D* has the NFL Sunday ticket and some other exclusive sports packages.
E* has some lower priced packages and the "superstations" which are a couple of independent tv channels that have been available nationwide forever.
Each provider leapfrogs past the other on things like number of HD channels and adding new channels. E* does not offer sprout at present afaik.
My suggestion would be to look at the lineup of channel offerings for each provider and figure out which one gives you the channels you want and for the best price. Also, you may want to see if your local channels are offered. Finally, my personal and very humble opinion is that you look at what each provider offers today and not make your decision based on what some sales guy says is "being added soon". Finally, take a look carefully at the new subscriber deals. You only get one chance to be a new subscriber, so make sure you get a good deal.
Both providers seem to beat cable, except maybe in a few cases, like big cities with recently upgraded cable systems that offer cool package deals on internet, phone, etc.
Best of luck.
