The 5 Benefits Of Satellite TV

1. Tons Of Channels - All Satellite TV offers have huge channel packages, even the lowest of the low carry over 500 channels for you to enjoy. They cover a variety of interests including: music, general interest, sitcoms, adult programming, local, and many more. You can always upgrade your package if you need more. This is usually not necessary as they provide more than enough channels to choose from.

2. Available Everywhere- Satellite TV is widely available in the continental US. You can almost always find a good, solid provider for your place of residence.

3. Superb Deals- With the emergence of the internet, all sorts of offers are becoming available to the average joe consumer. Just do a google search for "Free Satellite TV" and you will come up with over 70,000,000 results! In some cases you can even receive a complete setup for free!

4. On Demand Products - The best thing about Satellite TV is the large amount of On Demand services they provide. You can always add on anything you need instantly or with little to no hassle. You usually use your remote to navigate and order new products. They also have a huge selection of movies and other pay-per-view titles that you can purchase for a low price and get it delivered directly to your television.

5. Low Cost Equipment - The equipment for Satellite TV is very cheap and takes a short amount of time to setup. The Satellite TV company usually has a technician come over to your house and they setup everything quick and painlessly. I had a great experience with Dish Network, I called them to come fix my receiver and they were there in under 30 minutes to fix everything. They even gave me free movie channels for a few weeks in return for the downtime.

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Cable and Satellite TV-Tips To Help You Make The Best Choice

As time goes by, the discussion of cable vs satellite TV continues as a neverending dispute. The deep pockets of each side fuels the flames showing that one is better than the other. To discover which option is best for you, you must go past the hype and focus on what you genuinely require.

If you're trying to decide if digital cable or satellite TV is the best choice for you, you'll have to do some detective work to see how the advantages and disadvantages weigh out and compare against one another. Some individuals will prefer satellite television over cable television, and vice versa. The right choice for you really depends on your wants and needs and what you're most definately looking for. There are a couple of different things for you to consider, such as what options are available, the picture quality, the various control features and options, specific deals and programs, and how the price compares.

The soaring competition between cable and satellite TV has actually been an advantage for the consumers. Satellite and cable TV vendors and companies battle with lower costs, better promotions, more programming choices, more affordable installation, better and affordable equipment, special introductory discounts, and more. When you're thinking about cable vs satellite TV and you can't decide, the best thing to do is look at which specials are being offered where you live for both providers, and then compare them against each other. You may even want to make some phone calls and let the satellite and cable providers acknowledge that you're shopping, looking for deals, and that you can't decide which provider to use. You may find better specials than were originally advertised.

Basically, satellite television offers more quality programing options than cable TV, but getting more high end options also raises the monthly fees. In addition, satellite TV may have more control choices than cable TV, but satellite TV can often be more difficult to install. The availability of either satellite or cable television will also vary quite a bit depending on the location you reside in.

Charles Amith is a successful Webmaster and publisher of http://TopSatelliteDeals.com. Charles provides informative content on satellite entertainment, as well as more information on cable vs satellite tv.

DISH Network Satellite TV Receivers - Which One is Best?

DISH Network Satellite TV Receivers

A satellite TV receiver is the electronic box that decodes and sends the satellite signal to your television.

DVR (digital video reorder) satellite TV receivers can also let you record live TV shows, skip through commercials, and pause the show you're watching so you can get a snack or answer the phone.

Here's a review of DISH Network satellite TV receivers:


Free DISH Network Satellite TV Receivers

DISH Network offers two free standard receivers:

* The DISH 311 receiver has one tuner for viewing satellite TV programs on one television.

* The DISH 322 receiver has two tuners for independent TV viewing on two separate televisions.

DISH Network offers one free DVR receiver, the DVR 625, that allows you to:

* Pause and rewind live satellite TV programs
* Record a live TV program while you watch a pre-recorded program
* Record up to 100 hours of your favorite shows, sports events, and movies
* Record two programs simultaneously

DISH Network offers one free HD receiver, the VIP211, that lets you:

* Watch programs in SD (standard definition), HD (high definition), and Analog formats
* Listen to your programs in Dolby Digital format

Note: In order to get a free satellite TV receiver you must subscribe to DISH Network's Programming service. As a subscriber you get up to four free receivers and one satellite dish plus free installation.

