DISh is the leader in local channels. In far more markets and will add indies sooner than Direct TV. While DISH does have lots of niche channels I wiulkd hardly say it "specializes" in these.

Direct TV is your ONLY choice if u r a sports nut. Dish leads if you are price conscious--as for the elliptical dish issue---true but so what---it is widely available and ur unlikely tofind the old dish unless you ask for it---also upgrades are free or closse to it can Direct TV say the same.


Finally if you get a movie package DISH rebates you the equipment cost--Direct TV does not do this though periodically they run other interesting promotions.