Marine Satellite TV Antenna and System - Get the Best for Less

You don't have to settle for over-the-air TV and radio while at sea. Now you can have a marine satellite TV system that allows you to watch satellite TV, listen to satellite radio, and even go online.


Marine Satellite TV Antenna

Marine satellite TV antennas capture and track the signal being broadcast from a satellite. The best antennas feature:

* Dual LNB (low-noise block) converter - allows you to watch two separate programs on two TVs.

* Fast search algorithm - for fast satellite identification and acquisition.

* Dynamic Tilting - adjusts the antenna to track a satellite in extreme weather conditions.

Marine antennas vary in size from 14.5" in diameter to 24" in diameter, and weigh around 30 pounds.

Marine satellite TV antennas cost anywhere from $500 for a fixed mount antenna to more than $7,000 for a top-of-the-line antenna/receiver combo with all the bells and whistles.

To get a better idea about which marine satellite TV antenna would be best for your particular situation, do an Internet search for "marine satellite TV antennas" or call your local marine retailer.

When you know which antenna you want, click on the Froogle shopping comparison website - froogle.google.com - to compare prices. Here you'll see all the marine satellite TV antennas listed by price and get more product information by clicking on a particular store's website link.


Marine Satellite TV System

In addition to an antenna, a marine satellite TV system consists of a receiver to decode the satellite signal and send it to a TV.

You can get self-contained units that consist of an antenna and receiver, or you can get an antenna and purchase a separate receiver or get one free from DISH Network or DIRECTV (click on links below for info).


Satellite TV Programming

There are two major satellite TV providers - DISH Network and DIRECTV.

DISH Network has 350 channels of satellite TV programs, movie channels, sports packages, Sirius satellite radio, news and weather channels, and pay-per-view programs. Their prices start at $19.99 for 40 channels, and they will give you a free dish and up to four free receivers when you subscribe to their service.

DIRECTV has 250 channels of satellite TV programs, sports packages, movie channels, XM radio, news and weather, plus pay-per-view programs. Their programming starts at $41.99 for 155 channels, and they too will give you a free dish and four free receivers when you subscribe to their service.

Note: Click on the links below for more information on satellite TV programming.


Bottom Line

If you want all the comforts of home while at sea, then a marine satellite TV system is something you should consider. They're relatively easy to install, can be set up on almost any size boat, and will give you years of enjoyment.

Visit http://www.TheSatelliteTVGuide for more information, ordering information, plus the latest offers and free bonuses from DISH Network satellite TV. Click on this link to compare DIRECTV vs. DISH Network.

The author, Brian Stevens, is the senior editor for TheSatelliteTVGuide.com and has written extensively on marine satellite TV antennas and systems.

Satellite TV on PC

Introducing an amazing new software turns your PC in a TV, a breakthrough in Satellite TV .You can now watch over 3000 worldwide channels live on your Laptop or PC for free.

Satellite TV for PC ? is the product of more than 7 years of dedicated research and development.

With this downloadable software you can now connect to a whole new world of online entertainment.

You can watch in various languages including English, Spanish, German, Arabic, French, Italian, Russian, Dutch and more! Plus your favourite sports, news, movies, music weather, kids channel, educational, shopping, radio stations and much more.

There is no extra hardware or TV card required or to buy extra hardware equipment or a PC TV card because the TV channels are streamed through your internet connection. You just need an internet connection, the faster your internet speed the better picture you will get. It will even work with a 56k connection. A Broadband connection will deliver superior audio and video quality.

It is very easy to use and no PC knowledge is required. Just install the program and click and then instantly watch International satellite channels on your PC! It only takes a few seconds...

Another good thing with this software is there are also no recurring fees... EVER! Get all the entertainment you need for a one time payment of only $49.95

Fred Ali is earning his income full time doing online marketing. If you are looking for fun online don't forget to visit http://www.viewsatellitetvonpc.com

Watch Satellite & Cable TV On Your PC For Free

Over 3000 STATIONS on your PC or Laptop for free.

I stumbled across this information, which at first I couldn't believe but hoped it was true because I was looking at how to watch satellite & cable TV on your PC for free, I've heard a little bit about it and was curious. You hear so many promises these days that you never quite sure.

