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Each day more people make the decision to get their television programming through a satellite. Satellite TV is increasing in popularity and that rise in popularity is expected to continue on into the future.

When it comes to satellite TV, there are many individuals who focus solely on the cost of getting the channels that they want. The price of a service is important, but so is the equipment that you plan on receiving that service with.

Satellite TV equipment can come from two different sources. It can come directly from a satellite TV provider or it can be purchased from another location. Where you get your satellite TV equipment will all depend on your personal preferences. Before you make a finial decision it is important that you educate yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of acquiring satellite TV equipment from certain locations.

Many satellite TV subscribers make the decision to get their equipment through their satellite provider. The biggest advantage of doing so is that the equipment can often be obtained for little or no cost. It is not uncommon for a provider to offer valuable deals and discounts on satellite receivers and dishes. This means that it is possible to become a customer without having to pay equipment fees.

The biggest disadvantage of getting satellite TV equipment through a provider is one that many individuals are not even aware of. The majority of satellite TV providers are not giving you their equipment; in fact, they are leasing it you. This means that if you decide to switch television providers you will have to return the equipment. This is something that many individuals do not have a problem with, but a problem may arise if the equipment is damaged. Damaged equipment or missing remotes may result in being charged the full retail price for each item.

The alternative to leasing satellite equipment from a satellite TV provider is to outright purchase the equipment. The most common place to purchase satellite equipment is from a traditional storefront retail location or online. Most traditional department stores and media stores carry a selection of satellite dishes and receivers.

There are a number of advantages to purchasing satellite equipment from a retail store. The biggest advantage is that the equipment is yours to keep. This means that you can take your dish and receiver with you on camping trips and other family outings without having to worry about being penalized should the equipment become damaged.

When a satellite TV provider leases equipment to their subscribers they tend to offer only the standard equipment. Buying the equipment from a retail store gives shoppers a larger selection to choose from.

Having a choice when it comes to purchasing satellite TV equipment is nice, but it can also result in errors. Not all satellite receivers are compatible with every satellite TV provider. That is why it is important to ensure that the two are compatible before paying for the equipment.

The price of satellite equipment is one of the most common reasons why individuals do not outright purchase their equipment. The average cost of a satellite dish and receiver, when purchased together, is between one hundred and two hundred dollars. It is important to note that the cost of a satellite dish and receiver will all depend on where the items are being purchased from.

Leasing satellite TV equipment and purchasing it both have their advantages and disadvantages. When deciding which is the best way to acquire satellite TV equipment you are encouraged to examine each advantage and disadvantage and then apply them to your situation.

Since my family has gotten access to Dish Network’s satellitetv offerings, it has completely changed the way the family views television. No longer do we have to endure whatever may be on television at any given time, instead, we can choose from among over 500 channels of music and satellitetv entertainment. Moreover, with a single Dishnetwork remote control, I am put in control of what my family watches at all times! Finally, the satellitetv remote controls every aspect of our Dishnetwork experience—thus, the control of the television, programming and all of the equipment is easily handled with one simple tool.

The remote control that accompanies a satellitetv receiver from Dishnetwork is a truly amazing tool. I can lock out certain stations and hide stations from my children—stations that I may not necessarily deem appropriate for them to watch. By pressing the MENU option from the remote control, I can easily enter the LOCKS feature. The LOCKS feature has allowed me to set up an access code for any channels that I may want to view when my children are not present and it prevents my children from viewing stations that would otherwise be considered inappropriate. What’s more, I can HIDE channels that I don’t want my children viewing—out of sight, out of mind.

My favorite feature offered by Dishnetwork’s remote control is the ability to BROWSE all five hundred channels while I continue watching whatever is currently being aired. By pressing the BROWSE button, I can view what will be coming on later in the evening, what time the satellitetv show will be aired, how long the anticipated programming is and what station the program will be on. The BROWSE feature on the remote control simply displays all of the information in an unobtrusive menu at the bottom of the television screen—thus, you can continue watching any program while you determine what you will watch later on.

My children enjoy Dishnetwork’s remote control too. Why? With Dishnetwork’s interactive channel, they can play different game offerings with the remote control! The buttons of the remote act much like a joystick and they can play various games on the Dishnetwork’s Interactive channel. The games that my children can access with the remote control include Playin’ TV, Kidswise, Playjam and Trivia. Plus, they can easily access the Karaoke channel with the satellitetv remote.

