At first glance, satellite TV providers DISH and DIRECTV may look identical. But look closer and you’ll see important differences in price, technology and features.

DISH is the low-price leader in digital satellite television, offering savings of up to 50 percent during your first year of service. DIRECTV offers similar first-year discounts, but only DISH gives customers a free DVR upgrade. And unlike the Genie DVR from DIRECTV, the Hopper Whole-Home HD DVR from DISH can skip commercials in recorded primetime television.

DISH also gives new customers free high-definition programming with qualifying service plans. While DIRECTV also provides HD service, it forces customers to pay an “advanced receiver fee” of $15/mo to get HD channels.

It’s fast and easy to switch to DISH. Get free activation and installation services with most satellite TV plans, and same-day service is available in many areas. With DISH, you get the quality and reliability you’d expect from a leader in quality TV service.