Over 3000 STATIONS on your PC or Laptop for free. This was the title I stumbled across which really intrigued me so I had to check it out and I'm glad I did so now I watch TV on the Internet. It's fast, easy and the picture is DVD quality. It's great that I can watch satellite TV on my PC with satellite Internet.

The choices you get are sports such as ESPN, news, movies, music, weather, kids channels, educational, shopping, clips plus radio stations and much, much more. It works anywhere in the world with no need to buy extra hardware equipment or a PC TV card because the TV channels are streamed through your internet connection. You just need an Internet connection.

No subscriptions needed and no recurring charges... EVER! Which is amazing considering what you get. Now you can stop paying for high-priced cable or satellite services! Watch LIVE Games (even the games that are not shown elsewhere) - With this unbelievable software!

Watch TV in English, Spanish, German, Arabic, French, Italian, Russian, Dutch and more. You may also browse world TV by regions or by country name you do this by choosing a country and watch there TV programs from that country so many to choose from.

It's got to be one of the best entertainment values on the Internet by far, now you can surf the net while watching satellite TV for free on your PC and also listen to satellite radio.

Also all includes *FREE LIFETIME UPGRADES + NEW STATIONS! They are on the cutting edge of Satellite TV for PC technology and constantly update our software to keep up with new developments. As TV technology changes so will Satellite TV for PC! They will be adding many more quality stations in the near future such as ESPN 2, MTV USA, HBO, Playboy TV, Pay Per View, + many many more - this entitles you to receive these new stations + all future software upgrades for FREE.

Satellite Internet TV is the future to watching your favourite shows and you'll wonder how you ever watched TV any other way, watch satellite & cable TV on your PC for free is the way of the future today.

Watch Satellite & Cable TV On Your PC For Free

Tony Pescatore finds and writes helpful information on topics he believes in. To check out how you can watch hundreds of LIVE worldwide channels on your PC, with no subscription payments or any other recurring payments. EVER! go to Watch Satellite & Cable TV On Your PC For Free

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

DISH Network Satellite TV vs. Cable TV

DISH Network has been in a heated battle with U.S. cable companies for a number of years to get your business. While Network has been gaining customers most cable companies have been losing their customers to DISH Network. Here's why ...


DISH Network Satellite TV vs. Cable TV Fees

Cable TV fees vary from region to region, but the average monthly cable subscription fee is $39.95. In my neck of the woods the base fee is $37.30 a month for 64 channels, plus $10.95 a month if I were to add some digital channels.

DISH Network's subscription fees start at $19.99 for 40 channels, and $29.99 for 230 channels including 60 Sirius radio channels. All DISH Network's programming is in digital format and you don't have to pay extra for it.

Cable TV fees have increased an average of 22% over the last three years while DISH Network's fees have remained the same.


DISH Network Satellite TV vs. Cable TV Equipment
When you subscribe to cable TV you are usually given free cable boxes but if you want a DVR (digital video recorder) receiver you'll have to pay for it.

With DISH Network you get a free satellite TV dish and a four-room receiver system for free, and DISH Network will give you a free DVR receiver or a free HD (high definition) receiver.


DISH Network Satellite TV vs. Cable TV Installation

Cable TV installation fees vary from region to region. Installation in my area costs $39.95 for one room and $9.95 for each additional room.

DISH Network will install an entire four-room satellite TV system free, and when your installer is done he or she will show you how to operate your system.


DISH Network Satellite TV vs. Cable TV Programming

When it comes to programming there's really no comparison. Even satellite TV rival DIRECTV can't compete with DISH Network's 350 channels, which includes 52 music channels, 60 Sirius satellite radio channels, 31 movies channels, 10 sports packages, 21 international channels, and 80 pay-per-view channels.

With cable TV you only get a few channels in digital format whereas all DISH Network programming is in digital format, giving you a much higher-quality picture and a more realistic sound. DISH Network also has the most HD programming.


DISH Network Satellite TV vs. Cable TV Reliability and Customer Service

Cable TV blackouts average 3% to 5% per year, while DISH Network's average is 1% per year. And DISH Network has ranked higher than any cable company in J.D. Power's customer satisfaction ratings for the last five years in a row.