I like that fact that with a click of the satellitetv remote that I can access six channels at one glance, I can get instant customer support and I can review my Dishnetwork account history. In fact, I can even pay my Dishnetwork account with my satellitetv remote!

I also like the immediate access to Dish Network FYI, Remote help, Customer Info, Instant local weather, Bloomberg News, News by Reuters, the weekly horoscopes, various shopping channels, various sports channels and entertainment sources. The best part of all is that I can access all of the above information without ever having to move off the couch!

The Dishnetwork remote control also offers access to the THEME guide. I can simply click a button and within moments I can select any movie or television show I want based on a particular theme. So, if I am in the mood for a movie, I simply click on movies and get a full listing of the day’s feature presentations. Or, if I so choose, I can order a pay-per-view movie by confirming my purchase with my remote control.

The audio settings of my television can also be controlled with my Dishnetwork remote control, as well as by VCR. In fact, the Dishnetwork remote control can be setup to control most of the electronics in my entertainment center. Plus, the easy to navigate satellitetv guide can be accessed numerous ways with the satellitetv remote. I can simply press the GUIDE button, or I can access the program guide through the MENU button on my remote. Likewise, as mentioned earlier, I can view all programs through the THEMES button or the BROWSE button—whatever is most convenient at the moment.

Our Dishnetwork remote control can also turn the satellite receiver off and on, can control our television power, and can also switch to VCR mode with the click of the various mode buttons. With the remote, I can set the program guide in ascending or descending order according to my personal preferences, and I can even establish a list of favorite channels with the remote by accessing the MENU button.

Dishnetwork has made maintaining our satellitetv service a simple process that can be handled with the remote control. I can test the outgoing land line by accessing the MENU button and the DIAGNOSTICS feature. I can also test the strength of the satellite signal by accessing the MENU button and the installation feature and if there is a problem present I can change satellite transponders with my remote control.

Changing the language preference of the Dishnetwork display is easily done with the remote control. Further, the RECALL button allows me to move back and forth through the channels with ease. Finally, I never have to worry about getting stuck in the middle of any process or losing my way around all of the Dishnetwork features offered. I can easily hit the CANCEL button and I will be returned to the programming I was viewing. What’s more, if I ever have trouble figuring out the satellitetv remote control there is a REMOTE HELP feature and an entire channel dedicated to teaching subscribers how to successfully operate the satellitetv service.

More than a television remote, the satellitetv remote offered by Dishnetwork is a serious tool. It controls every aspect of my family’s television viewing experience and puts me at the helm of family entertainment. The choices and options that Dishnetwork provides and the control provided with the remote control make Dishnetwork’s services easy to use and I couldn’t be happier with my decision to become a Dishnetwork subscriber.

There is a lot of propaganda out there about the pros and cons of satellite tv versus digital cable. At one time, several years ago, deciding between cable and satellite was a tough choice, but not today. Most of the cons associated with satellite tv no longer exist. The main reason cable companies promoted for years to entice people to choose cable over satellite was that cable carried local channels. Voila, today satellite tv also offers local channels. But what about all of the equipment you have to buy with satellite tv? Another falacy. There is typically about the same amount of equipment with either cable or satellite, it is just different equipment. Right now, there are endless promotions for satellite systems that include free equipment and installation with sign up for services. One of the best available right now, is at www.hdtvdishnetwork.com. You can also find a coupon for free satellite tv equipment and installation on the “sign me up” page at www.getdishdirect.com. So, if you take away the cons associated with satellite tv, you are left with only the pros. Satellite tv offers a wide array of choices. You can usually get a package containing more channels for less than a similar cable package. The digital information is received in full for a crystal clear picture.

The cons associated with cable, however, still exist. In fact, they are becoming more apparent with the onset of high definition television’s popularity. The major benefit of satellite over cable, in my opinion is the bandwidth. The bandwidth of cable television is limited by the size of the cable, generally about RG6. Satellite does not suffer from this limitation. It has full capability of transmitting all the digital information included in high definition television. It is also capable of providing high speed internet connections at very competitive rates.

With the advancement of technology and today’s competitive market satellite tv has emerged as a clear victor over cable television. High definition television is increasing the value of satellite services. Competition is leaving you the consumer at a distinct advantage. Isn’t it time you start enjoying all the benefits of satellite tv? I recommend www.hdtvdishnetwork.com as the absolute best place on the web to get a great deal on satellite tv including free equipment and free installation. You may also want to check out www.getdishdirect.com for some really great package offers.

