By
eHow Electronics Editor
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Step1
Gather information about service providers. Having basic knowledge about an organization gives some insight into its quality of service. Companies established for a longer time span, for instance, may be better equipped to handle certain situations as they are more experienced.
Step2
Research the market by looking at various deals being promoted by both providers. Study the benefits of one deal over another. Also compare competitor offerings. Sometimes, providers offer deals with free dish antenna, digital video recorder (DVR), HDTV, and even remote controls. Look out for these money-saving special features. Be sure to understand the fine print too.
Step3
If possible, evaluate deals available on the Internet with those existing otherwise. Typically, satellite TV deals are cheaper if ordered online.
Step4
Call providers to check if they are prompt and willing to clarify any doubts you might have. Ask about costs involved for an upgrade, customer service timings, or the average time taken in resolving an issue.
Step5
Make a list of features you would like to subscribe to so you can zero in on the package best suited for your requirements.
Step6
Get satellite TV guides. These are easily available (sometimes free) and give you some idea about the plans and channels offered by each of the service providers
Step7
After thoroughly understanding the package you've selected, call the provider to sign up for a subscription. Both DirecTV and Dish Network offer various subscription plans depending on the number of channels provided.