, music channels, pay-per-view movies and events, sports packages, and international programming.

DIRECTV has the most sports program packages, including NFL Sunday Ticket.

When you order DIRECTV programming, the system -- satellite TV dish and receivers -- is free for up to four rooms. Installation is also free.

Program packages start at $41.99 a month for 135 channels (which includes 31 music channels), plus HBO, Showtime, and Starz.

Note: To find out about DIRECTV's latest special offers and free bonuses, click on the links at the bottom of this article.

DISH Network

DISH Network was launched in 1996 and is the second-largest satellite TV provider with more than 12 million subscribers. It is ranked #1 in customer satisfaction by J.D. Power and Associates.

DISH Network offers more than 255 channels of programming, including movie channels, music channels, pay-per-view movies and events, sports packages, and international programming.

Dish Network has the biggest variety of movies and shows and the most HD (high definition) programming.

When you order DISH Network programming, the system -- satellite TV dish, receivers, and installation -- is free for up to four rooms.

Program packages start at $31.99 a month for 60 channels plus HBO, Showtime, and Cinemax.

Note: To find out about DISH Network's latest special offers and free bonuses, click on the links at the bottom of this article.

Bottom Line

If you're a sports fan and want the most sports packages -- including the popular NFL Sunday Ticket which allows you to watch almost all the NFL football games -- then DIRECTV is the way to go.

If you're a movie buff and want the biggest variety of movies and shows, and the most HD (high definition) programming, then Dish Network is what you're looking for.