Ever wondered why we have satellite television? I know I have, particularly when we already have terrestrial or broadcast television available. They both seem very similar, the only difference being that with satellite you get lots more choice of channel. Of course there is cable television too, a fierce competitor for both services, but in this article I am going to stick to satellite television.

Sattelite television really becomes important in areas where it is not possible to install cable and the broadcast television reception is poor. Both systems use radio wave signals to transmit and the waves travel in straight lines. That means for broadcast television, which is transmitted and received via land-based antenna, that the natural curvature of the earth will eventually break the signals’ line of sight. It also means that other land based signals and obstructions are likely to interfere with the TV signal and cause some distortion.

Using satellites to transmit the signals solves the problem. Stationed more than 22,000 miles above Earth they revolve around this planet once every 24hrs, which is the same time as it takes the Earth to make one full rotation. Therefore the satellite always stays above the same spot on the ground and is said to be in geostationary orbit. Because the satellite is high in the sky the transmission of the waves ‘hits’ large numbers of customers and people that are in normally inaccessible places are able to receive television. The satellites not only transmit direct to Earth, but they are also linked to each other, making a network to distribute to the largest possible numbers. It also means that once you have set your TV satellite dish in the best position to receive a signal, you shouldn’t ever have to move it again.

When satellite television was first introduced the dishes required to receive the signal were very expensive and people were able to set them up to receive programmes that were not really intended for everybody to see. Nowadays people tend to subscribe to a ‘Direct Broadcast Satellite’ (DBS) provider such as DirecTV or Dish Network in the US and Sky in the UK. These providers are able to select programs and broadcast them to people as set packages, for example the ‘Family’, ‘Sports’ or ‘Movie’ packages. Cost will depend on which one you choose to buy.

To enable the whole system to make money for the organisations involved in the provision of satellite television, three techniques are commonly employed:

* Advertising

Organisations pay the network to broadcast adverts. We all hate it but it does pay for our entertainment, or part of it at least.

* Subscriptions

Users pay a monthly fee to receive a channel or group of channels. In actual fact you pay for the means to decrypt the signal that you receive. There is no way to stop anyone from receiving a signal transmitted from a satellite so they encrypt the signal to make it impossible to view without the special equipment and secret codes needed to unscramble the signal.

* Licence Fee

In the UK the law insists that you must purchase a TV licence if you possess any equipment capable of receiving a TV signal of any kind. The revenue from this ‘tax’ is used to fund the BBC. In the early years of TV this method of funding ensured that the BBC provided some of the best Television in the world.

Free satellite TV is available when the broadcaster uses only advertising to pay for the content and network.

There are five components needed to link the programme makers and the satellite television customer:

* The DBS provider does not create the programmes themselves, they pay for the right to be able to broadcast them via satellite television. They act as a ‘middleman’ between the ‘programming sources’ or channels and you.

* The sattelite television provider receives signals from the programming sources at the ‘broadcast centre’ and transmits the signals out to the satellites in orbit around Earth.

* Satellites receive the signals from the centre and rebroadcast them back to the land.

* Usually a DBS provider will provide you with the equipment to receive the signal. This will include a dish to be fixed to your house by professional installers to receive the signal.

* That signal is then transferred to and decoded by the receiver, which is usually sited next to your television so that you can view the channels you have chosen to purchase.

So, there is a lot more to satellite TV than meets the eye but it provides us with high quality television, which is available almost everywhere on the earth. We have come a long way in a very short time with television.

Satellite TV Comparison

Satellite TV providers are the companies that offer satellite TV programming to the public. They purchase satellite TV programming from networks, independent companies, and radio stations, then make their programming available to the public through the use of satellites.

Satellite TV dealers are the companies who sell the satellite TV services and satellite TV equipment offered by the satellite TV providers.

In the U.S. there are two major satellite TV providers — DISH Network and DIRECTV — and there are hundreds of satellite TV dealers who sell their services and systems.

Satellite TV Providers Comparison

DISH Network

DISH Network was launched in 1996, and currently has more than 12 million subscribers. It’s ranked #1 in customer satisfaction among all cable and satellite TV providers by J.D. Power and Associates.

DISH Network offers 375 channels of all-digital satellite TV programming including movie channels, pay-per-view programs, sports packages, and Sirius satellite radio. They have the biggest variety of movies, shows, and international programming of the two satellite TV providers.