DISH Network programming prices start at $19.99 for 40 channels.


Other DISH Network Satellite TV Receivers

Dish Network offers a combination DVR and HD receiver, the VIP622, for $199.99. It allows you to:

* Record to 180 hours of programming in an all-digital format
* Pause, stop, fast forward, and replay TV shows
* Record two TV programs at the same time
* Record a live TV show while watching another live show
* Record two live shows while watching a pre-recorded program
* Watch programs in SD, HD, and Analog formats
* Listen to your programs in Dolby Digital audio


Bottom line

If you want the easiest and most efficient way to record your favorite programs then I suggest getting one of DISH Network's free DVR recorders. If you want the clearest, most lifelike picture, then a free HD receiver is what you need. And if you want the best of both worlds and don't mind spending the extra $200, the combination DVR/HD receiver is just the ticket.

Visit http://www.thesatellitetvguide.com for more information on DISH Network satellite TV receivers. Click on the following link for current ordering information and the latest special offers from DISH Network. 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 DISH Network satellite TV receivers.

Satellite TV Offers ------ Dish Network and DirecTV

Markets are swarming with the various deals offered by the satellite TV providers. But one has to make a choice depending upon prices, subscription deals and quality of customer service. Let's compare the offerings of the two magnates of satellite TV --Dish TV and DirecTV. Since everyone has a personal opinion on the services provided by both, a comparative study would help subscribers choose the better of the two.

1. DISH NETWORK Satellite TV Offers

Dish network was the first satellite TV to offer 500 channels which were fully digitalized. Dish network packages include Americas Top 60 Plus, Americas Top 120 Plus, and Americas Top180 Plus. It has wide range of programs that includes the best of sports, news, and children's programs.

Highlights of Dish Network deals:

* Dish Network Packages starting at $19.99 per month.

* It gives free 4-room satellite TV system.

* No equipment to buy.

* Free activation, delivery and professional installation.

* Free DVR and HD equipments options.

* Most Dish Network dealers' offers life time warranty for their basic satellite equipments.
* Dish Network broadcasts as many as 231 NFL pre-season, regular season and post-season playoff games without having to purchase a costly season package subscription! (Game access subject to channel availability and programmer restrictions.)

* It has more comprehensive dishnetwork international programming with additional foreign language programming packages Dish 500 programming package also has Dish Latino, Dish Latino Dos and Dish Latino Max which features Spanish and English language channels. There are also Arabic, Greek, Russian, Korean, South Asian and dishnetwork Chinese packages.

High Definition TV for DISH NETWORK

Dish network's HDTV gives viewers crystal-clear picture which was not possible with the regular analog TV. It has 5.1 Dolby digital surround sound and reproduces TV programs with theatre quality. Dish Network is the first company in the world with the new HD receiver, which uses a MPEG-4/DVB system.

Digital Video Recorder by DISH NETWORK

DVR is offered by Dish network. Dishnetwork DVR allows you to digitally record, store and playback any type of Dish network programs. Live sporting, feature-length films, sit-coms can be recorded seamlessly. One can pause, reverse and fast-forward the recorded and upcoming programs.

2. DIRECTV Satellite TV Offers

DIRECTV offers nearly 225 channels that are digitalized. Its programmes include movies, pro and college sports, news, international programs, music and events. It also offers about 30 pay-per-view channels like HBO, Cinemax, Starz, and Showtime with 36 commercial free music channels. DirecTV also offers adult programs that include Playboy, Spice etc.

Highlights of DirecTV deals:

* DirecTV Packages starting at 29.99$ per month.

* It gives free 4-room satellite TV system.

* No equipment to buy for installation of satellite TV.

* Free activation, delivery and professional installation.

* DVR (Tivo) & HDTV upgrade options available. If you want a DVR receiver you will be charged an additional $49.99. The charge for HDTV receivers is $299.99.

* DirecTV dealers normally provide a 2 year extended warranty from the day of activation of their satellite systems.

* Direct TV's biggest advantage is that they have exclusive rights to NFL Sunday Ticket, which gives subscribers access to every NFL game each week. With Sports season pass feature on TiVo, DirecTV lets users record an entire season without re-runs. Dish Network, though, has plenty of sports and entertainment packages of their own to consider.

