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You’ve seen the online and offline ads — “Free satellite TV!” “Get a 4-room Satellite TV System Free!” and “Satellite TV Dish and Receivers Absolutely Free!”

But is satellite TV really free?

The answer to that question is yes … and no.

Yes, the equipment you get — the satellite TV dish and satellite TV receiver — is free. But no, the programming service will cost you money.

Let’s examine the facts.

Due to the demise of Pegasus and Voom, there are only two major satellite TV providers in the USA — DISH Network and DIRECTV.

DISH Network Satellite TV Service

When you order a free satellite TV system from DISH Network, you will be asked to pay a $49.99 activation fee. This fee will be credited to your programming bill, so in essence, your satellite TV system is free. Installation of your satellite TV system is also free.

With DISH Network you have the option to upgrade to a DVR (digital video recording) receiver, or an HDTV (high definition TV) receiver at no charge.

DISH Network programming starts at $31.99 per month for 60 program channels, and goes up to $86.00 for 230 channels including Showtime, Starz!, HBO, Cinemax, and Sirius radio.

DISH Network offers more movies, shows, and HDTV than cable or DIRECTV, and with one of their free DVR receivers you can record, pause, and fast forward live TV with a click of your remote. All DISH Network programs are broadcast in digital format for crystal-clear picture and sound.

DIRECTV Satellite TV Service

Depending on your credit rating, when you order a free satellite TV system from DIRECTV you may be required to pay a deposit or prepayment. Because the deposit is refunded to you and the prepayment goes toward your programming fees, the DIRECTV satellite dish and receivers are free. Installation is also free.

If you want a DVR receiver you will be charged an additional $49.99. The charge for HDTV receivers is $299.99.

DIRECTV programming packages start at $41.99 per month for 115 channels (including 31 music channels), and go up to $93.99 per month for 185 program channels, including Showtime, Starz!, HBO, Cinemax, and 31 music channels.

DIRECTV offers more sports programs than you can get with cable or DISH Network, including the popular NFL Sunday Ticket, and is broadcast in all-digital format.

The Bottom Line

Both DISH Network and DIRECTV’s basic satellite TV dishes and receivers are free … but the service will cost you anywhere from $32 to $94 a month.

So if you watch just a few television programs a week and have access to over-the-air TV, or if you have cable TV and are happy with your service, then satellite TV probably isn’t for you.

If, on the other hand, TV is one of your primary forms of entertainment and you want the biggest variety of shows, movies, sports, and new — or if your cable bill is beginning to equal your mortgage payment — then satellite TV may be just the ticket.

Launched in 1996 by EchoStar Communications, DISH Network is the second-largest satellite TV provider in the world, with 11 million subscribers and 9 broadcast satellites.

In addition to TV programming, DISH Network satellite TV also offers 50 Sirius Satellite Radio music channels and Starband broadband Internet service.

J.D. Power and Associates recently ranked DISH Network #1 in customer satisfaction among all U.S. satellite TV and cable companies.

DISH Network Satellite TV System

To receive DISH Network programming you need a DISH Network satellite TV system to capture the broadcast signal and transmit it to your TV.

Due to the competition between DISH Network dealers, you can now get a complete DISH Network satellite TV system free when you subscribe to their programming service.

Here’s what you get when you subscribe to DISH Network’s satellite TV service:

* A free DISH Network satellite TV dish and stand.
* Up to four free receivers plus universal remotes.
* Free DISH Network HDTV (high definition TV) receivers.
* Free installation in up to four rooms of your home.
* Free gifts such as a free DVD player and home theater system (click on the links below for current offers).

DISH Network Satellite TV Service

Here’s what you get with DISH Network service:

* All-digital programming for the clearest picture and sound available.
* More than 256 program program channels.
* Up to 500 commercial-free movies per month.
* DVR (digital video recording) so you can record your favorite programs.
* Up to 60 pay-per-view programs per day.
* Your local channels broadcast in digital format.
* Fifty commercial-free Sirius Radio music channels with CD-quality sound.
* Toll-free, 24-hour, 7-days-a-week customer service.

DISH Network Satellite TV Programming

Here are the DISH Network programming packages currently available:

* America’s Top 60 ? 60 program channels for $31.99 per month.
* America’s Top 120 —120 program channels plus 32 channels of Sirius satellite radio for $42.99 per month.
* America’s Top 180—180 program channels plus 50 channels of Sirius satellite radio for $52.99 per month.
* America’s “Everything” Pak—230 program channels, Showtime, Starz!, HBO, Cinemax, 50 channels of Sirius satellite radio, and DISH Network HDTV programming for $86.99 per month..