DISH Network programming starts at $19.99 for 40 program channels, and goes up to $74.99 for 375 channels, including 60 Sirius radio channels.

DISH Network has 24/7 Internet and toll-free customer service, and offers a lifetime warranty on their satellite TV systems.

DIRECTV

Started in 1994, DIRECTV was the first DBS (direct broadcast satellite) TV provider. It currently has more than 14 million subscribers and is ranked #2 in customer satisfaction among all cable and satellite TV providers by J.D. Power and Associates.

DIRECTV offers 250 channels of all-digital programming including movie channels, pay-per-view, sports packages, and XM satellite radio. They have the most sports packages of the satellite TV providers.

DIRECTV programming starts at $29.99 a month for 155 program channels, including 31 XM radio channels, and goes up to $96.99 for 250 channels.

DIRECTV has 24/7 Internet and toll-free customer service, and offers a one-year warranty on their satellite TV systems.

Note: For more information on DISH Network or DIRECTV’s satellite TV service, including their latest bonuses, free gifts, and ordering information, click on the links below.

Satellite TV Dealers Comparison

Due to the rise in popularity of satellite TV, satellite TV dealers have been popping up all over the country promising the best deals, the best service, and everything else under the sun. But many of them have hidden service fees, provide you with shoddy installation, and give little or no customer service.

I’ve spent numerous hours researching online satellite TV dealers to find out who’s the most reputable and who has the best deals. Here’s a rundown on the top four dealers:

DISH Network Satellite TV Dealers

Allsat (Best)

Established in 1995, Allsat is one of the oldest and most reputable online satellite TV dealers. Their prices, reputation, and service are second to none.

Allsat currently offers:

* A free satellite dish and up to four free receivers
* Free professional installation
* Free DVR (digital video recording) receivers
* Free HD (high definition) receivers
* 24/7 customer service
* Lifetime equipment warranty

VMC (Good)

VMC is one of the largest and most well known satellite TV dealers in the U.S. They installed the satellite TV system in the U.S. Capitol building.

VMC currently offers:

* A free 4-room satellite TV system
* Free professional installation
* Free digital video recorders
* Free HDTV receivers
* 24/7 customer service
* Lifetime equipment warranty

DIRECTV Satellite TV Dealers

Rapid Satellite (Best)

In business since 1999, Rapid Satellite is one of DIRECTV’s top satellite TV dealers. They have thousands of satisfied customers in hundreds of cities across the U.S.A.

Rapid Satellite currently offers:

* A Free 4-room system
* Free installation
* Free DIRECTV DVR (after $99 rebate)
* Free HDTV receiver (after $99 rebate)
* 24-hour customer service
* One-year equipment warranty

iSatellite (Good)

ISatellite is one of DIRECTV’s top satellite TV dealers. Though relatively new, they are one of the most reputable online dealers in the U.S.

iSatellite currently offers:

* A free satellite TV dish and up to four free receivers
* Free professional installation
* Free DIRECTV DVR receiver (after $99 mail-in rebate)
* Free HDTV receiver (after $99 mail-in rebate)
* 24/7 customer service
One-year equipment warranty

Conclusion

The first thing you should do if you’re thinking about getting satellite TV is to see what program packages DISH Network and DIRECTV have to offer.

After you find what you want, check out their dealers to find out what equipment options are available, what programming options are offered, and what their fees are for various services.

You can find all of this information by clicking on the links below.

Click on the following link for more information on free satellite TV systems and service, or these links for ordering information, the latest offers, and free bonuses from DISH Network satellite TV or DIRECTV satellite TV.

In the last 10 years more than 27 million people have switched from cable and over-the-air TV to satellite TV. But is satellite TV really that much better?

Let’s find out …

Satellite TV

Satellite TV is a television system whereby a broadcast center sends a signal containing TV programs to a satellite in orbit above the earth.

The satellite captures the signal and sends it back to earth, where it is picked up by a satellite dish and relayed to a TV set.

In order to receive a satellite TV signal you must have a satellite system — a dish to capture the signal, and a receiver to unscramble the signal and send it to your television.

Satellite TV History

In 1962, the first satellite TV signal was sent from Europe to North America via the Telstar satellite. The first first commercial satellite, Early Bird, was launched in 1965, and Satellite TV reception in the U.S. began in 1980.

Early satellite TV systems were expensive, costing anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000. The dishes were large — 10 to 12 feet in diameter — and the receivers and antenna rotators were bulky and complicated.