* Up to 50+ Premium Channels FREE with annual commitment to any Total Choice PLUS Programming Package.

DIRECTV HDTV - (High Definition Television)

It is an optional service which requires a HD receiver in addition to satellite dish and HD compatible T V. The charge for HDTV receivers is $299.99.HDTV is totally digitalized with 5.1 surround sounds and has 10 times more pixels than a regular TV.

DIRECTV DVR (TiVo) - (Digital Video Recorder)

This facility is only available if you have a DVR in addition to the satellite dish and standard TV. If you want a DVR receiver you will be charged an additional $49.99.

DirecTV DVR offers 35 to 70 hours of recording. Two shows can be recorded at once; you can pause, rewind and watch recordings in slow motion.

Both DIRECTV and DISH Network offer great deals both with regard to programming and equipment. Who you choose is a matter of personal choice and preference.

Mike Lazier is a senior editor and an expert panelist with AFreeDish.com - one of the leading Authorized Dish Network Web Retailers.

Satellite TV for PC Review

Wow this is awesome! This software is absolutely flawless I have just turned my computer into a super TV. Living alone I see no reason to keep cable one more minute I just cancelled my $75.00/mo service. Great picture quality programs from around the world from one simple software dowload. I mean movies, news, sports. I just finished watching The Matrix commercial free. Once the word gets out on this software cable TV and satellite dish companies are finished. I just hooked up my XBOX 360 and I am now streaming the satellite tv for pc to my television with virtually no difference in picture and sound quality. Even if you decide to keep your traditional satellite or cable tv service this is a must have for any PC owner.

I tried a couple of other versions of the software I am using now a couple months ago and I was not impressed. The software I am using now is the real deal it really is just like watching cable for free. I was amazed to find out this software is completely legal and it is safe for your PC. I recommend this satellite tv for pc to any PC owner. CLICK HERE FOR REVIEWED SOFTWARE

William Reed is owner of an independent teleservices company that solicits various products in the telecom and healthcare services industries.

The International Satellite TV Programming Guide

International Satellite TV Programming

There are hundreds of English satellite TV channels, but what about international satellite TV programming? Here's a guide that will show you what foreign language channels are available on DISH Network and DIRECTV.

DISH Network International Satellite TV Programming

African
ABN AMERICA/3A TELESUD - 2 channels for $24.99/month, ABN AMERICA - 1 channel for $14.99/month.

Arabic
ARABIC ELITE SUPER PACK - 15 channels for $39.99/month, ARABIC ELITE PACK - 11 channels for $32.99/month, ARABIC ENHANCED PACK - 8 channels for $25.99/month, A LA CARTE-IQRAA - 1 channel for $4.99/month.

Armenian
ARMENIA TV - 1 channel for $14.99/month

Chinese
GREAT WALL TV PACKAGE - 17 channels for $29.99/month, CHINESE VARIETY PACK - 5 channels for $27.99/month, CHINESE PLUS PACK - 3 channels for $24.99/month, CHINESE SUPER PACK - 6 channels for $21.99/month, CHINESE SELECT PACK - 3 channels for $19.99/month, PHOENIX NORTH AMERICA CHINESE CHANNEL - 1 channel for $14.99/month.

Farsi
TAPESH/T2 - 2 channels for $24.99/month, TAPESH - 1 channel for $14.99/month.

Filipino
VIVA PINOY PACK - 3 channels for $16.99/month, VIVA PINOY PACK - 3 channels for $11.99/month, THE MABUHAY CHANNEL - 1 channel for $14.99/month.

French
FRANCO-AFRICAN BOUQUET - 4 channels for $29.99/month, FRANCO-AFRICAN PACKAGE - 3 channels for $28.99/month, TV5/3A TELESUD/TRACE TV - 3 channels for $21.99/month, TV5/3A TELESUD - 2 channels for $19.99/month, 3A TELESUD/TRACE TV - 2 channels for $16.99/month, TV5/TRACE TV - 2 channels for $11.99/month, 3A TELESUD - 1 channel for $14.99/month, TV5MONDE - 1 channel for $9.99/month, TRACE TV - 1 channel for $3/month, RFI - 1 channel for $1/month.

