DirecTV Satellite, Dish Network or Cable TV? 'Tis the Question!

We've seen all of the television commercials, heard the radio ads, and gazed upon the billboards as we drive down the highway- the war is on and in high gear between the cable and satellite companies, and then more intensely between DirecTV and Dish Network. Each company is constantly ripping apart the other, making negative claims about the service and/or technology in the process. So whom are we supposed to listen to for the best home television entertainment plan? You've got to look at the concrete facts while forgetting about any rumors that you may have heard. To help you out with this, we've done the all of the research, so you don't have to.

Starting with customer satisfaction: according to JD Power and Associates, satellite television is the clear winner with an outage average of only 1%. Cable comes in a surprising second place with an average outage of 3-5%. (Those stats are a bit different than the information you may have heard in the cable television ad campaigns.)

When it comes to the monthly bill, here are the latest stats and you can be the judge and make up your own mind. The average 60-channel satellite television monthly cost, including all televisions hooked up to the system, is roughly $33. Digital programming is included, as this is the only kind of programming that the satellite companies offer. On the other hand, the typical 64-channel analog cable bill will run about $40 per month, with digital programming an extra $11, and additional television hook-ups can cost between $4 and $10 for each set, each month.

In our opinion, satellite is the clear, overall winner.

Next, we're on to the battle of the 2 top satellite television providers- Dish Network and DirecTV. Each offers something that the other doesn't. For example, DirecTV is the only satellite with the NFL Sunday Ticket, a subscription channel that grants access to 14 professional football games each week during the season. Both main satellites have a different variety of college football games with add-on programming. But, if you have a high-definition television (HDTV), you'll be interested to know that Dish Network carries 29 high-def channels compared to the 9 of DirecTV.

International programming, anyone? Dish Network is once again the clear winner here, boasting 30 foreign language/culture channels compared to DirecTV's 10, with most of them in Spanish.

If you're more of a homebody that likes to stay on the couch and access Pay-Per-View channels, Dish Network has 60 of these channels while DirecTV falls a bit short with 55. Adult PPV's are available on 5 DirecTV channels and 6 of Dish Network's.

Susan Sandler recommends you visit http://www.satellitesweeper.com/ to answer the question: DirecTV Satellite, Dish Network or Cable TV?

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Satellite TV Advantages Over Cable

Satellite TV is gaining more customers every day and for good reason. It's simply a better deal than cable. Less money, more features, free equipment, no contracts, faster service, etc. The list goes on and on. In addition, there are a variety of packages offered to meet the needs of your family.

With DISH Network and DIRECTV and the new technologies like DVRs and HDTV, your home entertainment capabilities are near limitless. Satellite services offer the ability to customize your service to the viewing habits of your family. Additional packages include extensive sports, music and movie channels. You can subscribe to as little or as many as you would like to provide entertainment to your entire household.

Look at some of the benefits that you can only get with Satellite TV:

• <strong>Unbeatable Channel Selection</strong>: Over 340 on DISH Network. Over 250 with <strong>DIRECTV</strong>.
• <strong>International Excellence</strong>: Access International channels at both DISH Network and <strong>DIRECTV</strong>.
• <strong>Promotional Offers</strong>: DISH Network and DIRECTV offer a free 4-room installation and FREE equipment.
• <strong>Local Channels:</strong> Get most local channels in digital quality reception.
• <strong>Premium Sports Packages</strong>: Get multiple in-demand Sports programming, like <strong>NFL Sunday Ticket</strong>? as part of your package.

If you're still subscribing to cable television, you're paying too much. With Satellite TV, you WILL get more channels for less money. All equipment and installation charges are included. No hidden fees, ever. Both DISH Network and DIRECTV currently offer competitively-priced packages with exceptional values thrown in.

Learn how Satellite TV can save you money by switching from cable. Dish Network and DIRECTV both offer great all-digital packages.

DISH Network Satellite TV Dealers - Which One Has the Best Deal?

DISH Network Satellite TV Dealers

Satellite TV is one of the hottest online products on the market today, and because of that a number of DISH Network dealers have set up shop on the Internet to sell satellite TV services.

But how do you know which dealers are reputable, and which dealer will give you the best price and the best service? I spent a number of hours researching DISH Network satellite TV dealers for The Satellite TV Guide and found three that stand head and shoulders above the rest.

Here's my review of the top three DISH Network satellite TV dealers so you can compare dealers and decide for yourself.

Allsat (Highly Recommended)

Allsat was established in 1995, when DISH Network first started broadcasting it's satellite TV programming. It began as a brick and mortar satellite TV store, then went online in 1997.

Independently owned and operated, Allsat is one of the oldest and most respected satellite TV dealers. They've installed hundreds of thousands of satellite TV systems across the U.S. I found their prices and service to be second to none.