Note: For more information on DISH Network programming packages, current offers, and free gifts, click on the links at the bottom of this article.

Ordering DISH Network Satellite TV Service

You can place your order online, or you can call toll-free and order through a DISH Network representative.

The representative will take your order, schedule your installation, and answer any questions you may have. Installation time is usually one to five days after you place your order.

A certified Direct TV installer will install your system, test it to make sure it works, then show you how to use all the functions and controls.

Bottom Line

With DISH Network satellite TV service starting at a dollar a day, plus the fact that you can get a complete satellite TV system for free, DISH Network satellite TV is a bargain.

Just a few years ago there was no such thing as a cheap satellite TV system. A decent system cost anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 for a satellite TV dish and the array of electronic boxes that came with it. Not only that, it cost hundreds of dollars to have a big-dish satellite TV system installed.

Today, because the satellite TV industry has become so competitive, dealers are giving away satellite TV systems to entice people to subscribe to their satellite TV service. Even the installation is free.

So when it comes to finding a cheap TV system, you’re in luck. They’re not just cheap, they’re free.

Satellite TV Systems

Here’s what you get when you subscribe to either DISH Network or DIRECTV’s satellite TV service:

* A free satellite TV dish and mounting stand.
* Up to four free satellite TV receivers plus universal remote controls.
* Free professional installation of your system in up to four rooms of your home.
* Free DVR (digital video recording) receivers so you can record your favorite programs.
* HDTV satellite TV receivers (optional) for high definition reception.

Note: DISH Network and DIRECTV offer bonus gifts such as a free DVD player and home theater system when you order their service. Click on the links below to see the latest offers.

Cheap Satellite TV Service

When it comes to satellite TV service, you can pay anywhere from $31.99 a month for 60 channels of programming, on up to $93.99 a month for 215 channels.

Both DISH Network or DIRECTV’s satellite TV service includes the following:

* More than 225 program channels with digital-quality picture and sound.
* Up to 500 commercial-free movies per month.
* DVR (digital video recording) so you can bypass commercials and record your favorite programs.
* HD (high definition) programming.
* Up to 60 pay-per-view programs per day.
* Your local channels with digital picture and sound.
* Commercial-free music channels with all-digital sound.
* Toll-free and online 24/7 customer service.

Note: DISH Network and DIRECTV offer special introductory programming rates for new customers. Click on the links below for current offers.

The Bottom Line

Getting the cheapest price for satellite TV depends on whether you want the cheapest service, or you want the cheapest price per channel.

DISH Network has the cheapest satellite TV service. Their starter package — America’s Top Sixty — gives you 60 channels of satellite TV programming, including your local channels, for $31.99 per month.

DIRECTV’s Total Choice program package offers the cheapest price per channel at $0.31 per channel ($41.99 ÷ 135 channels). In addition to 135 program channels, you also get your local channels and 31 music channels.

If television is your primary form of entertainment and you want a wide variety of shows, movies, sports, and news … if you’re tired of fuzzy reception and want digital-quality picture and sound … if your cable bill is beginning to equal your mortgage payment — then I think you’ll find satellite TV is a real bargain.

Satellite TV System

A satellite TV system consists of a dish that captures the TV signal broadcast from a satellite, and a receiver that amplifies the signal and sends it to a television.

Less than 10 years ago, satellite TV systems consisted of a huge satellite dish, about the size of a flying saucer, and an array of black boxes that required an electronic technician to set up. Not only that, they were expensive, costing anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000.

We’ve come a long way since then. Now, satellite dishes are the size of a large Frizbee, the receiver is the size of a notebook, and using the system is as easy as operating a microwave.

And the best news of all is that today’s systems won’t cost you a penny. Thanks to the ongoing competition between satellite TV dealers, they’ll give you a complete satellite TV system for free when you subscribe to their satellite TV service.

Benefits of a Satellite TV System

Here are the benefits of having a satellite TV system:

* You have the option of viewing up to 256 channels of programming.
* Satellite TV is broadcast in an all-digital format for the clearest picture and sound available.
* Satellite TV systems include DVR (digital video recording) so you can record your favorite shows.
* You can get HD (high definition) receivers that allow you to watch your shows in HD format.
* Satellite TV is the more reliable than cable or over-the-air TV, with less blackouts and fewer picture problems.
* Customer service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

DISH Network Satellite TV System

Here’s what you get when you order DISH Network satellite TV service:

* A free satellite TV dish with mounting hardware.
* Up to four free receivers plus universal remotes.
* Free DVR (digital video recording) receivers.
* Free HD satellite TV receivers (optional).
* Free professional installation in up to four rooms of your home.
* A one-year warranty on your satellite TV system.