German
GERMAN-LANGUAGE PACKAGE - 2 channels for $16.99/month, PROSIEBENSAT.1 WELT - 1 channel for $14.99/month.

Greek
GREEK SUPER PACKAGE - 11 channels for $50.99/month, ANTENNA PLUS TWO PACKAGE - 9 channels for $39.99/month, ANTENNA PLUS ONE PACKAGE - 9 channels for $32.99/month, ANTENNA PACKAGE - 6 channels for $22.99/month, ANTENNA SATELLITE - 1 channel for $14.99/month.

Israeli
THE ISRAELI NETWORK - 1 channel for $19.99/month.

Italian
PANORAMA ITALIANO - 6 channels for $19.99/month, RAI INTERNATIONAL - 2 channels for $12.99/month.

Japanese
TV JAPAN - 1 channel for $25/month.

Korean
KOREAN VARIETY PACK - 6 channels for $24.99/month.

Polish
POLISH SUPER PACK - 4 channels for $38.99/month, POLISH PREMIUM PACKAGE - 3 channels for $29.99/month, TVN COMPLETE PACKAGE - 2 channels for $19.99/month, POLISH-LANGUAGE PACKAGE - 2 channels for $19.99/month, POLSAT 2 INTERNATIONAL - 1 channel for $14.99/month, KINO POLSKA - 1 channel for $14.99/month, ITVN - 1 channel for $14.99/month, TVN 24 - 1 channel for $9.99/month.

Portuguese
RBTI/TV GLOBO/RECORD - 3 channels for $34.98/month, RBTI/TV GLOBO - 2 channels for $29.98/month, RTPI - 1 channel for $4/month, TV GLOBO INTERNACIONAL - 1 channel for $19.99/month, SPT - 1 channel for $19.99/month, RECORD INTERNATIONAL - 1 channel for $14.99/month.

Russian
RUSSIAN VALUE PACK - 2 channels for $24.99/month, RTVI/RTVI PLUS PACKAGE - 2 channels for $24.99/month, TVCI - 1 channel for $14.99/month, NTV AMERICA - 1 channel for $14.99/month.

South Asian
MEGA PACK - 12 channels for $54.99/month, JUMBO PACK #1 - 7 channels for $49.99/month, JUMBO PACK #3 - 7 channels for $49.99/month, JUMBO PACK #2 - 4 channels for $49.99/month, SUPER PACK - 4 channels for $39.99/month, CHOOSE ANY THREE - 3 channels for $34.99/month, CHOOSE ANY TWO - 2 channels for $24.99/month, CHANNEL-I/NTV BANGLA - 1 channel for $24.99/mo, GEMINI TV/TEJA TV - 1 channel $24.99/month, SUN TV/KTV - 1 channel for $24.99/month, SURYA TV/KAIRALI TV - 1 channel for $24.99/month, B4U MOVIES/B4U MUSIC - 1 channel for $19.99/month.

Spanish
DishLATINO - 37 channels for $24.99/month, DishLATINO DOS - 88 channels for $34.99/month, DishLATINO MAX - 292 channels for $44.99/month, LATINO EVERYTHING PAK - 325 channels for $79.99/month.

Urdu
PAK SUPER PACK - 3 channels for $34.99/month, ARY DIGITAL/ARY ONE WORLD - 2 channels for $24.99/month, GEO TV/ARY DIGITAL - 2 channels for $24.99/month, GEO TV/ARY ONE WORLD - 2 channels for $24.99/month, PTV - 1 channel for $14.99/month, ARY DIGITAL - 1 channel for $14.99/month, GEO TV 3 - 1 channel for $14.99/month, ARY ONE WORLD 1 channel for $14.99/month, QTV - 1 channel for $7.99/month.

Note: When you order DISH Network international satellite TV programming you get a free satellite dish and up to four free receivers. Click on links below for more information.

DIRECTV International Satellite TV Programming

Caribbean
HYPE TV - 1 channel for $9.99/month.

Chinese
JADEWORLD - 5 channels for $36.99/month, MANDARIN DIRECT - 4 channels for $15.99/month.

Filipino
TFC DIRECT - 6 channels for $22.99/month, FILIPINO DIRECT - 7 channels for $32.99/month.

Italian
SKY TG24 - 1 channel for $9.99/month, CALICO DIRECT - 2 channels for $19.99/month.

