Satellite television providers arrived into the United States in the early 80’s. At that time, there were more top providers. As the market grew, 2 providers led the market and are currently the most prominent suppliers of digital satellite entertainment: Dish Network and DirecTV. Within the Christian channel, Sky Angel has been highly recognized. Although they are an independent company, they have a special agreement with Dish Network. Using the same Dish Network equipment, subscribers of Sky Angel can also receive Christian programming as well.

Although the first consumer owned satellite dish was huge at 12 feet in diameter, satellite receivers have since shrunk considerably.

DISH NETWORK

Dish Network is owned by Echostar, which is headquartered in Colorado and has been providing satellite service since the 80s. By 2003 Dish Network was providing satellite TV service to 5 million United States households and in that same year formed a partnership with SBC communications to offer SBC Dish Network television service.
In 2005 Dish Network added the Voom programming after purchasing Voom’s satellite.

The most impressive part of Dish Network, PocketDish was launched in late 2005. PocketDish can play and store whatever has been recorded on the Dish Network DVR meaning you can download a program or movie onto your PocketDish and take it over to your friend’s house who doesn’t even have satellite TV, hook your PocketDish up to her television and Voila! You’re now watching satellite TV on someone’s television and they don’t even have a satellite!

DirecTV

DirecTV, Dish Network’s competitor, boasts 15 million customers in the United States and over 1.5 million customers in Latin America. DirecTV launched its first satellite in 1994 by Hughes Electronics and in 2003 was sold to News Corporation.

DirecTV is the leading satellite provider in the United States and like its competitor offers high-definition satellite service as well as the digital video recorder (DVR) set-top box.

With the advent of satellite television provider’s, consumers can enjoy digital satellite entertainment like never before!

For more information, go to our Top Dish Network Provider or our Top DirecTV Provider