DIRECTV Satellite TV System

Here’s what you get when you order DIRECTV satellite TV service:

* A free satellite TV dish with mounting hardware.
* Up to four free receivers plus universal remotes.
* Free professional installation in up to four rooms of your home.
* DVR receivers — free after a $99 rebate.
* HDTV satellite TV receivers (optional), $199 per receiver.
* A one-year warranty on your satellite TV system.

Satellite TV Service

In order to get a free satellite TV system you have to subscribe to a satellite TV service:

DISH Network offers four program packages. Prices start at $31.99 per month for their basic package which has 60 channels, and go up to $86.99 for their top-of-the-line package which has 230 channels.

DIRECTV offers three program packages. Prices start at $41.99 per month for their basic package which has 135 channels, including 31 music channels, and go up to $93.99 for their top-of-the-line package which has 185 channels.

Both services also have movie channels, sports packages, foreign language programming, adult programming, HDTV packages, and pay-per-view channels.

Bottom Line

When it comes to which satellite TV system is the best, it’s six-of-one, a half-dozen-of the other. Both systems are state-of-the-art and have enough features to please even the most fanatical electronics buff.

But when it comes to additional features such as DVR and HD receivers, or different dishes to accommodate HD receivers and specialized TV channels, price differences can be significant.

Before you order satellite TV service, I recommend clicking on the links below to check out current satellite TV system options and prices.

Conditional access (CA) controls access to digital television (DTV) services via encrypting programs people watch. It’s like the “umpire” in a ball game that calls your TV signal “safe” and lets you watch the show you want to see. There are various conditional access technologies, although they are all based on ATSC and DVB-compliant CA systems.

Conditional access has three basic elements: broadcast equipment, set-top box, and security module. The broadcast equipment generates encrypted programs transmitted to your television or cell phone. The interactive TV set-top box filters your signals and passes them on to the security module. The security module authorizes these programs for decryption. The programs are decrypted in real time and sent back to the set-top box for display. It’s like at the ball game, the pitcher looks at the catcher, the catcher at the batter, the batter at the third base coach and the third base coach at the bat boy. If every one’s set, he pitches the ball.

Subscriber Management System (SMS) – Interactive TV
The brains of Interactive TV are in the Set-top box on top of your TV set. Your subscriber management system requests the permission to provide the authorization needed to view the programs. Other systems acts as a backup system in case your left stranded on third base..

Subscriber Authorization System (SAS) – Interactive TV
The clean up hitter in your access system responsible, waves your signal so you can watch the ball game on TV with your kids. There is also has a security module so you can keep your kids from watching gulls mate and people from charging their TV shows to your account. The Interactive TV wizards thought of everything… they even built a converter to watch digital
signal on your old TV set – the one had since your team won the World Series twenty five years ago.

Amazing technologies like Interactive TV are costly to develop, operate and upgrade. With out conditional access, the only way many people would see their favorite team is out at the ball park. Also, Believe it or not, many people go to the ball game and watch replays on cell phones powered by… Hey, I think he just hit a home run!

Satellite TV has gained in popularity over the last few years for good reasons. Many people live too far out of town to get cable, so for years they were stuck with antennas for their source of television signals. This meant that they got only a few channels, and quite often had to send someone outside to turn the antenna to hope for a better signal. But now satellite TV has given people in rural areas real entertainment again.

Besides the access for people outside of town, satellite tv offers a good alternative for renting movies all the time. If you are a real movie lover, you might think about getting an upgraded package to include movie channels in your menu. This way, you get to see all the new releases and more. And you never have to leave the house to rent, or worry about late fees. You simply pay your monthly bill and leave the rest to your provider.

Of course, with satellite TV, you do have to have a receiver. Sometimes companies will offer promotional opportunities for you to get your equipment free or cheap when you give them your business. Other times, you may have the option of buying, or renting the equipment. Even though it may seem like a lot of money at the time, these receivers will last you a long time if you treat them right.

Satellite TV can also be a good educational resource if you have anyone in the household still in school. The history channel, discovery channel, and all sorts of news channels are often provided in basic packages. This way, you can have the information with just a click of the remote.

Another reason that parents like satellite TV is the control locks. If there are certain channels that you don’t want your children watching, you simply set those channels as locked. When someone tries to view one of those channels, it will then ask for a parental code. If the user doesn’t know the code, he won’t be able to view it. Just make sure that the code is something that you can easily remember, but that would be hard for anyone else to guess. This way, it is accessible to you, and only those you share the code with.