Korean
KOREAN DIRECT - 4 channels for $26.99/month, CTS - 1 channel for $4.99/month.

Russian
RUSSIAN DIRECT - 4 channels for $29.99/month, RTR PLANETA - 1 channel for $14.99/month, CHANNEL ONE RUSSIA WORLDWIDE - 1 channel for $14.99/month.

South Asian
HINDI DIRECT - 6 channels for $29.99/month, AASTHA - 1 channel for $14.99/month, TELUGU DIRECT - 1 channel for $14.99/month, TAMIL DIRECT - 1 channel for $14.99/month, HINDI DIRECT - 6 channels for $29.99/month, GUJARATI DIRECT - 1 channel for $14.99/month, NDTV - 1 channel for $14.99/month, BANGLA DIRECT - 1 channel for $14.99/month.

Ukrainian
STUDIO 1+ 1 INTERNATIONAL - 1 channel for $14.99/month.

Vietnamese
VIETNAMESE DIRECT - 1 channel for $22.95/month.

Note: When you order DIRECTV international satellite TV programming you get a free satellite dish and up to four free receivers. Click on links below for more information.

Visit http://www.thesatellitetvguide.com for more international satellite TV programming information. Click on the following link for ordering information and to see all the DISH Network programming. Click this link for ordering information and to see all the DIRECTV programming.

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

Satellite TV consumer guides: Must know facts for Dish and DirecTV shoppers

Satellite TV services are less expensive, provide better picture quality (digital signal) and give more programming choices to their users. It is no wonder that more than 20 millions subscribed to satellite TV services nowadays.

If you are one of those that still looking for the right satellite TV deals, it’s a good time for you to consider satellite TV services now as both satellite TV providers are fighting hard to win market shares. However, before you get into any dish TV deals, we suggest you to get clear of these facts upfront:

<strong>Major satellite TV providers in United States</strong>

Dish Network and DirecTV are the two major satellite TV providers; you will be most probably ordering either one of their services. DirecTV was the first satellite TV broadcast to be launched in United States. They started their services since 1994. 3 years later in year 1997, Dish Network who is owned by Echostar Communication Cooperation started their broadcast.

<strong>Free satellite TV deals </strong>

There are lots of free satellite TV deals can be found online. However to qualify for those free deals, you must be their first time customers and must be willing to commit to at least one year subscription contracts. Standard free satellite TV deals include free satellite decoders, remote controls, satellite dish, and sometimes DVR and HD systems.

<strong>Installations and shipping</strong>

Standard installation and shipping are normally free for Dish Network; however most DirecTV retailers charge a small amount of shipping fees.

<strong>Get satellite TV services online or offline?</strong>

Online order is recommended for satellite TV as most satellite TV online retailers offer the best bargains. Online satellite TV retailers run their business in a much lower operation fees hence their deals are often better than other bricks-and-mortal. Further more, online ordering is easy, instant, and less hassles. Why suffered?

<strong>Internet scams</strong>

Yes, satellite TV shoppers beware! There are lots of Internet scams in satellite TV business. To avoid those Internet scams when ordering satellite TV services, only order from official authorized satellite TV retailers. Review online satellite TV dealers here. (http://www.sunsatellites.com/dishnetwork/dealers.html)

<strong>Okay, I want to place my rder online, what’s next?</strong>

When ordering your satellite TV deals online, you will be required to 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.

<strong>DirecTV or Dish Network?</strong>

DirecTV or Dish Network system? This is the most frequent asked questions by satellite TV shoppers. Interestingly, both DirecTV and Dish Network offer around the same deals -- both provide more than 200 program channels; offer digital video recording capabilities (DVR for Dish Network, TiVo for DirecTV), high definition TV (HDTV) capabilities, digitalized picture and sound quality and 24-7 on-call customer service.

What differ these two satellite TV providers are pricing and programming. DirecTV’s packages are slightly expensive but they do normally include more sports channels. If you are a football fans, NFL Sunday Tickets offered by DirecTV might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, Dish Network offers more International and movie channels than any other TV broadcasting companies. You get lots of Spanish (Dish Latino) and Chinese channels with Dish Network, thus if you preferred more movie channels, Dish Network is your choice.