In most parts of the country customer service is limited to regular business hours. DISH Network offers toll free and online customer service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.


Bottom Line

It's really a no brainer. When it comes to which service offers the most channels, the least expensive programming and installation fees, the best picture and sound, the highest reliability, and the best customer service, DISH Network is the clear winner.

Visit http://www.TheSatelliteTVGuide.com for more information, ordering information, plus the latest special offers from DISH Network. Click on this link for a side-by-side comparison of DIRECTV vs. DISH Network.

The author, Brian Stevens, is the senior editor for TheSatelliteTVGuide.com, and has written a number of articles on DISH Network satellite TV vs. cable TV.

Satellite TV Systems - Is DISH Network or DIRECTV Better?

Satellite TV System

A satellite TV system consists of a satellite dish which captures the signal from a satellite, an LNB (low-noise block) converter which amplifies and converts the signal, and a receiver which decodes the signal and sends it to a TV set.


DISH Network Satellite TV System

DISH Network will give you a fee satellite TV system consisting of a dish and a four-room receiver system when you order one of their programming packages.

The dish is a 20-inch all-weather aluminum dish with an advanced LNB converter.

DISH Network offers two types of free receivers - the DISH 311single tuner receiver for satellite TV viewing on one TV, and the DISH 322 for viewing two different channels on two TVs.

In addition to the standard receivers you can also get a free DVR (digital video recorder) receiver or a free HD (high definition) receiver.

With the DVR receiver you can digitally record 100 hours of satellite TV programming, and even record two programs while watching another. You can also pause and rewind live programming so you can get a snack or answer the phone. The HD receiver allows you to watch TV in high-definition format giving you a lifelike picture and three-dimensional sound.

Your system also comes with universal remotes that allow you to operate your satellite TV system, your TV, your DVD player, and your VCR.

For an additional $199 you can get a combination DVR/HD receiver that gives you the best of both worlds and can record up to 200 hours of programming.

Installation of your entire system is free, and when the installer is done he or she will show you how to operate your system and answer your questions.

Note: DISH Network program packages start at $19.99 per month.


DIRECTV Satellite TV System

With DIRECTV you also get a free satellite dish and a free four-room receiver system when you subscribe to their service.

Their standard dish is an 18" X 20" oval all-weather dish with a dual LNB converter.

DIRECTV's free D11 receiver is for single TV viewing and comes with interactive capabilities and a customizable on-screen guide that let's you create a personal program guide.

You can upgrade to a DVR receiver or an HD receiver for free after a $99 mail-in rebate.

With the DVR receiver you can digitally record up to 100 hours of programming - even record two shows at the same time - and pause and rewind live TV. The HD receiver lets you watch HD broadcasts giving you the highest-quality picture and sound available.

Their free universal remotes let you operate your satellite TV system, VCR, DVD player, and TV.

For $499 you can purchase an HD/DVR receiver so you can watch satellite TV in high definition and record up to 200 hours of programming.

DIRECTV satellite TV installation is free and your installer will show you how to operate your system and answer any questions you may have.

Note: DIRECTV program packages start at $29.99 per month.

Visit http://www.TheSatelliteTVGuide.com for more information, ordering information, plus the latest special offers from DISH Network. Click on the following link to compare DIRECTV vs. DISH Network.

The author, Brian Stevens, is the senior editor for TheSatelliteTVGuide.com, and has written a number of articles on satellite TV systems.

Free To Air (FTA) Satellite TV

This type of programming is satellite signals that are broadcast around the world that requires no subscription fee from the broadcasters to bring in the channels that operate in this manner. The channels are supported by advertising and/or donations, and government bodies to keep them free. Some of the new channels may be planning to charge subscription fees in the future but they are free now. These channels are not encrypted so they can be received with no need for unscrambling.

This type of programming is most often MPEG-2 which means Motion Picture Experts Group-2. This is a standard in which the signal is compressed to aid in the transmission. HDTV and DVD uses this same compression and is a very high quality.

