That's no joke. We just came across this very hot, limited time offer from DirecTV that ranks right up there with the best deals we've ever seen them offer (and we've been following this stuff for years, so that's saying something!).

Here's the deal...

- You get DirecTV's most popular programming package (that's 185 channels, brother)

- You get a free DVR

As you might expect, they're going to pull this soon, so it would make sense for you to check it out before they do.

Get the Details Here

UPDATE! 8-3-07 This offer now also gets you a free portable DVD player AND a $50 gift card when you order online.

Ever since we first told our readers about the DirecTV deal above, we've been wondering when we'd hear DISH Network's response.

Well we just got it. And it just proves competition is the only way to get things done.

The DISH deal rivals DirecTV's in just about every area. In fact, you might consider it a bit of a better deal.

We wouldn't, because DISH still doesn't offer a few of the things we like best about TV (namely, NFL Sunday Ticket, NASCAR HotPass and MLB Extra Innings). But if you're not a sports fan, I guess that wouldn't bother you.

So here's DISH's equivalent of DirecTV's offer above:

- Their top programming package for $19.95 per month (this is 100 channels compared to DirecTV's 185 channels)

- Free DVR upgrade

- Free portable DVD player

So you can see it's remarkably similar to DirecTV's.

Both of these offers are only good if you order online, by the way.

Here's the link to check it out for yourself:

Click here for the DISH Network Deal to End all Deals

Price. This is usually one of the first things that people notice and consider when they are choosing between these two providers. The price between the two is usually comparable, but you also have to consider the installation price, the price of the dish, and any other costs into your price.

Sometimes these companies offer special discounts and deals if you sign up for their service, so make sure that you take these deals into consideration, as well. There are other things that you need to consider, too, in addition to the price.

Programming. Programming choices are very important, because if you don't have the channels that you want, then it will not matter what the cost is, because you will not be satisfied.

Consider what kind of programming is important to you so that you can ensure that you are getting the channels that are most important to you.

If you are into sports, then Direct TV may be the best choice for you, due to the fact that Direct TV has sole programming rights to many different sporting events of all different kinds.

This includes baseball, hockey, football, and basketball, so if you are a fan of sports, then you will want to keep this in mind.

Additional features. Additional features are available that can help make your television viewing even more functional.

Direct TV offers a TIVO-powered DVR receiver that will allow you to pause live television and record shows without the hassle of having to use a videotape.

If you have a high definition television, then you will want to make sure that your satellite television provider supports this with HD programming.

Compare the additional features that are offered, but keep in mind that these additional features may increase your cost as well.

When comparing Dish Network vs Direct TV, the choice that you make will be a personal one. Everyone considers different features and channels differently and rates their importance differently as well.

This is why it is such a personal decision. For the most part, however, Direct TV comes out tops on many different levels, especially with the sports programming and the TIVO.

If these are important issues to you, then you will want to consider Direct TV for your satellite provider. You will be glad that you did when you are getting to watch that football game or other sports program.

One of the great things about satellite TV in general is the variety of programming available to you. These choices are simply unmatched by cable for some reason, though we've never really been able to figure out why.

With a Direct TV subscription, for example, you'll find that you suddenly have access to many channels you never even knew existed.

And chances are, one of these is going to be on a topic of interest to you -- maybe a special interest you have, a hobby, etc.

You'll also be able to choose from among many international channels that all carry programming on topics such as cultural programs, science fiction programs, cooking, children's cartoons and sports.

(Editor's Note: Sports is one of Direct TV's true strong suits.)

In the sports category, for example, you'll have access to the seasonal, regional and specialty sports from just about every country. Ever curious about what cricket is all about? Direct TV has an all-cricket channel, believe it or not.

And it doesn't stop there. You can also watch many programs in other languages -- Spanish, Chinese, French, Dutch, Italian and so on.

Besides hearing your program choices in the foreign languages you will get a clear sharp picture quality due to the high definition functionality that is built into the satellite receiver.

Then of course there are the movies -- thousands of them -- every month. You don't gain much over a standard digital cable subscription in this area, but you're certainly not losing anything either.

If music is your thing, they've got you covered here too. Digital music channels broadcast every genre of music you can think of -- Jazz, Rock, Classical, the Blues, it's all here.

And don't forget, all of this music is commercial free.