Stealing A Line: How To Get Satellite TV For Free

Who wouldn't be interested in an opportunity to get satellite TV for free? Those digital quality channels, that CD quality sound, and the immense variety certainly tempts many a person. There are many detractors and doubters on the prospect, but still others swear by the ability to get satellite TV for free. Personally, I am a sceptic and so I shall take that outlook to task.

Too good to be true?

Generally, the offer of free satellite TV is found on the internet or from various people that claim to have pirated satellite signals or have found different ways to come into possession of illegal cable. There is a certain stigma to the notion of getting something for free and many people find these types of offers to be too good to be true. Traditionally, I am one of those people so the idea that I could get satellite TV for free sounds a little funny to me. Still, an investigation was warranted.

I checked a few websites and found the sceptics first. Many were discussing the notion that the satellite signal was not free at all, but often creative marketing was used to hook the consumer with the promise of free satellite setup or installation. The rest would, naturally, be still paid for. It was simply an incentive.

Others experienced this supposed free service in other ways. A common deception employed was the usage of various "cards" that would apparently assist the consumer in virtually "latching on to" existing signals and sharing in the cable satellite network. There is always a fee to these cards, as well, as they must be "charged up" like a battery. Many people report "charging" their cards several times weekly.

Other ways to get it for "free"

Often times, the notion of something for free include a one-time fee and then the remainder of the service or product is administered for free. I have found several supposed "deals" that offer a one-time payment and then offer the remainder of several channels for no further fees.

This system again normally utilizes a viewing card, which again by all popular accounts is something that requires "charging". Other companies use creative wording to convince the consumer they are receiving something for "free", such as monthly rates on the maintenance and the utilization of the ever-popular "hidden fees" to cover the cost of the satellite television which is, apparently, still free of charge.

From my knowledge and research, there isn't really a way to get satellite TV for free by any easy measure. As with most things in life, "free" is often too good to be true.

Christopher Buckley is owner of one of the internet's largest Satellite TV resources. To get satellite TV for free, visit Satellite TV Blog

Satellite TV - Finding the best location for dish installation

Satellite Dish Line Of Sight

Line of Sight
A satellite dish must have a clear line Line-Of-Sight to the satellite. The largest mistake an inexperienced or careless installer will make is locating a dish where trees will partially block the satellite signal, resulting in a lower then normal signal level. ANY signal blockage is unacceptable. Even if you have a clear picture, you can have signal blockage. A satellite dish with a clear line of sight will deliver a signal average of at least 75-80.

Satellite broadcast channels are called transponders. Each transponder contains up to 20 TV channels. The minimum signal level for a transponder to provide a clear picture is about 40. Atmospheric conditions such as rain, snow and dust affect the strength of the signal. During a heavy rain storm (rain fade), you may loose some or all of your signal. If your system has an average signal level of 60, you will experience more outages then someone who has an average signal strength of 75. The satellite industry considers 70 as the minimum signal level for all transponders. Some transponders are not used and will have a 0 signal level. Others are not meant to be used in your geographical area and may have signal levels far below normal.

Do not accept an average signal level of 70. 70 is the minimum considered as acceptable, but only a few should be that low. Most signal levels will be around 75 or higher.

Sometime your installer may be required to install the dish at the highest peak of a roof to avoid any future tree problems. These installations are not a basic or standard installation. When the installer is required to walk on a roof to access the dish location, the installer will usually charge a service fee for this type of work. Not all installers will even offer to provide this type of installation. If your installer refuses to provide this type of additional charge installation, even in safe conditions, you are usually better off seeking a different installation company, which does offer this form of custom installation.

A dish should not be installed if any tree growth will block signal within 1 year. If your installer cannot guarantee that you will have a clear line of site for a period of time you find acceptable, then you should seek another location, installer or perhaps even consider another system.

A common practice to avoid tree problems is to mount the dish on a ground post. Do not use a wood post, it may twist over time. The installer should carry a steel post and concrete. The installer will charge extra for this custom work, but it may be your only option. If your installer does not offer a steel ground post option, you should seek an installer that will.

DirecTV and Dish Network use different satellites for their core programming. For satellite Internet service there is also more then one choice. Often you will find that one system will work better for you due to a better line-of sight. Your installer may not be able to discuss your other options because of their obligations to the client that sent them to you. But, you can ask for their advice. Most good installers will help you.

