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.

Get your Satellite TV delivered directly to your PC! Instant Download! Visit: http://www.ginster-web.com/sate

How to Get a Free Satellite TV Receiver and Dish

Free Satellite TV Receiver and Dish

Satellite television has become increasingly popular in recent years and is gaining by leaps and bounds on cable TV. However, many people resist getting satellite TV service because they're worried about having to buy additional equipment.

The good news is most satellite TV companies will now give you all the equipment you need for satellite TV viewing - a free satellite dish and up to four free receivers - as an incentive to subscribe to their service.

How Does a Satellite Receiver Work?

A digital satellite receiver decodes and descrambles the digital programming signal sent from a TV satellite and transmits it to a television. Many receivers can also record satellite TV programs and display high definition (HD) programming.

What is a DVR receiver?

A DVR (digital video recorder) receiver is a type of receiver that can record satellite TV programs. Standard DVR receivers can record up to 100 hours of programming, and you can also get receivers that can record up to 200 hours.

In addition to recording, a DVR receiver allows you to fast forward through commercials, and pause live TV so you can get a snack or answer the phone.

What is an HDTV receiver?

An HDTV receiver is a satellite receiver that produces a high definition signal, providing the clearest picture available. It also broadcasts the audio signal in Dolby Digital format for the best sound.

What does a satellite TV dish do?

A satellite TV dish captures the signal coming from a satellite, and deflects it to an LNB (low-noise block) converter where the signal is amplified and sent to a television receiver.

Where can I get a receiver and dish for free?

Most DISH Network and DIRECTV satellite TV dealers will give you a free dish and free receivers as an incentive to subscribe to satellite TV service through them.

DISH Network programming service starts at $19.99 for their Dish Family programming package. They will give you a free dish and up to four free receivers plus remotes when subscribe. You can also get a free DVR receiver or a free HDTV receiver.

DIRECTV programming starts at $41.99 for their Total Choice package. They offer a free dish and four free receivers plus remotes when you sign with them. A DVR or an HD receiver is free after a $99 mail-in rebate.

Some DISH Network and DIRECTV dealers include hidden fees, do shoddy installation, and may offer limited customer service, so you need to be careful when you choose a satellite TV dealer. Click on the links below to see recommended DISH Network and DIRECTV dealers.

Visit http://www.thesatellitetvguide.com for more information, ordering information, plus the latest special offers and free bonuses from DISH Network and DIRECTV.

The author, Brian Stevens, is the senior editor for TheSatelliteTVGuide.com and has written extensively on how to get free satellite TV receivers and dishes

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.

Best LIVE Satellite TV/Radio for Your PC

Are you looking for the best website for watching 1000s of Satellite TV/Radio stations from all around the globe right on your PC? If yes, I've an answer for you. I've purchased a few online TV packages and this is the best site (SatelliteTVtoPC.com) that I recommend for watching more than 3000 quality Satellite TV stations right on your PC with a wide range of selections at the cheapest onetime price.

First of all, you don't need any special/extra hardware or equipment such as TV card or Satellite Receiver to use this service. As soon as signup was done, I got a link to the download site via email to download their software for LIVE broadcasts. I was able to watch worldwide TV stations instantly after installing the software. The picture resolution and sound quality are good. The software is neatly arranged with user-friendly menu options for easy navigation. It provides thousands of TV (3000+) stations and as well as major Radio stations from around the globe.

For instance, if you want to watch LIVE Game broadcasts, you don't need expensive Satellite or Pay-Per-View service anymore. You can watch all of them including their local commercials for FREE in your PC, which we think is the greatest feature. None of the channels are pre-recorded and all of them are LIVE stream videos from the fastest servers in their network. If you're a great Jazz fan, you got all Jazz Radio stations around the world including major US Jazz stations in one place.

The TV/Radio channels are arranged by country names and selecting a specific country's TV stations is very straightforward. I like the stations especially from UK, Canada, Australia, and of course US channels including News, Shopping, Sports, Weather, Movies, Music & much more. If you're a world traveler don't want to miss your home favorite channels, this is the best software for you. All you need is your Laptop, this software and of course internet connection.

Check this out: http://www.MoviesNMusic4u.com/SatelliteTVtoPC

A Myth or A Reality - Cheap Satellite TV

A few years ago satellite TV was considered a luxury. With a price tag from $2,000 to $10,000 for a satellite TV dish and the electronic boxes you need with it, having a cheap satellite TV system was not a reality for many people. You also had to take into consideration the cost of the installation which would set you back another few hundred dollars.