In 1994 the first DBS (direct broadcast satellite) was put into orbit, issuing in the era of the mini dish and the slim-line receiver, making it possible for anyone, even apartment renters and condo owners, to have satellite TV.

Satellite TV Providers

There are two major satellite TV providers in the U.S.A — DIRECTV and DISH Network.

DIRECTV

With 14.5 million customers, DIRECTV is the oldest and largest satellite TV provider in the USA.

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

DIIRECTV offers the following equipment and services:

* A Free satellite TV system — one dish and four receivers.
* Free installation and instruction on using the system.
* 250 channels with digital-quality picture and sound.
* 500 commercial-free movies per month.
* Up to 67 pay-per-view programs and events daily.
* 67 commercial-free XM radio channels.
* Toll-free, 24/7 customer service.

DIRECTV offers the most sports programming of the two satellite TV providers.

DISH Network

With more than 12 million customers, DISH Network is the second-oldest satellite TV provider, and is the fastest-growing provider.

DISH Network is ranked #1 in customer satisfaction among all the satellite and cable TV companies by J.D. Power and Associates.

DISH Network offers the following equipment and services:

* A Free satellite TV system — one dish and four receivers.
* Free installation and satellite TV system instruction.
* 256 channels with digital-quality picture and sound.
* 500 commercial-free movies a month.
* Up to 60 pay-per-view programs and events per day.
* 50 commercial-free Sirius radio channels and 52 music channels.
* Toll-free, 24/7 customer service.

DISH Network has the biggest variety of movies and shows of the two satellite TV providers, and offers the cheapest basic service package.

Satellite TV Dealers

There are more than 80 online dealers and thousands of offline dealers across the U.S.A.

Some dealers are reputable and will give you an honest deal, but a number of dealers will lure you into subscribing to their service, then hit you with hidden fees, provide you with shoddy installation, and give you zero customer service.

Before you subscribe to a satellite TV service, you should read their service agreement carefully and call their customer service to clarify anything that isn’t clear to you.

Note: Click on the links below for information on dealers that are reputable and give the best service at the best price.

Satellite TV Benefits

The main benefit of having satellite TV service is you can access up to 375 channels of TV programming. That gives you a lot more viewing options than cable or over-the-air TV.

In addition to regular TV programming, satellite TV allows you to tune into pay-per-view movies and special events, and to listen to more than 100 channels of commercial-free music on satellite radio.

Another benefit of satellite TV is the quality of the TV picture. Satellite TV is broadcast in digital format which produces a super sharp picture. Additionally, you have the option of ordering HD (high definition) TV for an even more lifelike picture.

Another benefit is the ability to record your favorite programs and to pause or fast-forward live TV using a DVR (digital video recorder).

Last, but not least, you get all the equipment you need to view satellite TV, including installation, absolutely free.

Conclusion

If you have over-the-air TV and don’t watch much television then satellite TV probably isn’t for you.

If, however, you watch a lot of TV or you have cable TV, then I recommend clicking on the links below to see what satellite TV has to offer.

With over 375 channels to choose from plus satellite radio, pay-per-view, movies, and programming packages starting at less than a dollar a day, you can’t go wrong with satellite TV.

Click on the following link for more information on free satellite TV systems and service, or these links for ordering information, the latest offers, and free bonuses from DISH Network satellite TV or DIRECTV satellite TV.

Satellite Internet Service

There are many rural areas where DSL (direct subscriber line) or cable Internet service is not available. If you live in one of those areas and want fast, reliable, high-speed Internet service, satellite Internet is what you’re looking for.

Though not as fast as DSL or cable Internet service, satellite Internet service is much faster than 56K dialup service, and is available to anyone in the United States who has a clear view of the southern sky.

Satellite Internet Service Features

* Satellite Internet service is up to 10 times faster than dialup service, so you can surf the web and download files in a fraction of the time it takes with dialup.

* Satellite Internet service is always on, so you don’t have to wait to connect to the Internet.

* Satellite Internet service is separate from your phone line, so you can surf the Internet and talk on the phone at the same time, plus you won’t miss any telephone calls.

Satellite Internet Compared to DSL and Cable

To give you an idea of the differences between high-speed services, here’s a comparison of satellite TV service from DirecWay, versus DSL and Cable service from EarthLink. For more information on these services click on the links below.