Todd Humphrey operates a Satellite TV and Satellite Internet consumer help web site, DBSInstall . DBSinstall provides consumers the resources they need to solve common Dish Network, DirecTV, DirecWay, HughesNet, WildBlue and FTA Satellite problems. When professional help is required, consumers can search though our national database for local Satellite Retailer or Installer near them

Satellite TV - My Search For Reality In TV Revealed Television's Future, Now

Recently, during an emergency replace-ectomy of a dying Zenith behemoth, I realized I was in deep trouble. Never mind DVD. Who knew of progressive scan and digital convergence? Aspect ratios and digital comb filters - anti-glare coatings and so many lines of resolution? I knew of the TV satellite dish, but...

...satellite TV and all the new technology is light years away from the TV I was beamed up on.

I never dreamed of TV becoming amazing again. I was the guy with 12 o?clock blinking-green on his VCR. Yes, VCR. Getting the hang of today?s TV was not a piece of cake for me.

I can remember Elvis on the Ed Sullivan Show gyrating inside a black & white-glass-globe-picture-tube about as small as the window on a front-load washer.

And the glow of that box-at-the-end-of-a-wire getting me excited.

I watched plenty alright! And I can?t remember ever complaining about having to get off the couch to change the channel? or adjust the antenna.

Wagon Train, then Star Trek on a 19 inch ?color television set? became good as it got.

I lost sight of television?s high technology after that I suppose. Yes, I saw TVs getting bigger and I got hip to cable and the remote control, but distracted by intelligent life forms and a gazillion other things, today?s satellite TV and a whole new world almost passed me by.

It wasn?t until my first trek to a home-electronics super-store to replace that dinosaur 25inch Zenith color-console in a polished-wood-cabinet that matched our living-room furniture long ago that I realized - I wasn?t in Kansas anymore. I was lost.

Lost in a new-world-unknown.

A world of satellite TV on flat-screens, square and wide. A world where thin plasma televisions hung on walls and flat-panel LCD TVs framed in silver sat upon slender, tilting pedestals.

I saw TVs that connect to your computer and one giant-screen, rear-projector that eats digital camera memory sticks to show your photos of grandma on vacation ? in larger than life and surround!

TVs are still getting bigger alright. But now they're amazing again and I?m excited. And with that ?excitement and amazement? comes downright confusion. How do they do that? And what of ?all that? is right for me?

So began my personal quest for reality in TV.

I like the idea of a TV satellite dish on my roof, but it?s a new-tech jungle out there my friend. Prepare if you too are from Kansas.

I?ll help you get a clue about what's beyond the cornfield before you go out to buy ?what could become? the most incredible entertainment experience you and your living room - or Elvis, could ever dream-up. And for a lot less than you probably think - I learned some tricks.

Keep your eye on the Planet. I?ll fill you in on why I can?t leave home anymore. Hint: My final destination of wide screen TV, hi-def receiver, TV satellite dish and provider of satellite TV.

Danny Planet is author of Danny?s Planet, "the hippest free zine out there", hundreds of articles, radio spots, web pages and celebrity ghost scrawling. Visit him at Satellite TV, Dish Satellite TV or Free Satellite TV Get your seat on Danny?s Planet Ark.

Dish Network: The Satellite TV Leader

The fastest-growing satellite TV service provider in the country, Dish Network has quickly become the leader in the industry. With more than 12 million customers, it offers the widest range of digital satellite programming at the most affordable price.

Dish Network delivers more than 250 channels, including 100 local networks, 30 sizzling sports channels, and 110 of the best foreign language channels. Special packages are available for fans of Pay Per View, movies or music programming. Family packages are also available, providing great entertainment for parents and kids, including the Hallmark Channel and the Lifetime network. And with Dish Network's parental control locking system, it's easy for parents to monitor what their children watch.

Dish Network is pioneering high definition TV, offering up to 1700 hours of the best high definition shows available. Viewers can get high definition movies, sports - even weather. Recent additions to the high definition menu include 10 VOOM networks. Dish Network is also the leader in Interactive TV (ITV), with 25 innovative channels, all virtual and enhanced. Interactive TV is like nothing you've ever seen before: you can bet on sporting events, shop or play games, all in the comfort of your own home with Dish Network and ITV. Sirius satellite radio is also available to subscribers. Sirius brings you CD-quality music, 24-hours a day, commercial free. With great talk show options, a wide variety of music styles, and celebrity Deejays like Lance Armstrong, Sirius is the best in radio.

If customer service and technical support are important to you, look no further than Dish Network. They know questions arise all too frequently in the world of satellite television, and they're ready with help and answers, 24 hours a day. In fact, customer service is so important to Dish Network that the company has been repeatedly recognized for the quality of care they give to subscribers. For the past five years, the American Customer Satisfaction Index, beating out other cable and satellite TV providers, including DirecTV, has ranked them number one in customer service. J.D. Power and Associates has also consistently ranked them at number one for customer satisfaction.