Most often these transmissions are in the Ku Band frequency range. The Ku band operates between 12 Ghz (Gigahertz) and 14 GHz which permits todays smaller dishes from 18 inches to 31 inches in diameter. Before the Ku band the C band was the first developed for satellite television which operated between 3.4 Ghz and 7 Ghz. The first dishes required to pick up these early signals were 20-30 feet wide.

The equipment required for this is a dish and receiver that is dedicated only to picking up the free to air signals. If there are other paid programming channels desired a separate dish and receiver is utilized to pick up paid programming such as Direct TV or Dish Network. A computer can also be modified with a PCI card to pick up the FTA signals turning it into the receiver. A PCI card available requires the computer to be a Pentium 500 and have Windows 98SE or higher installed. The reason you cannot use Direct TV or Dish Network dishes and receivers to pick up FTA channels at the same time on the same system is, FTA channels are weaker and require a minimum of a 30" dish and they use a different LNB or LNBF device in the dish itself. Paid channel dishes are usually 18 inches to 20 inches. The receivers are also different and paid channel receivers cannot pick up the FTA channels. An LNBF is a LNB (Low Noise Block) with an integrated feedhorn. After the signal is bounced off the dish it goes into the LNBF which amplifies the signal. Dual LNBF is for two television sets. For the FTA setup you must decide if you want a stationary dish or a motorized one. The motorized one will allow you to pick up several satellites giving maximum amount of channels.

The channels available will come from all over the world. Sometimes they come and go or turn into paid channels and scramble or become encoded. New free channels come up all the time and others stop or switch their programming on the fly. There are hundreds of channels in many languages with all different types of programming.

Satellites are held in the sky by velocity and gravity. This is very similar to a rock tied to a string and swinging it around. The pull of the string acts similar to gravity pulling the satellite and the velocity is the swinging force. Most television and other communication satellites are put into high orbit (Geosynchronous-22,300 miles/ 35,900 Kilometers) as opposed to medium orbit (12,400 miles/20,000 Kilometers), polar orbit (Sun-synchronous-438 miles/735 Kilometers), or low orbit 380 miles/610 Kilometers.

Currently about one fourth of the U.S. Television market has given way to satellite. In the United Kingdom about half the population use satellite.

The term DBS or Direct Broadcasting Satellite is because the satellite dish owner receives their signal directly from the sky satellite and not routed on land by a provider.

The first voice transmission was in 1958 from a satellite which was named Score. The first high orbit satellite was Syncom2 in 1963. The first communications satellite was operational in 1965 and was called Early Bird.

For more Satellite Information please visit: http://www.amazing-adventure.com/satellite/Satellite_Info.htm>

If you are interested in an online mall visit:http://www.incredible-items.com/ClickB.htm Glenn Heitkoetter is a part time writer.

Mobile Satellite TV System - Information and the Best Deals on Antennas and Equipment

Mobile Satellite TV System

Thanks to modern technology you can now watch satellite TV whether you're on the road or at sea.

Mobile satellite TV systems can be installed in an RV, boat, or even in a car or van, giving you the freedom to travel wherever you want and watch satellite TV wherever you are. You can even connect to the Internet.

Mobile Satellite TV Antenna

A mobile satellite TV antenna, also called a dish, captures the signal being sent from a satellite in orbit above the earth and sends it to a receiver.

You can get a free satellite antenna when you subscribe to a satellite TV service, or you can purchase a specialized antenna that automatically tracks a satellite so you can watch TV while on the move.

Mounts for an antenna can be as simple as a tripod that you set up outside, or as complex as a combination antenna/receiver that tracks a satellite and converts the satellite signal for TV viewing.

Prices for satellite TV antennas and mounts vary from $30 for a simple tripod stand to more than $7,000 for a marine satellite TV antenna/receiver with automatic tracking.

Mobile Satellite TV Equipment

In addition to a satellite TV dish you'll also need a receiver to decode the satellite TV signal and send it to your TV.

Both DISH Network and DIRECTV will give you a free dish and up to four free receivers when you subscribe to their service. They will even give you a free DVR (digital video recorder) receiver or an HD (high definition) receiver. You can purchase specialized receivers for vehicle and marine applications.