<strong>Wrapping things up…</strong>

For the past few years, we have seen an explosion of people choosing satellite over cable or network TV. It is no doubt that satellite TV is now one of the best options you can have for home TV entertainments. The question is: do you need it? Do you need extra TV entertainment for yourself or your family? Do you spend that much of time in front of your TV watching movies and sports event? The best advice we can give here is that order what you need and get what suit you the best. Do not ever order something extra just because it is free or it is cheap.

Teddy:"Free satellite TV offers" are for real! Are you qualified to get one? Check them out here: http://www.sunsatellites.com

Topeka Satellite TV Deals

Rapidly becoming extremely popular in the USA and many other parts of the world is satellite television. If you live in Topeka Kansas, we have compiled some great information about Topeka Satellite TV deals.

A vast majority of consumers prefer satellite television to traditional cable television or over the air broadcast services. Satellite television is more reliable and provides a digital signal therefore offers higher quality, a larger variety of channels, and normally affordable pricing. Another nice feature is the additional services that usually come as part of the subscription package which are normally unavailable through cable television services. Some examples of the extras could be a programming schedule, interactive programming guides, radio channels and Internet access, as well as information about many other programs. This can be all wrapped up as one satellite TV subscription package.

The Dish Network site should be your first stop for Topeka satellite TV services. The first thing to know is that you would receive 100% digital television and radio signals. Secondly, dish network will provide all of the equipment required to convert the signal into a format for a standard television.

The packages by Dish Network for Topeka Satellite TV includes more than 250 channels including all major shows, movies, news and sports channels. Just when you think there couldn't possibly be anything else, you'll discover parental control options are available as well which will make this a preferred provider for households with children.

One more favorite option of many Topeka Satellite TV users is the prerecording option available. This allows you to prerecord a television show or music with no commercials, which will allow you to watch them in a more convenient time frame.

As a final note, some robust promotions are running for new subscribers. One example would be two free high-definition television receivers, free installation for four rooms and a three-month free movie pack.

Another option for Topeka Satellite TV is Direct TV. Direct TV is also a major US satellite television provider. This service also includes many digital satellite channels such as news, movie or special channels. They also provide free installation, equipment and shipping to their new subscribers. As a new subscriber you will also be able to participate in drawings and have the opportunity to win gifts such as home theater DVD systems or video cameras.

Choosing a satellite TV service provider can depend on your budget and TV preferences, although you may find that prices are not that different. It's always a good idea to ask your friends which services they prefer or you can read through some of the online discussions so that you have a better understanding of the pros and cons of both Dish Network and Direct TV satellite television services. Naturally the final decision is yours.

Here are a few basic questions you might want to ask before you make a decision:

Can I see a list of all the channels? Does the plan include local programming? Do I have to choose my programming now? How many receivers will I be able to get? Is there a contract commitment? Can I get a dish if I live in a condo or apartment? What if my homeowners association won't allow satellite dishes? What kind of warranty do I get? Do I need a credit card to order?

Carlie Edwards publishes articles & resources on Today's Topics. For info on Satellite TV Service visit Satellite TV Service For a variety of topics visit Internet Resource Tip

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.

DirecTV and DISH Network How Do The Two Leading Satellite TV Providers Stack Up?

J.Gustafson If you live in the U.S. and want satellite TV systems, you have basically two choices. Yes, there are other providers out there, but for most viewers, DirecTV and DISH Network offer the most choices for the least money, although Pegasus and Voom are fast becoming major contenders in the satellite television industry. Competition being what it is, both DirecTV and DISH Network offer similar services and constantly adjust to add features and outdo their rivals. So how do you choose between the two? A side-by-side comparison of the services and prices shows some differences that help customers decide which service best fits their viewing needs. But first, a little background on each provider might be helpful.

DirecTV

The company known as The DirecTV Group is made up of four main units, which include DirecTV U.S., DirecTV Latin America, PanAmSat, and Hughes Network Systems (HNS). As a group, the organization serves over 12 million U.S. satellite TV customers and another 1.5 million subscribers in Latin countries. Through PanAmSat, they operate a fleet of 25 satellites capable of providing satellite transmissions to 98% of the world. And Hughes Network Systems operates a satellite-based consumer broadband Internet access service known as DirecWay. This component of Hughes has over 180,000 subscribers. HNS is also one of the largest manufacturers of DirecTV set-top receivers. The four different aspects of The DirecTV Group give the company a large, comprehensive base of direct and indirect satellite customers. Their partnerships with technology leaders such as AOL, Microsoft, and TiVo also add to their customer base.