Great deals for first-time subscribers to Dish Network are taking place right now. This is an ideal time for cable subscribers to make the switch to satellite television. Be sure and take advantage of online promotions - they're more affordable than other deals because they're cheaper to market. DishPronto is the leading Dish Network dealer online. They have great promotions for first-time subscribers, with free digital video recorders (DVRs), free high definition (HD) receivers, and free installation of free equipment - up to four rooms - included in the package. Many online offers are for a limited time only, so click here to find out more.

John Richardson is a popular reviewer of consumer electronics and has served as a product development consultant for several consumer electronics manufacturers including Dish Network. For more information on satellite TV, HDTV, and Dish Network DVR< receivers, visit his website: http://www.bigmouthtv.com

Dish Network: Delivering the best in satellite TV

Dish Network is the nation's leading digital satellite television service provider, with a customer base exceeding 12 million and a variety of programming that offers something for everyone. It's TV like you've never seen before: Dish Network's digital signal delivers crystal clear images and super sharp sound with Dolby Digital capabilities.

Tune in and see what you're missing: 250 channels, including high definition and interactive TV options; all the best movie networks, like Cinemax, HBO, Turner Classic Movies and Bravo; sports for every taste, from NHL to NFL, and more. Dish Network also has the best in international programming, Latino programming, and Pay Per View.

Dish Network offers the best in family entertainment, with shows and channels for both kids and adults. From Nickelodeon to the Cartoon Network, from Animal Planet to The Discovery Channel, a host of educational programs are available for children of all ages. The whole family can gather round to watch great, inspirational shows on networks like The Hallmark Channel and Lifetime. Moms and dads who want to monitor what their kids watch have the option of doing so with parental control locks. They're easy to operate and the perfect solution for keeping inappropriate channels off-limits.

Dish Network is always striving to add new options for subscribers. Sirius satellite radio is a new addition that offers lots of exciting programs and a variety of music. Bringing the best, CD-quality digital sound, along with hundreds of stations and shows, including comedy, sports, news and more, Sirius is the best satellite radio available today. Dish Network has also added significantly to its high definition programming. Ten VOOM high definition networks were brought on board last year, making Dish Network the leader in high definition television. Subscribers can get up to 1700 hours of high definition TV - the highest quality TV available.

Using cutting edge technology, Dish Network makes only the latest equipment available to its customers. Their receivers and DVRs are the most modern available, with plenty of special features and capabilities to enhance the home entertainment experience.

Consistently ranked number one in the industry for customer service, Dish Network never fails to beat the competition. Both J. D. Power and Associates and the American Customer Satisfaction Index have ranked the company at the top in terms of customer care and technical support -- better than any other satellite or cable TV company.

New subscribers have the opportunity to take advantage of great offers from Dish Network and its retailers. For a limited time, customers can get free installation, free equipment for up to four rooms, cutting edge high definition receivers and digital video recorders, as well as great customer service. Technical support is available 24 hours a day by phone. Click here to find out more about these special offers.

John Richardson is a popular reviewer of consumer electronics and has served as a product development consultant for several consumer electronics manufacturers including Dish Network. For more information on satellite TV, HDTV, and Dish Network DVR< receivers, visit his website: http://www.bigmouthtv.com

Get the right satellite TV providers: A checklist for satellite TV buyers

Nowadays, the expansion rate of satellite TV had beaten cable TV greatly. Recent polls show some common reasons being superior picture quality, larger selection of channels and programs, increased availability, good customer service and the continuing drop in price.

From the popularity angle, we can see that cable TV is having a bigger market segments as they are the pioneer in the paid TV business. However, satellite TV services are less expensive, provide better picture quality (digital signal) and give more programming choices to their users. Perhaps this is the reason why satellite TV had been listed as one of the fastest growing products in United States. We predict that this rapid growing trend will remain the same pace for the next 5 years. As for consumer's view of angle, satellite TV deals seems to be the better deal to go for.

However, with any hot product come the scammers. Hundreds or even thousands of "free satellite TV" websites had popped up; claming to offer the best satellite TV deals and promotions. Most of these scams offer a fake promise on their deals. Extremely low monthly subscription rates, next-day installation, and unlimited number of free satellite systems are some of the common promotion terms. However, once a customer signs up they find hidden activation fees, high delivery costs for free extras, installation dates continuously missed or pushed back, as well as shocking cancellation fees.

Satellite TV buyers should always beware of all these scammers and do not fall into their traps. Satellite TV deals can be a huge bargains or a scary nightmare and it all depends on the satellite TV retailers that you pick. To avoid these troubles, you must be prepared to do some study before getting into the deal. Understand clearly all the buying terms, avoid confusion by the promotion wordings, and select only dependable satellite TV providers (retailers).