To get an idea of what's available, go online and do an Internet search for "mobile satellite tv equipment" and "mobile satellite tv antenna." If you're an RVer, search for "RV satellite TV system" and "RV satellite TV antenna." If you're a boating enthusiast search for "marine satellite TV system" and "marine satellite tv antenna."

When you get a good idea of what you want, go to a shopping comparison site such as Froogle.com, and do a search there to find the best prices.

Satellite TV Providers

DISH Network, DIRECTV, and Sky Angel are the three satellite TV providers in the U.S.

DISH Network offers 350 channels of satellite TV programming with prices starting at $19.99 for their 40-channel package. Their programming includes movie channels, sports packages, Sirius satellite radio channels, news and weather channels, game channels, and pay-per-view movies and special events.

DIRECTV offers 250 channels of satellite TV programming with prices starting at $41.99 for their 155 channel package. Their programming includes sports packages, movie channels, news and weather channels, pay-per-view movies and events, and XM satellite radio channels.

Sky Angel is a Christian satellite TV provider offering Christian TV shows, special events, Christian conferences, children's shows, inspirational programming, and Christian radio programs. Their programming costs $14.99 per month and includes 20 TV program channels plus 15 satellite radio channels.

The Bottom Line

Modern technology has made it possible to take the luxuries of home with you whether you're on the road or on the high seas. Now you can have access to hundreds of satellite TV programs, satellite radio channels, and even Internet and email. And most mobile satellite TV systems are fairly inexpensive and relatively easy to install.

Who says you can't take it with you.

Visit http://www.TheSatelliteTVGuide for more information, ordering information, plus the latest offers and free bonuses from DISH Network satellite TV. Click on this link to compare DIRECTV vs. DISH Network.

The author, Brian Stevens, is the senior editor for TheSatelliteTVGuide.com and has written extensively on mobile satellite TV antennas and systems.

Apple may have just successfully circumvented cable and satellite with code name: "iTV"!

Apple may have successfully circumvented traditional cable and satellite networks by bringing interconnectivity of personal media to the living room. This is something Microsoft has been trying to do for quite some time. Job's success with the marketing and sales of the ipod coupled with the fast growth of podcasting has led to a new organic audio and video marketplace that doesn't rely on traditional distribution sources. Combined together the iPod and podcasting will now effectively become its own independent free internet cable network, thanks to Apple's iTV due for release in Q1 of 2007 for $299.00. With a direct link to the living room of potentially 50 million iTunes and iPod owners, the market for podcasting should become extremely competitive and begin to resemble traditional cable and satellite networks in the early days. The very noticeable difference being that podcasting will allow independent producers and individuals to compete in a market with corporate giants where theoretically anyone who develops programs or content that is popular enough can place sponsorship and begin earning revenues from their subscriber and viewer base. These podcast markets have started developing over the past year, and the audio market is beginning to build a solid foundation. The video podcasting market is really non existent so far. There are independent podcast producers and corporate giants who are placing existent sponsors into podcast placements deals; however there is no viable open market yet to develop for independent and individual podcast producers; like some suggest "ad sense" did for Google and Ebay has done for everyone. As these markets continue to grow and evolve, and as media buyers begin to allocate more of their budgets for podcast and video over the net placement, we will see the first step in the segmentation of mass media into geographic and niche markets as so many people have spoken of. The same way Apple put podcasting on worldwide radar last June with its integration into iTunes; "code name iTV" will change the development and distribution model for media moving forward. The actual product will have to concentrate on the clarity of the picture that is received on the TV set, because this will be the most scrutinized area for users. The concept of integration is a fantastic; it's just the speed of the technology that will make the user doubtful if at all. With the track record of Apple media related products, I imagine this device will end up surpassing initial expectations, eventually becoming a regular fixture in 5-10% of homes across the US in the next 14-18 months. The hardware works with iTunes which works on a PC or a Mac so the market in a sense, is gigantic. In fact you do not even have to own an iPod to use "iTV"; it works in conjunction with your computer and an 802.11wireless connection. This gives the device a reach into 90% of the homes in the United States with broadband internet connections. Again I see a new era rushing towards us for segmentation of markets in media. Whether these markets are new or fragments of existing ones, they present potential for a wide array of new media ventures in a social media web 2.0 world.