Allsat currently offers:

* A free DISH Network satellite dish * Up to four free receivers plus universal remotes * Free professional installation * Free 100-hour DVR (digital video recording) receivers * Free HD (high definition) receivers * Three free months of HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, or Starz * 24/7 customer service * Lifetime equipment warranty * Thirty-day money-back guarantee

VMC Satellite

VMC is one of the largest and most well known online satellite TV dealers in the U.S. They installed the satellite TV system in the U.S. Capitol building. VMC is responsible for signing up more than 2% of DISH Networks subscribers.

VMC currently offers:

* A free 4-room satellite TV system * Free professional installation * Free digital video recorders * Free HDTV receivers (optional) * Three months of HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, or Starz for free * 24/7 customer service * Lifetime equipment warranty

Sterling Satellite

Sterling Satellite was founded in 2003 and is currently a DISH Network Top 10 satellite TV dealer. Their primary emphasis is on customer service.

Sterling currently offers:

* A free 4-room satellite TV system * Free professional installation of that system * Free digital video recorders * Free HDTV receivers (optional) * Three free months of HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, or Starz * 24/7 customer service * Lifetime equipment warranty * 125% money-back guarantee

Note: DISH Network programming prices start at $19.99 for the 40-channel Dish Family package and go up to $74.99 for the 350 channel "Everything" package.

Visit http://www.thesatellitetvguide.com for information on DISH Network satellite TV systems and service plus ordering information. Click on this link for information on DISH Network satellite TV programming .

The author, Brian Stevens, is the senior editor for TheSatelliteTVGuide.com and has written extensively on DISH Network satellite TV dealers.

What to Consider When Selecting a Satellite TV Provider

There was a point in time when cable was the most popular way to watch television; however, that is beginning to change. Each day more individuals make the switch from cable to satellite TV. If you are interesting in making the switch to satellite TV then you have a number of options when it comes to selecting a satellite TV provider.

When it comes to selecting a satellite TV provider there are many individuals who do not carefully think out their decision. It is possible that you could select a provider without doing any research, but doing so may put yourself at risk for unnecessary expenses.

When searching for a satellite provider there are a number of important factors that you should consider before paying for the service or signing a contact.

The channels offered by a satellite TV provider should be one of the first things you look at. There are many individuals who search for a provider based on the cost of their service. The cost of a particular service will not matter if your favorite channel is not even offered as programming.

Once you have determined that the television stations you are most likely to tune into are offered by a particular satellite provider, you should then start examining their costs.

Satellite TV providers tend to group specific channels into packages. Each package will have a set price. The price of a specific package can often be determined by visiting the provider's online website or by contacting their customer service department.

The average starting cost for a satellite package begins at around thirty dollars. The price that you will have to pay will all depend on how many channels you want.

The cost of equipment needed to become a satellite TV customer should also be examined. It is not uncommon to find special deals or discounts on satellite dishes and receivers; however, you may end up paying full price for the equipment.

It may be in your best interest to examine satellite TV providers that let you purchase their equipment from a local or online retail store. Outright purchasing satellite equipment means that it is yours to keep instead of leasing it from a provider.

Before you become a customer of a particular satellite TV provider you may wish to determine the reliability of that provider. Speaking to friends, family, or coworkers who are current subscribers can help you make your choices.

Feedback on just about anything, including satellite TV providers, can also be found online. Feedback and recommendations will give you a good idea as to the type of service you should expect to receive.

In today's world, many families have multiple television sets in their household; have a home phone and an internet connection. Satellite TV providers and other companies know this and that has led to the combination of many entertainment companies.

You are encouraged to inquire about bundle packages with your television, phone, and internet. There are many companies who offer valuable discounts if you also become a customer of one of their partners.

If satellite TV is on your wish list then you are encouraged to take the above mentioned factors into consideration. Simply by comparing services and prices you can be on your way to watching satellite TV without going broke.

D. David Dugan is a support of the computer support forum at http://forum.dugancom.com and recommends purchasing your satellite service from http://www.divinfo.com/dishnetwork.php.#BREAK#

The Dish on Satellite TV

The evolution of television has seen dramatic acceleration recently. Satellite TV has truly revolutionized the global viewing experience. You no longer have to rely on awkward rabbit ear antennae to bring viewing pleasure. Satellite dishes have become as ubiquitous as the roof antenna was in the early years. The world can now be accessed through numerous, and diverse channels, and programming.

The number of options available with satellite television is overwhelming. Since the broadcast signals used in satellite television are digital, as compared with old analog, the results are crystal clear audio and visual transmissions. Broadcasts can be done in HDTV, or high definition television, which is the latest television technology. Digital transmissions allow a greater degree of flexibility for broadcasters.

In addition to picture and sound excellence, there is a virtual library of movies, sporting events, and news programs to choose from. More than the basic channels of yesteryear. Satellite receivers, when put together with the properly built and positioned satellite dish, hook up with access to more than 225 digital-quality channels. The receiver can also provide an on-screen program guide that can be customized to suit viewers needs. The receiver also has a built-in "Locks and Limits" feature, which gives control to limit channels or programs.

More recently, a spectacular Digital Video Recording feature, DVR, has emerged. This gives the viewer the ability to record, replay, and splice programming scenes as many times, and in as many ways, as desired. That's what the combination of HDTV and DVR will give: complete control.