Speed

* Satellite Internet service: Up to 10 times faster than dialup service (700 Kbps download speed and 128 Kbps upload speed.
* DSL Internet service: Up to 70 times faster than dialup service (up to 3 Mps download speed and 128 upload speed).
* Cable Internet service: Up to 100 times faster than dialup service (up to 5 Mps download speed and 384 Kbps upload speed.

Monthly Service Fee

* Satellite Internet service: From $59.99 per month.
* DSL Internet service: $19.95 for the first six months, then $39.95 thereafter.
* Cable Internet service: $29.95 for the first 6 months, then $41.95 thereafter.

Equipment Cost

* Satellite Internet service: $499.98.
* DSL Internet service: Free.
* Cable Internet service: Free.

Installation

* Satellite Internet service: Free.
* DSL Internet service: Do it yourself or pay an installer.
* Cable Internet service: Free.

Activation Fee

* Satellite Internet service: None.
* DSL Internet service: None.
* Cable Internet service: None.

Email Accounts

* Satellite Internet service: 5 accounts.
* DSL Internet service: 8 accounts.
* Cable Internet service: 8 accounts.

Virus, Spam, and Spyware Protection:

* Satellite Internet service: Yes.
* DSL Internet service: Yes.
* Cable Internet Service: Yes.

Customer Service

* Satellite Internet service: 24/7 toll-free telephone and Internet service.
* DSL Internet service: 24/7 toll free-telephone and Internet service.
* Cable Internet Service: 24/7 toll free-telephone and Internet service.

DirecWay Satellite Internet Service

DirecWay is the largest and most reliable satellite Internet service. Most other satellite TV providers are actually DirecWay affiliates, meaning they use DirecWay’s equipment and satellites, but offer different services.

DirecWay offers two satellite Internet plans:

Plan A — You pay $99.99 per month for 15 months, then $59.99 per month thereafter.

Plan B — You pay $499.98 for your equipment and installation, then $59.99 per month for service.

Bottom Line

Because DSL and cable Internet services are faster and cheaper than satellite service, I recommend clicking on the links below to see if they are available in your area.

If not, then satellite is the way to go if you want high-speed Internet service.

Click on the following link for more information on satellite Internet service, or these links for ordering information and the latest offers from DISH Network satellite Internet service or DIRECTV satellite Internet service.

New technologies such as computers, MP3 players, digital cameras popping up in the high tech electronics market every month with huge price tags. History has shown that once demand grew, and the technology required to create these items will become more commonplace, and hence prices will drop. With direct TV, the prices for satellite TV have started at an affordable rate which has made an instant impact on cable companies.

When comparing one item against another, it’s usual to compare similar items – in this case it’s all about television. But that’s really where the comparison can end. Yes, they both offer television programs. But the cable companies are offering a lesser service for a higher price than offered by the direct TV companies. In some cases, it was at least twice as much!

Direct TV has managed to launch itself on the market with a product which attracts attention because of its quality and versatility. And this high tech satellite technology is offered with very seductive low rates, which appeals to the masses. This will hurt the cable companies who are going to find themselves priced out of the market.

There is very little to actually compare when it comes to the prices offered by the likes of say DirecTV or DISH next to those of cable TV for example. Both of the direct TV companies offer multiple features together with state of the art satellite technology. Their monthly subscription cost amounts to a couple of visits to a certain well-known coffee shop! Now compare this with the price of cable which is more than twice the price and cable is offering less than half the programs and none of the satellite features.

And Direct TV companies just made it easier for everyone, a no brainer by offering free installation and free equipment. You just need to call up. If it’s possible to install to run the equipment in your area, then you just make an appointment for someone to come install your new satellite TV system.

Compare that with cable. Well, you will have to pay for both the equipment and the installation unless you were able to find a company offering a special at the time you needed it.

This means that the Direct TV companies attract existing cable customers easily to move over to a more technologically advanced system without incurring any cost with the new system. AND they also attract those who are moving into their first homes. These new subscribers to the television marketplace will obviously choose the free cheaper to run system, over the more expensive basic one!

Direct TV is proving that it’s possible to do more, with less, and not have to charge the earth to do it. With over two million subscribers between DirecTV and DISH during 2005, it would appear that added value for money is now the way to go. And truth is that they really have made it such a simple decision for the consumers to make.

Dish network service is offered all over the U.S. including Hawaii, Alaska and Puerto Rico. It is not viewable outside US. To catch the proper signal for Dish network proper size of dish is required. Usually a local retailer is able to help the consumer for suggesting the correct size of the dish required to catch proper signals in the local area.