What I Want Podcasting specializes in the commercial application of these technologies for corporate business models. They work with the Real Estate and Home Building industry, Travel, Medical, Concert, and Health & Fitness. They help these industries utilize technologies such as podcasting and video over the internet to enhance current business models.

Clients in 2006 have included Taylor Woodrow Homes, Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues, and Baptist Hospital South Florida. Contact media@WhatIWantPodcasting for more information.

Ryan HOback is Founder of What I Want Podcasting nad Motivated Entrepreneur, Inc.

He helps develop the commercial applications for podcasting adn video over the internet for commercial industries, such as Real Estate and Home Building, Travel , Medical, Sports, Entertainment, and more.

DISH Network Satellite TV Affiliate Program - Make $110 per sale

DISH Network Satellite TV Affiliate Program

Affiliate programs are one of the best ways to make money online. Thousands of people are making a living and earning part-time income through satellite TV affiliate programs, and Allsat, a DISH Network retailer, has the highest-paying satellite TV affiliate program on the Internet.

Millions of people sign up for DISH Network satellite TV services every year, and now you can turn that to your advantage.

When you join the Allsat DISH Network affiliate program you earn $110 with every order you generate. If you were to generate just three orders a week, you'd earn $1,320 a month. That's $15,840 a year working just a few hours a week.

Imagine what you could do if you decided to work DISH Network's affiliate program full time.

Joining DISH Network's affiliate program is absolutely free, you don't need a website to start, and it takes just a few minutes to sign up.


DISH Network affiliate program features

When you join DISH network you get:

* Promotional materials - ad graphics, advertisements, and banner ads
* Affiliate support - affiliate specialists are there when you need them by phone or by email
* Twice monthly paychecks - not once a month or once every other month like some programs
* Personal online account - detailed payment reports, sales reports, 2nd tier sales, and daily and monthly clicks
* Second tier affiliates - you can bring as many people as you like into your organization and get paid $10 for every sale they make.


Bottom Line

I make a very good living as a DISH Network affiliate, and I love it. I go to work in my PJs, work when I want, and make money even when I'm on vacation. And I don't have to hassle with a boss, other employees, or even customers. My work life is my own.

If you've thought about making money online I urge you to click on the link below and see what DISH Network can offer you.

Visit http://www.TheSatelliteTVGuide.com for more information or to sign up with the DISH Network satellite TV affiliate program.





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

DirecTV - Satellite TV

If you are currently receiving television from any service provider besides Direct TV, you are either paying too much, or not getting the best service available. With DirecTV you have your choice of over 250 channels. If you are a sports fan, Direct TV is definitely the way to go. The programs offered include NFL Sunday ticket, Mega March Madness, Europe game tracker, Fantasy Fours, Highlights on Demand and much more.

DirecTV is #1 in the nation in providing digital satellite entertainment. There are currently more than 14 million customers who choose Direct TV over the competition, and I would highly recommend this provider to anyone looking into getting the best television entertainment available.

DirecTV also offers TiVo. This is a great program for anyone interested in never missing a favorite television program. With TiVo you are able to record up to 70 hours of television programming. You simply set it up by telling it which shows you enjoy, and it will do the rest. Many people refer to it as the smart box. It is possible to receive a free TiVo DVR when you order Direct TV. If you are a first time user of Direct TV, you have your choice of which free options you want. You can get up to 4 rooms of free Satellite TV equipment. There are also offers of free movies for up to 3 months, and free installation.

Click here to learn more about DirecTV and what it offers. If you are looking for more information about Satellite Television click here.

Tina Porter is the writer and product researcher for http://www.hdtvtome.com/. She has extensive experience with consumer electronic products including satellite TV's and home entertainment theaters.

Free Satellite TV -- Is It Really Free?

You've seen the online and offline ads advertising "Free satellite TV!"

You've seen the online and offline ads advertising "Free satellite TV!"

But is satellite TV really free? This article answers that question.

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.

Brian Stevens is a professional freelance writer and webmaster who has written extensively on free satellite TV systems. Click the following link for more information on free satellite TV systems and service.