With not having Cable yet even it'll be harder for you to choose and will likely be based purely on price.
The main difference from the customer's perspective is the channels and-or programs available on the services.
Here is a nice page that outlines the channels, the packages on both DirecTV and Dish Network, and what is included where.
In fact two of the biggest consumer oriented websites for Sat tv are: and
As was pointed out, you just need a good view of the southern sky. For Dish Network it tends to be a little south west, for DirecTV it tends to be a little more South East. That may make a difference depending on your particular yard.
Dish Netowork has many sports packages, including recently having MLB Extra Innings for baseball. What they have lacked is the NFL Season Ticket that is exlusive to DirecTV through 2008 (maybe longer, they just signed a new deal)
DirecTV focuses on sports programming much more than Dish.
DirecTV is now owned by Fox Corporation. (Parent company to the Fox Network and Fox News channel) Dish Network is owned by Echostar Communications. (though the word on the street is expect it to be either sold or merged with someone else soon)
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While in the past both DirecTV and Echostar have had you own your own equipment, I know that at least Echostar is starting to focus on you leasing equipment from them.
Both DirecTV and Dish are able to provide local channels through their receiver. Both DirecTV and Dish have HDTV content available. Because of WCCO being a CBS owned and operated station, you can also get the CBS National feed in HDTV at no addtional cost (you must be subscribed to a locals package).
Dish Network has a current program running that provides up to 4 rooms of satellite television and installation for effectively no costs, though they do charge a $49.99 activation fee at installation that is then credited back on the first montly bill. Called their Digital Home Advantage plan, once it's all said and done, you are leasing the equipment and own effectively nothing. If you cancel the service, you send the equipment back.
DirecTV has a current program running that provides up to 3 rooms of satellite television and installation for effectively no costs. Now they have some additional charges for DVR additions, or HDTV addtions. But that is basically because they are selling you the receivers compared to Dish just leasing them. (Dish has receivers now that allow them to use only two physical receivers to supply independant viewing to 4 rooms, decreasing their equipment costs)
You can check both parties resellers and find other offers available only through those resellers as well.
As far as which one is better? Either or. It all depends.
If you are a Tivo user though, only DirecTV has a Tivo integrated receiver, so that right there will sell some people. Dish Network has a similar product but is basically a glorified Toaster compared to what Tivo can do. Good enough for enough people though that Dish Network once (and may still) held the breastle of most Digital Video Recorders in hands of consumers.