Dish network broadcasts mostly all types of sports channels that show baseball, basket ball, college football, soccer, English Premier League. It also broadcasts all national channels such as ESPN, ESPN2, Fox Sports World, ESPN Classic, USA, WGN, TBS or TNT, etc. Dish network also offers pay-per-view option for various sports channels. It also offers Horse racing TV and TV games. All premier American track races are available on TVG featured by Dish network. Along with the interactive and sports program, dish network also airs regular HDTV Channels under the HD Pak. This pack includes HDNET, HDNET Movies, ESPN HD, Discovery Theater and TNT HD, for $9.99 per month. The VOOM original pack offers Rush HD, HD News, Gallery HD, Rave HD, Animania HD, Ultra HD, Equator HD, Monsters HD, Guy TV HD, and The Majestic HD.

The price reception and channel selection is better than cable but in some area customer service and access to local channels can cause problems. Dish network offers wide range of channels to select from their laid out menu. The TV comes in quick with excellent reception of channels without any snow or fuzz.

Dish network offers one year warranty on their products. The receiver and the remotes also works in superb manner. Remote is capable of multi-tasking. The picture quality and the reception of the signals are unprecedented as compared to the cable network. The satellite TV offers DVD quality of picture and perfect sound quality as well.

Dish network offers a wide variety of channels to view. It is suggested to activate the parental lock immediately after the purchase of the dish network system. Dish network also offers various shopping channels for the ones who love shopping from home. It has lesser commercials to air which is quite pleasant as compared to the cable TV network.

Dish network allows you to watch separate programming on two televisions with one Dish TV network receiver. This can be achieved with the help of dual-tuner Dish player that allows watching programming on two televisions. It also allows to record, pause and replay live TV. Some of the Dish players also support Picture-in-Picture support.

Some people do not like the steel colored dish and like to paint the dish to blend with the color of the house. It is definitely not at all recommended as painting the dish results in loss of signals. Moreover, obstruction due to building, trees, mountains, high tension power lines also result in loss of signals. Dish should be installed in such a place where it receives clear signals free from any obstruction.

Eenie meenie, miney mo – to which satellite TV service shall I go? Choosing between Direct TV (it is really called Directv) and the Dish Network is like deciding which political party is more corrupt than the other. It is all a matter of your perception of the programming and preference. Is one really better than the other? Not really. They even have similar marketing promotions like a free satellite TV system when you purchase their satellite TV receiver or buy a certain programming package.

If you go by the number of customers alone, Directv would the outstanding choice. However, that is not necessarily true. They just have a lot more money to spend on advertising. How about price? Should you go by price alone to decide on a satellite dish network or a Direct satellite TV? The answer is no. Each of these satellite TV providers offers something a little different, which could make or break the choice, depending on preference. There is that pesky ‘preference’ thing again!

First of all, let us look at what they both have in common. Both companies present similar deals like free installation or a free satellite TV system. When it comes to movie and local television programming, the pricing is practically the same. Both the Dish Network and Direct TV offer DVR or digital video recording. With your Direct satellite TV however, you could upgrade to the Directv Tivo option for a nominal fee.

The differentiation is in the programming offered to subscribers. If you are aiming for a more international flavor, then the Dish Network would be your best bet. They have networks available in foreign markets that are broadcast in a variety of languages. So if you have transplanted yourself in the United States from somewhere else, chances are you might be able to catch the news and other shows from your homeland. Direct TV does have some foreign programming, mostly on the movie channels, but not the scope that the Dish Network offers.

Now, Directv subscribers have a plethora of options when it comes to American sports. Football, baseball, hockey, NASCAR … these are important to sports fans. When the major sports have play-offs like the NFL or NBA, you can count on those rabid sports fans purchasing a ‘pass’ which buys a whole block of games. The Dish Network does offer sports, but they are more global in their choices. You will likely find rugby, lacrosse and soccer just as much as the football or baseball. They just don’t have as much of a selection. So, if sports are your thing, then going for a Directv dish and satellite system is the best choice for you.

Now you have a perspective from both sides of the two major satellite TV service providers. Both offer similar programming. It is choosing the little things that will influence your decision. Think about the Directv Tivo option. Think about the future possibility of Directv HDTV. If having these things in the future is important, then perhaps your mind is already made up, unlike that decision about which political party is more corrupt …