What happen when someone place his/her order on satellite TV services via online retailers?

You place an order with an online satellite TV system retailer. You will then choose the number of satellite system you wished to receive. Standard online satellite TV deals will offer you up to 4 free satellite systems along with certain incentive gifts like DVD player or home theater systems.

At the time of ordering you will schedule a time that a local professional installer can come to your home and install the system. You do not need to choose your programming packages at the time of order. For example when you are ordering the Dish Network deals, you can always order your Dish Network systems first and decide your programming package later. Instructions for ordering your Dish Network programming will be sent with your systems.

You will need to call Dish Network's toll-free number (24/7 all year long) after your installation is completed. A customer service representative will help you activate all the programming you would like. The satellite system will either be shipped to your home before the installation date or the installer will bring it with them. In normal case, shipping cost and standard installation fees are free of charge.

How should I know the satellite TV retailer is dependable?

Both Dish Network and DirecTV had several authorized online retailers assigned and you are always recommended to order your satellite systems from them. Remember! Only order your satellite TV from authorized dealers.
Further more, to get a dependable online dealer, we suggest checklist below as the minimum requirements.

This page: http://www.satellitetvissue.com/freesatellites/dealers.html would be a good place to start on with a filtered list of satellite TV providers.

Requirements on good online satellite TV retailers:

<ul> <li> In satellite TV business for more than 1 year.</li> <li>Websites must provide secure order page and certified website.</li> <li>Must be authorized by Dish Network or DirecTV officials.</li> <li>No "hidden" fees- cost charged on credit card is shown clearly.</li> <li>Customer service available via phone, live chats or email.</li> <li>100% guaranteed. (Full refund if installation fails).</li> <li>Testimonial, users review, as well as other authority sites recommendation would be a plus point.</li> </ul>

Teddy LC., expert writter on consumer products reviews. Check out his latest satellite TV related website and get recommendations on DirecTV or Dish Network deals as well as other issues on free satellite TV offers.

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.

How a Satellite TV Antenna Works

Practically all broadcast systems use antennas to transmit and receive radio signals. These antennas are based on single metal pole to which the carrier signal is sent through a cable. First lets talk about how this most simple type of antenna works:

Pole Antenna

A Pole antenna basically consists of one metal pole that transmits it signals around it as if it was the center of a sphere. In all directions the transmitted signal has the same power. The length of the antenna is determined by the frequency of the transmitted signal.

Radio waves, like light waves, always travel at the same speed, which is about 186.000 miles (300.000 km) per second. One wave length is determined by the frequency of the signal by the following formula:

Wavelength = speed of light / frequency

This results in higher frequencies having shorter wavelengths. A pole antenna doesnt have to have the length of a complete antenna but can also have a length of about , 1/8, or 1/16 of the wave length. This is done mostly for practical purposes (shorter antennas). Wave lengths for pole antennas can go as high as 1 to 2 Giga Hertz. A cell phone for instance works at frequencies of 950 Mega Hertz which is almost 1 Giga Hertz.

Satellite TV or Parabolic Antenna

A satellite TV Antenna or parabolic antenna works on the same principle. The frequencies used by satellite transmissions are of much higher frequencies; 2 Giga Hertz or higher. Wavelengths get so short at these frequencies that it is not possible anymore to transmit using a pole antenna and transmit in all directions. The power needed would be very high because high frequencies are subject to much more resistance from the atmosphere.

Bundling all the transmitted power into a beam improves the power transmitted in one direction by a huge factor. Depending on the distance between the transmitter and the receiver the amplification compared to a normal pole antenna can be as high as 40 to 50 dB (which is as much as 10.000 to 100.000 times amplification).

In reality the beam is not completely straight, but gets wider over the distance. The angle is small, but in case of an antenna on a satellite that transmits all over the USA the angle is actually a little bigger so that the whole USA is covered.

The antenna at your roof or in your garden is pointed at the satellite and receives the signal and does the same thing; it bundles the radio waves into a point, thus amplifying the radio signal with 40 to 50 dB. (see illustration below).

Amplification in the whole path is extremely big. The transmitting antenna amplifies, the receiving antenna amplifies, the transmitter it self amplifies, and the receiver itself also amplifies the signal. A total amplification of over 120 dB (over 1.000.000.000.000 times) is necessary because the atmosphere and also the long distance just decrease the signal power a lot.

By Gary Davis
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Webmasters: You may reprint this article in its entirety, providing you leave the Byline and About the Author sections intact, including the links to Dish Network Satellite TV.

Gary Davis is the owner of Dish Network Satellite TV, has several years experience in the Satellite TV Industry and has written numerous articles about satellite TV.

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