There are plans for improving and expanding services in efforts to attract more customers. Hughes Network Services is developing SPACEWAY, a more advanced satellite broadband communications package that is expected to provide customers with more affordable high-speed, two-way data communications. SPACEWAY is expected to be introduced in 2005.

DirecTV has been actively working to increase the number of markets where they offer local programming. In January of this year, the company added 18 new markets that will receive local channels via the DirecTV(R) programming service. By year-end, the company plans to offer local channels in a minimum of 130 markets, representing 92% of U.S. television households. Continued marketing and development of their HDTV and DVR products will also be a part of their plans to expand their customer base. Two different basic dish designs and several different manufacturers provide DirecTV consumers with a number of dish options.

DirecTV subscribers have a choice of two basic dish designs for their satellite service. The round dish is the more common 18" design that has been popular across the country. The oval dish or low noise blockdown (LNB) dish is able to receive information from more than one satellite and is required for those who want to receive local channels, HDTV, or Spanish language programming.

Popular manufacturers of DirecTV compatible dishes include Hughes, Sony, Phillips, and RCA. Current DirecTV sales and deals offer the satellite dish and other equipment for free with a one-year commitment. It could cost anywhere from $50 to over $200 to purchase the DirecTV compatible dish separately.

DISH Network

EchoStar Communications Corporation and their DISH Network service are Hughes Networks top competitors. Headquartered in Englewood Colorado, EchoStar has been a leader in the satellite TV industry for over 20 years. The company, founded by Charlie Ergen, began as a distributor of C-band cable television systems and filed for a Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) license in 1987. The company received broadcast access in 1992, launched its own satellite, EchoStar I, in 1995, and introduced DISH Network in 1996.

Today, the company has 9 satellites, and through DISH Network, provides over 500 channels of video, audio, and data satellite services to over 8.5 million customers in the U.S. In addition to satellite television services, DISH Network customers can also receive high speed Internet, Interactive TV (on demand programming), and High Definition TV (HDTV).

HDTV is EchoStar's latest innovation, which reportedly delivers extraordinarily sharp pictures and integrated sound by digitizing television programming. Broadcasting all DISH Network programming in wide-screen format and transmitting up to 10 percent more pixels, HDTV provides a clearer more proportionate picture.

In August of 2003, EchoStar was the first company to offer a satellite receiver with a built-in digital video recorder (DVR). A DISH Network standard DVR receiver allows viewers to stop, rewind, fast forward and record up to 60 hours of live TV programming. More advanced receivers provide enhanced services.

DISH Network services can be purchased on-line or through a local retailer. Unlike its competitor, DirecTV, DISH Network offers equipment installation. This service usually involves a fee, but often is offered at free or reduced rates through special sales promotions.

The equipment needed for DISH Network satellite TV is basically the same as for DirecTV service. You need a dish, a satellite receiver, and the access cards. Depending on the type of satellite TV you want, you have several choices for equipment. Whether you want standard satellite TV or Digital Video Recording (DVR), or High Definition (HD) options, you will need a dish. Each type of service requires a different dish, but that is determined for you when you choose your package.

A Comparison

So how do the two leading satellite television services compare? Both offer over 200 channels and Pay Per View selections, DVD recorders, HDTV and seven HD channels each. But from there, things differ somewhat. Heres a side-by-side listing of the different packages and the services provided. Look them over and decide which satellite TV service is best for your budget and viewing needs.

DIRECTV

Free receivers included with price plan

HDTV Receiver:$399

Dish included

Lowest price plan: $36.99 per month

Highest price plan: $87.99 per month

Satellite Internet: Yes

DISH Network

Receivers are free to $149 depending on selection

HDTV receiver: $449

Dish inluded

Lowest price plan: $24.99 per month

Highest price plan: $77.99 per month

Satellite internet: No

C.J. Gustafson is a successful freelance writer for http://www.1st-Dish-TV.net She frequently writes on topics such as satellite TV and car audio accessories. She vows her next car will come with a factory installed satellite radio.