If you've ever compared Dish Network side-by-side with DIRECTV, you may find similar plans to be generally about $10 cheaper per month.

So I've been surprised as I have had family switch from Dish Network to DIRECTV tell me they actually saved money in the switch. How so?

Well, first, for the channels they really want, they found they could get them cheaper in DIRECTV package.

Second, and this one is more hidden - maybe a marketing scheme on Dish Network's part... DIRECTV includes local channels in all their package pricing, while Dish Network will charge you an extra $5.99 per month for local channels. So really, Dish Network plans are probably averaging about $4 cheaper per similar package.

So, if you really want to compare apples to apples, if you want locals, add $6 to the advertised price and use a package comparison tool like the one at Direct-vs-Dish.com.

It's a High Def World! I would suspect with the upcoming holidays and the continuing falling prices of High Definition Televisions that one of these beauties might be at the top of many families wish lists this Christmas. So if you're one of them, you're going to want to get the most out of your new HDTV. Where is that going to happen?

Dish Network

First let's look at who's leading the industry with the most HD channels. That would be Dish Network. Dish Network currently has 75 High Def channels. Right now they are offering six months free HD access to new and existing customers who will sign and 18 month contract. After that, DishHD costs $20 per month on top of whatever programming package you choose.

Dish Network also boasts having the best HD DVR on the planet. CNET reviews said it was better than TiVo! Dish Network is offering this HD DVR free to new subscribers as well. There is a $5.98 per month fee that applies for the DVR service.

DIRECTV

Not to be outdone, the satellite TV industry leader, DIRECTV is no slouch when it comes to HD. DIRECTV recently spend $1 billion for new satellites and upgraded ground equipment. DIRECTV now has 70 channels in HD and is promising to have 100 by the end of the year. Who will be the industry leader then? Still, it remains to be seen. The biggest selling point for DIRECTV right now is the price. At $9.99 per month it is $10 less that Dish Network. If you're a football fan then the clear choice will be DIRECTV which offers over 230 games in HD.

DIRECTV is offering a free HD receiver to new subscribers after a $99 mail in rebate. Unfortunately, if you want an HD DVR will will cost you $199 after a $100 mail in rebate. So you maybe the $20 monthly charge for Dish Network is not so bad when you consider what you get up front. DIRECTV requires a 24 month contract for these rebates.

One thing that really irks me is how most companies treat existing clients. This would include both Dish Network and DIRECTV.

They don't seem to really care about you unless 1. you are a potential customer, or 2. you ask to leave. In either one of these scenarios you seem to hold more cards.

I've owned both Dish Network and DIRECTV. Honestly, I can't say one is better than the other - hence this website. They both have their pros and cons.

It seems quite easy to continue to jump back and forth though. I'm currently with DIRECTV, but I have a game plan as follows:

When August rolls around, my 2 year contract ends. I'm a free man. I plan on calling them asking them to quit. Once you call in to you quit to get transferred to an account specialist. I'll see what they have to offer. If it is better than whatever the latest promotion with Dish Network is then I will likely stay with them. I think that would include getting a free DVR upgrade on one of our TVs and sending out a tech to put another cable to that TV.

If I don't like the deal and if it doesn't even compare to what they offer to their new customers I will likely quit just out of principle.

I will then get the latest deal from Dish Network. For the channels that we get their package may be about $10.00 cheaper per month. I will sign up in my wife's name this time though.

After 2 yeas with Dish (I think their contract is only for one year, but that's ok) I'll go through the same process. Each time I do, I will change the name on the account, or do both our names. I think they keep track of former users so you can't get new customer deals again - which I think is stupid really. Absurd!

So if I follow this pattern, I will get a new deal and new equipment every two years. It's really win-win-win-win. I win because I get new equipment & promotion specials every two years. Dealers such as Expert Satellite and DishPronto get commission on the "new" sale. Installers get paid to come out and install the system at my house. DIRECTV and Dish Network still get to have me as a customer every two years, and despite them paying commission and for my new equipment every two years, I still believe the are pulling in a profit.

Hey maybe someday they will learn the value of existing customers (much like State Farm insurance) and give incentives to stick around longer than two y