Satellite TV has many advantages as your home entertainment system. Whether you love movies, game shows, old shows, or sports, satellite TV has a package for you and much more.

Projection televisions have been around for quite some time now. When first introduced, the images created by these sets were fuzzy and only viewable at a distance. As great strides in TV technology have been made, projection TV images have become sharper and more comparable to those of their competitors.

For people in the market for a large screen TV, either for a home theatre system or a classroom/boardroom presentation setting, a Projection TV is the most efficient choice. CRT or cathode ray tube set’s size maxes out around 40″, and at that size they are extremely heavy and bulky. Plasma displays are manageable with larger screen sizes but can be very expensive. Projection TV technology can create very large screen TVs which are not only manageable but affordable.

Projection televisions have four main components: a projector, screen, control panel, and a sound system. There are two main types of projectors used for these TVs: a transmissive projector, where light shines through the image forming element (CRT tube, LCD panel), and a reflective projector in which light is bounced off of the image forming element. In both projectors, a lens gets the image from the image forming element, magnifies the image and focuses it onto a screen. Top of the line projection TVs use primarily reflective projectors because the advances in reflective projector technology of late have been more progressive than those pertaining to transmissive projector technology.

The image forming elements used in transmissive projectors are CRTs and LCDs. TVs using a CRT for projection actually have a small (around 9″ diagonal) television built in. A lens in front of this small, extremely bright CRT TV magnifies the image and projects it onto the screen. Three basic configurations are used in these sets. Transmissive projectors using an LCD for projection are substantially lighter with a higher resolution capacity than their CRT counterparts. The LCD panel used in projection TVs is very similar to that of a full sized LCD only smaller and brighter. This panel is backlit by a halogen lamp, the image on the panel is transmitted through a magnifying lens and projected onto a screen.

Reflective projectors use a small reflective chip to form the image. When light shines on this chip, it is reflected off of it, through a projection lens and onto the screen. The most exciting developments in projection TV technology have been made with reflective projectors using micro-electromechanical systems and liquid crystal on silicon.

With advances in LCD and MEM technologies, projectors will become smaller and form closer competition between projection TVs and the new plasma displays, in areas such as resolution and crispness of image detail. A relatively new application of projection TV technology is, “virtual reality”, in which the viewer feels surrounded by, or as though he/she is a part of, the image being viewed. Projection TVs may not be the next big thing to hit the shelves, but we can be sure they will continue to be a viable, low priced option when shopping for your new TV.

Plasma Television is one of the best innovations in display technology. Essentially, Plasma TV offers excellent image quality that far exceeds the usual television set. Plasma TV is fast becoming the first choice among televisions. Aside from the exceptional image quality, Plasma TV’s also offer many advantages. Here you will find information about the Plasma TV, the basics of plasma display, and the pros and cons of Plasma TV.

What is Plasma Television? Plasma TV uses a technology far more sophisticated than the ordinary TV set. Plasma TV’s utilize a glass screen with a special inert gas such as neon or xenon sandwiched in the middle. Thousands of ultra-thin wires that form a grid of over a million pixel cells cover the outside of this glass sandwich. When power is applied, the electricity stimulates the gas turning it to plasma and causes ultraviolet light to be created. The UV light illuminates the phosphors creating visible light and is able to produce red, green, blue, and any of the 16.7 million colors in between. By turning these pixels on and off quickly, like light bulbs, and in the right order, the Plasma TV displays moving pictures. Plasma display technology is actually not a new invention. However, advances in technology have significantly reduced the cost of producing Plasma TV’s. Thus, commercial Plasma TV’s have been in the market for several years now. It is now the fastest-selling “new” TV technology.

Why choose Plasma TV? The Plasma TV offers numerous advantages that are far superior to other television technologies. The most important advantage that Plasma TV’s offer is exceptional and brilliant color. With over 16.77 million colors, the Plasma TV displays more colors than the human eye can ever register. This provides a very detailed, highly accurate and lifelike picture. People can now enjoy the advances in film technology that would otherwise be restricted by the limited capabilities of the conventional TV set. Another feature that sets the Plasma TV apart is its ability to display a high resolution. Most Plasma TV’s can display HDTV signals although some are considered EDTV or Enhanced Definition TV’s.

