DISH happens to be one of the leading satellite TV companies in the United States of America, with different channels and DVR plans to select from. However, with the coming of innovation in video delivery, such as Netflix and Hulu, among others, many cable and satellite video customers are looking forward to canceling their traditional pay-TV subscriptions in favor of streaming. Subsequently, how does DISH compare in terms of cost for its streaming options to other products available for consumption?
DISH’s Main Streaming Options
DISH offers a few different streaming options, with pricing that varies depending on exactly what you’re looking for:
- DISH On Demand – This is a more self-explanatory service that can include 10,000+ titles on demand, including TV programs and films. There is no additional cost to you if you are already a DISH customer utilizing the Hopper DVR and have a high-speed Internet connection. It is generally an extra option to the standard satellite offering, therefore its name: ‘Extras’.
- DISH Anywhere – This is DISH’s app that allows you to view channels in live mode and also access your DVR recordings on your smartphone, tablet, or smart TV, or from any streaming device at home or away. The Free version of the app is available only for DISH customers; however, it forces the user to have a Hopper DVR model compatible with the app.
- Sling TV – A Dish Network company, Sling TV is Dish Network’s full-featured OTT streaming platform where customers can buy packages, extras, and add-ons. It begins from $30 per month for fundamental Sling Orange or Blue packages, up to $55 per month for the best Total TV bargain bundle that consolidates both Orange and Blue. And it could amount to an average of $660 per year.
Comparing DISH Streaming vs Cable/Satellite
When comparing DISH’s streaming options vs maintaining the full satellite TV service or trying other streaming TV providers, there are a few key things that impact the cost:
- No Long Contracts: streaming services work on the subscription model, which means you pay as you subscribe, and you are not bound to lengthy 2-year contracts as is common with cable and satellite TV services. So, there’s more flexibility.
- Lower cost, and taxes – Another advantage of the streaming options is that they do not add many of the additional hidden fees and local taxes that are included in the cable/satellite bill. Therefore, the advertised fee is slightly higher than the actual subscription fee that one is expected to pay per month.
- Internet Needs – Although streaming allows for a slight discount from the basic streaming subscription prices, one needs to factor in the cost of an internet service provider contract. Unlike other rival companies, DISH satellite does not need to have internet access in addition to charging users data overage fees. But to stream in a high-definition format, one must have at least 15-25 Mbps of internet speed.
- Fewer Devices – Streaming means that content is streamed via existing home-based smart devices, while satellite means you need to have satellite dish installation and receivers or DVRs for each room where you want the service. That helps in the reduction of TV-related equipment costs and probable dangers.
What is the Dish Satellite TV price?
To compare your options accurately, let’s break down what you would pay as a new DISH satellite subscriber:
- Monthly Plan Price: DISH offers cheap pricing for its packages, with the basic plan, the Flex Pack, going for $59. 99 per month. Other highly demanded America’s Top packages are offered at $89. 99 up to $149. 99 monthly. Additional services, which include film packages, sporting events, and overseas stations, could cost an extra $5 – $25 every month.
- DVR and Receiver Charge – It is important to note that every plan offered by DISH TV requires a minimum of one primary receiver for the account. Extra outlet fees for the TV outlet service are charged at $7 per month for each extra room where you wish for the service. The pricing structure of the DISH Hopper DVR is in the range of $10- $15 per month.
- Taxes and Surcharges - DISH also aims a point out that the package pricing advertised is exclusive of taxes and fees, which may cost an additional $15-$30 per month. With that, it can greatly increase your overall fixed costs in a given year.
- Cancellation Fees – There will be $15-$20 per month remaining when you cancel your subscription if you enter into a 2-year contract with DISH. This could set you back anything from a few hundred dollars in total.
- Long story short: The DISH satellite TV packages can be costly for the consumer, deducting $1,000+ per year for equipment charges, taxes, and programming services. Yet you are subscribing to the entire plethora of live channels all at once every month.
Now that you know the costs involved with DISH streaming, compared to satellite, let's calculate how much you would save.
Well, there is no clear yes or no to this question since it is dependent on your programming requirements. But here’s a look at how DISH streaming options could impact your bill:
- DISH Anywhere – It doesn’t alter the monthly programming charges for DISH but grants permission for streaming content that is already paid for. It could be lower in the long run if you can do away with cable boxes in other outlets, owing to streaming.
- Sling TV – Has packages beginning at $30 for its basic packages. Thus, watching through Sling is cheaper as compared to a similar DISH satellite package, more so when more channels are added. However, you might need to extend the list of streaming services to match your channel package.
Never mind the fact that DISH essentially offers a streaming service with Sling and that you can replicate a lot of its programming for even less if you’re all you want is the ability to stream shows/movies online: Philo ($25/mo) will give you the channels, and there are on-demand sources like Netflix ($9 and up per month). This la carte approach can allow you to pick out your content, specifically what you will watch. Streaming can save you up to 40% to 70%+ more than you would have to pay if you continue using DISH satellite service.
The Bottom Line
By subscribing to full DISH satellite service, customers will get benefits in terms of full channel lineups, nationwide coverage areas, special commitment-free long-term pricing, and package deals. However, with costs, they are almost always going to be higher than the streaming types. For those who have DISH streaming via Sling or have their own choice of streaming package, this sort of change lets you significantly reduce the monthly expense to $20 and still get your choice of shows, movies, and channels. Thus, if money is your major factor in choosing between the DISH satellite and internet streaming TV, the latter should be the way to go.
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Conclusion:
Streaming DISH through the DISH Anywhere app is included at no additional cost for active DISH subscribers who have a compatible DVR. This means you can enjoy your favorite channels, live TV, and DVR recordings on the go without paying extra for the streaming service. The app works on smartphones, tablets, computers, and select smart TVs, making it a convenient feature for customers who want flexibility in how they watch their satellite TV content.
FAQs:
1. Does it cost extra to stream DISH content?
No, there is no extra cost to stream DISH if you already have a qualifying DISH subscription and compatible equipment like a Hopper DVR.
2. What do I need to use DISH Anywhere?
You need a Sling-enabled DVR (like Hopper 2 or Hopper 3), an internet connection, and the DISH Anywhere app installed on your device.
3. Can I watch live TV through the DISH app?
Yes, the DISH Anywhere app allows you to stream live TV channels included in your package.
4. Is on-demand content available with DISH streaming?
Yes, you can access On Demand content directly through the DISH Anywhere app if it’s part of your plan.
5. How many devices can stream at once?
Up to five devices can stream simultaneously, depending on your account and hardware setup.
6. Can I stream DISH content offline?
Yes, you can download DVR recordings to your device or use Hopper GO to access content offline.
7. Does the DISH app use mobile data?
Yes, if you're not connected to Wi-Fi, the app will use your mobile data when streaming.
8. Do I need to be at home to stream DISH?
No, you can stream DISH content from anywhere as long as your DVR is connected to the internet.
9. Can I use the DISH app on my smart TV?
Yes, the DISH Anywhere app is available on certain smart TVs and streaming devices like Fire TV and Android TV.
10. Is internet speed important for DISH streaming?
Yes, a minimum internet speed of 3 Mbps is recommended for smooth streaming without buffering.
