What Dish Network and Direct TV Currently Offer Currently, both DISH Network and DIRECTV have hundreds of channels and will give you a free satellite TV system when you subscribe to their service. DISH Network has five program packages. Prices start at $19.99 for their 40-channel package and up to $74.99 for their 350-channel “Everything” package. DIRECTV offers three programming packages with prices starting at $41.99 for the 155-channel package, on up to $96.99 for their 250-channel package.

Roving with the family in an RV and not having access to your normal TV line up can be rather tiresome. DIRECTV has a mobile satellite service, which they offer to their customers. It is very basic, without the ability to order pay-per-view channels or some of the sophisticated programming that you may have become used to. DIRECTV is the largest satellite TV provider and is ranked second in customer satisfaction among its competitors by J.D. Power.

Commercial truck drivers and owners of recreational vehicles can also receive DISH Network programming, including ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX and PBS. You must meet certain conditions laid out by law and submit a signed Declaration Form and other required documents to DISH Network to receive this package.

You will also need to submit a copy of your current state vehicle registration. DISH network is the fastest-growing satellite TV provider and is ranked first in customer satisfaction by J.D. Power.

Watch TV In The Middle of Nowhere!
RVers had to rely on park hookups to provide their TV entertainment before satellite services came along and made programming available virtually anywhere you want to go throughout the entire country, including rural areas. Satellite TV nowadays has made it as simple as cranking up the satellite dish when you park and aiming it at the part of the sky where the reception is best.

Modern RV satellite TV systems are totally self-contained. A satellite TV dish and receiver is all the equipment you’ll need for your RV – same as a house. Since you’ll be traveling you’ll need a movable stand so you can aim your dish at the satellite.

You can purchase an RV style, crank-up dish antenna, which folds down flat for travel. Roof mounted antennas are great, but can’t be used in all situations … sooner or later you’ll run into satellite TV’s arch enemy: trees. That’s where tripods and ground mounts come in. The tripod is great for finding an opening in the trees.

When you compare DIRECTV to DISH Network you’ll find that the main differences between the two are subscription fees and programming. DIRECTV has the most sports program packages, including NFL Sunday ticket. DISH Network has the biggest variety of movies and shows and the most HDTV programming. Be sure to think about your television preferences and those of the people who will be traveling with you before making your final decision.