The great news is cheap satellite TV has now become a reality because of the competition. There are many more satellite TV companies now vying for the consumer's business. Many of the companies are even offering free installation.

What are some of the things you can expect to get from a satellite TV company? 1. A satellite TV dish and a mounting stand, FREE. 2. FREE receivers (up to 4 in some areas) with universal remote controls. 3. FREE installation. 4. FREE DVR (digital video recorder) receivers for recording your favorite shows. 5. An optional receiver for high-definition reception, HDTV.

You'll also find that some cheap satellite TV providers will also offer bonuses like home theater systems and DVD players.

Learning More about Cheap Satellite TV

For a DISH or DirecTV satellite system in the United States and Canada you can expect to pay from $32 a month for 60 channels and from $94 a month for around 215 channels.

Below are some of the features you can expect with your programming packages. 1. More than 255 programming channels with digital picture and sound. 2. Digital video recorder. This device will allow you to skip commercials and record your favorite programs. 3. Up to 500 commercial free movies every month. 4. Optional high-definition programming. 5. Local channels offering digital quality picture and sound. 6. Up to 60 pay-per-view programs each day. 7. Music channels with digital sound and no commercials. 8. 24/7 customer service, toll-free and online.

You'll often find the satellite TV companies offering introductory program packages at much lower prices for new customers.

And the Bottom Line It Is...

Everyone now has the ability to get cheap satellite TV services. What you need ask yourself is whether you want the cheapest price per channel or the cheapest package.

Dish network seems to provide the cheapest satellite TV package in the United States. They're America's Top 60 package includes 60 programming channels with local channels included for $31.99 a month. This is considered their low-end package.

DirecTV has a Total Choice programming package for $41.99 per month. With this option you get the lowest price per channel. The package includes 135 programming channels and 31 music channels.

With all the options that are now available you will certainly be able to find a cheap satellite TV service that will provide you with what you're looking for. If you consider TV an important part of your entertainment and you're looking for high quality with a wide range of shows, movies and sports to choose from you should consider subscribing to a satellite TV service.

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

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

Satellite TV Providers - DISH Network vs. DIRECTV

If you are familiar with dishnetwork, when it comes to comparing Satellite TV providers, it is hard to determine which is the best choice between them because both their pricing and programming are very similar, including news channels, sports channels, movie channels, premium channels, foreign channels, etc.

With over 150 channels, the dish network offers a new dimension of entertainment with the best modern technology enabling digital sound and superior picture quality in comparison with cable TV. In the United States, the two major providers are Dish Network and DirecTV, covering the 50 states with slight differences depending on the lower end of the offer spectrum.

In pricing, the basic difference between these Satellite TV providers is minor and both include local channels where available. Dishnetwork rates may vary due to promotions applicable nationwide of in any given state, but also making a pricing difference in accordance to taxes, including extra where applicable.

Dish Network and DirecTV offer adequate parental control over what your kids are watching, but only DirecTV allows you to control your expenses in pay per view channels. Another advantage of the dishnetwork is the convenient Internet service, resulting in cheaper payments while staying connected online.

These Satellite TV providers offer a service beyond any expectations with a great value for your money, however DirecTV has been around since 1994, thus the reason why this company has the largest dishnetwork base in United States. In addition, some leagues and sport channels are only available through DirecTV due to previous exclusive negotiations, making superior their offer when it comes to satisfy sport channels addicts.

However, Dish Network has introduced recently the NHL Center Ice package and the NBA League Pass, broadening its sports coverage. On the other hand, comparing HDTV between Direct TV and Dish Network, this last one offers a better deal, as the dishnetwork is the pioneer in digitalizing sound and picture of the TV programming.

Currently, Dish Network has over 10 million Satellite TV consumers, and is the favorite of people with foreign origin, since they provide a large number of foreign programming and channels covering most languages worldwide, making them a great choice for general audiences, while sports fans always will have the best with DirecTV.

Both providers offer promotional packages, including special programming or discounts on premium channels, but also they offer free satellite TV equipment and installation to encourage subscriptions. Dish Network provides its own equipment, while DirecTV gives you the freedom of purchasing your dishnetwork equipment from them or anywhere else.

Natalie Aranda writes about computer, information technology and communications

My search for reality in TV revealed satellite TV and TV's future, now.

I never dreamed of TV becoming amazing again - I was the guy with 12 o'clock blinking green on his VCR. Yes, I said VCR. So getting the hang of today's TV wasn't a piece of cake.

