As 4K technology draws the ubiquity, satellite TV providers such as Dish and DirecTV have incorporated 4K functionality into their solutions. However, to watch videos at 4K and have a better picture quality, which of the two is superior? This article will help you make the decision on which provider does 4K better through various categories, including content, technology, price, and customer experience with Dish 4K and DirecTV 4K.
Content Selection
Number of 4K Channels
Going by the number of 4K channels, DirecTV has remained ahead of Dish, though the two are inseparable in many other aspects. DirecTV seems to provide roughly about 10 4K channels that include such niches as sports, movies, documentaries, and more, nature. Dish at the moment has only one exclusive channel with 4K programming from Nature Relaxation and on-demand 4K programs. So as of now, DirecTV provides the consumer with more options of live 4K channels.
Types of 4K Content
The 4K content on both Dish and DirecTV enables customers to watch nature, movies, sports, and documentaries in 4K. While it currently only has one live channel, the on-demand selection is relatively diverse with 4K shows and movies to compensate for the lack of a live channel. Both ways allow you to watch some live sports and events in 4K if the content is available.
In summary, at the moment, DirecTV has more live 4K channels that give it the edge over its rival. However, Dish does use on-demand selection to supplement what its network programming lacks.
4K Technology
Satellite Capacity
One such factor that has implications on 4K delivery by both providers is the matter of satellite capacity for ultra HD content. Dish uses modern satellites in its fleet, meaning that they have as much as enough space for 4k in the future. Although DirecTV also has some 4K channels, the satellite space is scarce, making it impossible for it to accommodate more 4K channels as of the current times.
Thus, Dish is winning with regards to technology to deliver even better 4K in the future.
Picture Quality
In terms of picture quality and reception, Dish and DirecTV offer nothing short of what is expected. Satellite inherently provides less compression than cable or streaming means that you are getting a high-quality 4K picture as far as the resolution, colors, contrast, and frame rates from both of them.
Chroma subsampling is another technicality, where DirecTV employs 4:2:0 sampling, and Dish on the other hand utilizes 4:2:2 sampling which is the best in the market. This could give Dish a slight advantage in terms of rounding the colors as accurately as possible, or to the nearest color.
However, when it comes to the picture quality in 4K, both the platforms are the same and amazing due to the smooth supply of satellite.
Tie-Breakers
Price
Since Dish presently offers less amount of live 4K channels, it is comparatively cheaper compared to the premium packages required to access DirecTV’s 4K service. The basic Dish packages that support 4K start from $64. 99 every month while with DirecTV you would have to subscribe to either the Ultimate package which costs $104. 99 or Premier at $134. 99 monthly.
Thus Dish 4K offers more value in consideration of the prices it offers as compared to the competitor.
Customer Satisfaction
Dish and DirecTV are well-known satellite providers and their overall satisfaction rating is moderate according to the studies and consumers’ feedback. Dish tends to score better in survey scores which includes any service problem they have with their 4K service.
Thus, Dish advances just a little further in this regard as well.
Conclusion
Although DirecTV offers more live 4K channels today, some advantages of Dish include technological preparedness for a much higher 4K capability, slightly better encoding parameters, lower costs, and superior customer satisfaction.
Hence based on the above factors of comparison, Dish 4K just manages to pull ahead in the race given the satellite bandwidth capabilities, picture quality, value, and customer approval. Nonetheless, DirecTV does not disappoint as it offers its current list of 4K channels. Overall, both are fantastic 4K options that leverage the might of satellite, and the number is quite impressive.
Transform your viewing experience with DirecTV! Call us today at +1 855-213-2250 to explore our plans and find the perfect package for you. Our experts are ready to assist you and get you set up with top-notch entertainment. Don’t wait—contact us now!