Aside from these, Plasma TV’s also boast of a slim and lightweight design. Plasma TV’s come in a thin, flat-panel design that offers excellent flexibility and mobility. Most Plasma TVs weigh 50-80 pounds compared to some rear-projection TV’s, which can weigh up to 400 pounds. The sleek and light configuration allows the Plasma TV to be easily moved and placed. Thus, the Plasma TV has become one of the interior designers’ best friends when it comes to creating a design statement. However, Plasma TV’s are not the lightest and the slimmest TVs available; LCD TV’s are.

The Plasma TV feature that any viewer will definitely appreciate is the dramatic widescreen aspect ratio. You can view HDTV signals in their native sizes as well as DVD’s in their proper aspect ratio. Most Plasma TVs come in sizes ranging from 37″, 42″, 50″, and over 60″. Thus, the Plasma TV provides a viewing experience that is similar to being in a cinema. In addition, the Plasma TV’s uniform screen brightness offers crisp, highly detailed, and brilliant pictures anyone will marvel at.

Moreover, Plasma TV prices have fallen dramatically in the past few years. Plasma TVs are now more affordable than ever. It is also priced lower than LCD and LCoS TVs. However, Plasma TVs still cost far more than the conventional TV. Apart from these advantages, Plasma TVs also have some disadvantages. One of these is its fragility: they are quite easily damaged and extra care must be used when moving or transporting them. Burn in is also possible if an image is displayed for a long period.

With all these advantages and despite its disadvantages, the Plasma TV is fast becoming the television of choice for many people. It is perfect for home and office use; it is even used commercially such for advertising purposes and even in trade shows. Overall, the Plasma TV, with its brilliant image quality and a host of other benefits, is a great investment.

Launched in 1994 by General Motors, Direct TV is the largest satellite TV provider in the world, with 14.5 million subscribers and 15 satellites.

Direct TV is ranked #2 in customer satisfaction among satellite TV and cable companies by J.D. Power and Associates.

Since the demise of Pegasus and VOOM, there are just two satellite TV service providers battling it out for the top spot — DIRECTV and DISH Network.

Both companies provide excellent service, all-digital broadcast quality, and great customer service. The main difference between the two companies is the programming they provide.

How Satellite TV Service Works

Satellite TV providers such as DIRECTV and DISH Network send a broadcast signal carrying television programming to a satellite orbiting above the earth. The Satellite then broadcasts the signal back down to earth.

This signal is picked up by a satellite TV dish then transmitted to a receiver where it is amplified and sent to a TV screen.

Benefits of Satellite TV Service

* Satellite TV is broadcast in all-digital format, providing the highest quality picture and sound available.

* Satellite TV gives you access to hundreds of different programs, pay-per-view movies, special events, and commercial-free music channels.

* Satellite TV utilizes DVR (digital video recording) receivers so you can record your favorite programs and bypass commercials while watching live TV.

* Satellite TV is much more reliable than cable or over-the-air TV. Broadcast outages average only 1% as opposed to 3%-5% for cable.

Satellite TV Services

DIRECTV

DIRECTV was launched in 1994 and was the first DBS (direct broadcast satellite) service in the world. It is currently the largest satellite TV provider with 14.5 million subscribers. It is ranked #2 in customer satisfaction by J.D. Power and Associates.

DIRECTV offers more than 225 channels of programming, including movie channels, music channels, pay-per-view movies and events, sports packages, and international programming.

DIRECTV has the most sports program packages, including NFL Sunday Ticket.

When you order DIRECTV programming, the system — satellite TV dish and receivers — is free for up to four rooms. Installation is also free.

Program packages start at $41.99 a month for 135 channels (which includes 31 music channels), plus HBO, Showtime, and Starz.

Note: To find out about DIRECTV’s latest special offers and free bonuses, click on the links at the bottom of this article.

DISH Network

DISH Network was launched in 1996 and is the second-largest satellite TV provider with more than 12 million subscribers. It is ranked #1 in customer satisfaction by J.D. Power and Associates.

DISH Network offers more than 255 channels of programming, including movie channels, music channels, pay-per-view movies and events, sports packages, and international programming.

Dish Network has the biggest variety of movies and shows and the most HD (high definition) programming.

When you order DISH Network programming, the system — satellite TV dish, receivers, and installation — is free for up to four rooms.

Program packages start at $31.99 a month for 60 channels plus HBO, Showtime, and Cinemax.

Note: To find out about DISH Network’s latest special offers and free bonuses, click on the links at the bottom of this article.

Bottom Line

If you’re a sports fan and want the most sports packages — including the popular NFL Sunday Ticket which allows you to watch almost all the NFL football games — then DIRECTV is the way to go.

If you’re a movie buff and want the biggest variety of movies and shows, and the most HD (high definition) programming, then Dish Network is what you’re looking for.