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

This was a long way from the TV I was nurtured on?

I remember seeing 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. ...Man did the warm glow of that box-at-the-end-of-a-wire get me excited.

Oh, I watched plenty alright! And you know what? I can't ever remember complaining about getting up from the couch to change the channel... or to adjust the antenna. Then again, Wagon Train on a 19 inch "color set" was as good as it got for a while.

I lost track of television's high technologies after that I suppose. I saw TVs getting bigger and I did get hip to cable and the remote control - but distracted by life and a million other things - today's satellite TV and the whole awesome new experience almost passed me by.

It wasn't until my first trip to a home-electronics super-store - to replace a dinosaur, 25 inch 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... but rather, lost.

Lost in a new-world-unknown.

A world where I discovered satellite tv on flat screens square and wide and thin plasmas that hung on the wall. Flat-panel LCDs framed in silver and perched upon slender, tilting pedestals.There were TVs that connect to your computer and one giant-screen, rear-projector that eats digital camera's memory-sticks and can show your photos of grandma on vacation fleecing the casinos - in larger than life - and surround sound.

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

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.

Those links above will help you get a clue about "what's out there" before you buy "what could become" the most incredible entertainment experience you and your living room - and Elvis could ever dream-up. And for a far better price than you might be thinking.

Keep your eyes on the Planet and I'll fill you in soon on why I don't leave my house anymore.

Danny Planet is author of Danny's Planet, the hippest free zine out there, hundreds of articles, web pages, radio commercials and celebrity ghost scrawling. To see what Danny's up to, visit him at Satellite TV and get your seat on Danny's Planet Ark

Cheap Satellite TV -- Who Has the Best Deals?

Just a few years ago there was no such thing as a cheap satellite TV system. A decent system cost anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 for a satellite TV dish and the array of electronic boxes that came with it. Not only that, it cost hundreds of dollars to have a big-dish satellite TV system installed.

Today, because the satellite TV industry has become so competitive, dealers are giving away satellite TV systems to entice people to subscribe to their satellite TV service.

Even the installation is free.

So when it comes to finding a cheap TV system, you're in luck. They're not just cheap, they're free.

Satellite TV Systems

Here?s what you get when you subscribe to either DISH Network or DIRECTV's satellite TV service:

* A free satellite TV dish and mounting stand.
* Up to four free satellite TV receivers plus universal remote controls.
* Free professional installation of your system in up to four rooms of your home.
* Free DVR (digital video recording) receivers so you can record your favorite programs.
* HDTV satellite TV receivers (optional) for high definition reception.

 Visit http://www.TheSatelliteTVGuide.com to see the latest offers.

Cheap Satellite TV Service

When it comes to satellite TV service, you can pay anywhere from $31.99 a month for 60 channels of programming, on up to $93.99 a month for 215 channels.

Both DISH Network or DIRECTV's satellite TV service includes the following:

* More than 225 program channels with digital-quality picture and sound.
* Up to 500 commercial-free movies per month.
* DVR (digital video recording) so you can bypass commercials and record your favorite programs.
* HD (high definition) programming.
* Up to 60 pay-per-view programs per day.
* Your local channels with digital picture and sound.
* Commercial-free music channels with all-digital sound.
* Toll-free and online 24/7 customer service.

Note: DISH Network and DIRECTV offer special introductory programming rates for new customers. Click on the links below for current offers.

The Bottom Line

Getting the cheapest price for satellite TV depends on whether you want the cheapest service, or you want the cheapest price per channel.

DISH Network has the cheapest satellite TV service. Their starter package -- America's Top Sixty -- gives you 60 channels of satellite TV programming, including your local channels, for $31.99 per month.

DIRECTV's Total Choice program package offers the cheapest price per channel at $0.31 per channel ($41.99 ? 135 channels). In addition to 135 program channels, you also get your local channels and 31 music channels.

If television is your primary form of entertainment and you want a wide variety of shows, movies, sports, and news ... if you're tired of fuzzy reception and want digital-quality picture and sound ... if your cable bill is beginning to equal your mortgage payment -- then I think you'll find satellite TV is a real bargain.

Brian Stevens is a professional freelance writer and webmaster who has written extensively on satellite tv systems.

Visit http://www.TheSatelliteTVGuide.com for more details on free satellite TV systems and service, ordering information, plus the latest special offers and free bonuses from DISH Network and DIRECTV satellite TV.

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.