Unlike commercial television, which broadcasts free programming, satellite television is not without cost. To get satellite TV, you need a dish antenna, and a receiver designed to work with the chosen service. You can buy the hardware from the satellite company, an electronics store, or a satellite-system dealer/installer for about $100 and up. There is a monthly subscription fee, in addition to the cost of the hardware; this varies according to the level of service. In the past, bad weather could adversely effect the signals, however new technology and improvements have made this a rare issue.

All considered, satellite television is an investment well worth it. Satellite service can include you in a world revolution that is changing the face of how information and entertainment is done in this world. The sky is the limit with satellite services, literally, when it comes to speed, features, and innovation.

Jay B Stockman is a contributing editor for Direct Satellite TV Network Visit http://satellite-tv-usa.net/ for more information.

Satellite TV systems a great choice in viewing pleasure

So perhaps you have herd all the fuss regarding Direct TV and other Satellite TV providers. You know those companies that state that you can get up to 225 channels easily. There has been an ongoing debate whether you should choose cable TV or go satellite. Well, that really depends on what you are looking for. From an entertainment point of view, cable TV unfortunately does not have the wide selection of channels that a satellite TV provider has. Often the cost of dish network systems is less than cable TV.

Today, you see compact satellite dishes on rooftops all over the United States. Drive through rural areas beyond the reach of the cable companies and you'll find dishes on just about every house. The major satellite television companies are bringing in more customers every day with the lure of movies, sporting events and news from around the world. As a consumer you have many choices. Back in the day of old satellite TV systems all they were was big units. Today with superior sound, quality and high definition television you can definitely appreciate clear and amazing pictures. Your whole family will appreciate the programming options available in the marketplace.

With Satellite TV basics you can take control of the programs and channels that you want to use. Often there will be a vast selection for you family to choose from. For the ultimate performance in home entertainment Dish Network or even Direct TV are exceptional items. With Dolby digital sound you will feel like you are in the movie theatre. Easily record your favorite shows so they're on when you want them. Having options in home entertainment has never been so much fun.

Alan Zunec is a successful publisher with extensive knowledge in satellite tv systems. See great information on dish network systems here at http://www.best-free-satellite-tv.com/Free-Dish-Network.html

Satellite TV vs. Cable TV -- Which is Best?

 The move is on. Last year millions of Americans switched from cable TV to satellite TV.

Why? When you compare satellite TV to cable TV you'll discover the main reasons are cost, picture quality, program choices, and customer satisfaction.

Let's check out the differences ...


Cable vs. Satellite TV Fees

Cable TV fees across the country average $39.99 per month. In our area the cost for cable TV is $37.30 a month for 64 channels, plus $10.95 a month to add digital channels. Installation in one room is $39.95, plus $9.95 for each additional room.

Satellite TV fees from Dish Network are $31.99 per month for 60 channels, while DirecTV charges $41.99 per month for 115 channels. Both satellite TV providers currently offer free satellite TV equipment and free installation in up to four rooms.


Cable vs. Satellite TV Programming

Cable TV in most areas offers almost as many channels as satellite TV, and is broadcast in analog (over-the-air) format. If you want to have digital picture and sound you'll have to pay an additional fee, usually $10 to $15 a month.

Satellite TV offers more channels than cable TV (more than 250 channels), and more HDTV (high definition TV) programming. All satellite TV channels are broadcast in digital format for the highest quality picture and sound.


Cable vs. Satellite TV Equipment

With cable you only need cable boxes that connect the incoming cable line to your televisions. There is usually no charge or rental fees for cable boxes, however, If you want a digital video recorder, you'll have to pay an extra fee.

With satellite TV you need a satellite TV dish and TV receivers. Both Dish Network and DirecTV offer that equipment, plus installation, for free. Dish Network will give you a DVR (digital video recording) receiver or an HDTV receiver at no charge, while DirecTV charges $49.99 for DVR receivers and $299 for HDTV receivers.


Cable and Satellite TV Reliability and Customer Satisfaction

Cable TV outages average 3% to 5% per year. J.D. Powers and Associates ranks cable companies as good to poor in customer satisfaction.

Satellite TV outages average about 1%. J.D. Power and Associates has ranked the two satellite TV providers -- Dish Network and DirecTV -- higher in customer satisfaction than any of the cable TV companies for the last five years.
The Bottom Line
If you only watch a couple of shows a week, and you live in an area where you can't get over-the-air TV and cable TV costs less than $20 per month, then cable may be your best option.

If, on the other hand, you want the biggest variety of shows, movies, sports, and news for the least amount of money ... you want to watch your all your shows in digital video and sound ... and you want the option of watching them in HD format and recording them on a DVR receiver, then satellite TV is what you're looking for.
Brian Stevens is a professional freelance writer and webmaster who has written extensively on cable TV and satellite TV. For more information on satellite TV vs. cable TV, click on http://www.thesatellitetvguide.com/satellite-tv-vs-cable-tv.htm