Satellite TV Set Up Fun

Satellite TV was the rainbow after the storm in my life. I had just left my drudge of a job, as an overworked sales clerk. I was bored at home, feeling really low. I did a lot of looking around in stores and window shopping just to get out of the house. I saw a promotion in the window of one of the video stores in town. It was for a satellite TV system on sale. Since I didn't have cable TV At the time, this ad really attracted me.

I went in and had a look at the quality and content of the satellite programming being shown on one of the TV sets showing it. The picture was so impressive. The picture quality was so crystal clear, and sharp. The brochure the clerk provided me indicated that there were over 50 channels to watch. Of course I jumped at the chance to brighten up my life.

That evening the store owner installed the dish. He laid the cable and hooked everything up. The system was turned on and then nothing. The receiver had to wait to be activated. This took over 24 hours to occur. When it started working it was terrific. It featured all the movie channels one could wish for. HBO, Cinemax, the Movie Channel, the independent Film Channel, and more. There were more sports channels than one could watch. MTV quickly became one of my favourites. Shows like Road Rules, and The Real World, made my day. It was like being in touch with a world I had never known.

Satellite TV signal reception has vulnerabilities. During heavy rain or snow storms, the amount of data carried in the signal is reduced, sometimes so much so that the computer which constructs the picture on the screen, can't do its job. When this happens little blocks pop up on the screen. This is called picture break up. If the rain or snow storm becomes more heavy, the data will became so reduced that the video freezes its movement. The computer crashes. Unplugging the receiver, removing and reinserting the smart card usually fixes the computer crash. When the storm has passed and the dish can receive, the satellite TV data at a normal signal strength, everything will work, normally once the receiver is plugged in and turned on.

When I moved residences, I had to reinstall the Satellite TV dish. This involves attaching a mast to the wall of your house, with a clear view of the southern sky. That means no trees, houses, or anything, in the way of the line of sight the dish has to the satellite location in the sky. The mast must be levelled vertically. The satellite dish is placed on the mast and set to the approximately height and direction of the satellite location in the sky. The receiver is then connected to the wire lead from the dish, and the TV. When the receiver is turned on and put in tuning mode, a graph will display the satellite signal strength. The satellite dish is moved ever so gently by a hairs width, up and down, side to side, until you reach the highest satellite signal strength. This gives you the best chance of viewing longer during a rain or snow storm.

On the whole satellite TV is the best TV viewing you can experience. You usually get more for your dollar, and it's worth every penny spent.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Satellite TV

Getting To Know The Satellite TV System

We are living in the information age, with access to anything at our fingertips via the Internet and our televisions. With cable television and satellite TV systems, we have access to hundreds of channels that are address just about every interest: sports, music, cooking, home decorating, children's shows, movies, cars, history, and many more. Satellite TV systems in recent years have stolen some of cable TV's thunder in their ability to offer more channels, for a better price, and often with better reception than standard cable TV. But, cable TV is striking back, and has leveled the playing field in recent years. Since its inception, satellite TV has provided a viable option to the television consumer.

Satellite TV is brought into the home via communications satellites high in the atmosphere, as opposed to cable TV, which brings its service into the home via underground cables. Home satellite TV service began in the 1980's with the introduction of systems that received the same signals used for cable TV distribution. Early satellite TV systems were quite expensive, and the satellite dishes were often as large as 12 feet in diameter.

DBS, or direct broadcast satellite, is known commonly as "mini-dish systems", and is what is available to consumers today. DBS requires special equipment for the home (a satellite dish and a receiver box) that is encrypted by the specific service provider chosen by the customer. The satellite equipment uses a special card to decode the signal in order to allow viewing access to the paying customer. The card is used to permit only the customer paying for that specific service to view the premium channels (if subscribed to), as well as the free channels available to everyone.

In the infancy of satellite TV systems, all channels for free an open for public consumption, including what we know today as premium channels, such as HBO. This was highly appealing and gave satellite TV systems a huge opportunity for growth. However, when HBO decided to encrypt their signal in 1986, other cable services followed suit, and satellite sales plummeted. There was simply too much expensive equipment to purchase in addition to paying monthly fees for TV channels. Thus cable TV moved in.

Satellite TV saw a resurgence in the 1990's when the mini-dish systems became an affordable and reliable alternative to cable TV. Cable TV costs were climbing due to lack of competition, and consumers took advantage of the new choice they were offered. DirecTV was the first high-capacity home satellite TV system, and it was made available in 1994. Several other services, like Dish Network and Primestar followed soon after, creating competition among satellite TV service providers, as well as competition with the cable TV industry. So much competition was good news for consumers. Prices came down, and incentives were offered to lure customers from one service provider to another.

Cable TV has since leveled the playing field with the introduction of digital cable, offering even more reliable reception, more reasonable costs, just as many channels, and such perks as no contract obligations.

Satellite TV systems do have their drawbacks for the consumer. Though the high-quality picture is a definite bonus, the reception is highly subject to atmospheric interference, such as bad weather and sunspots. This can knock out service for hours at a time, and can be very frustrating. In addition, if you subscribe to a satellite TV system because you live in a remote location, and cable TV is not available to you, you might not have access to local TV channels. This might require using an antenna to try to get local network broadcasts. Further, the lure that satellite TV once had, that being the quantity of additional channels available over cable TV, is a thing of the past. Digital cable has opened more options to consumers, offering them just as many, and sometimes more, channels as a satellite TV system.

A satellite TV system is an affordable and often reliable alternative to cable TV. Sometimes satellite TV is the only alternative, due to location. Satellite TV offers the same extras as cable TV, with DVR (Digital Video Recorder) capabilities, pay-per-view channels, and music choice channels. And because of the competition among the satellite TV service providers themselves, the equipment prices are often greatly reduced, and sometimes even free of charge. A satellite TV system can be a viable alternative to cable TV.

Learn the essential information for picking the right satellite system at Satellite TV System

What makes satellite TV so great anyway?

#TITLE#Will You, Too, Join the Cult of Satellite TV?#/TITLE#

Have you ever noticed how satellite TV subscribers seem to live in groups? Really...take a look at a subdivision, and notice how 5-6 dish owners all live next to one another - it's like some sort of weird cult when you think about it! I have seen entire subdivisions go "the way of the dish" in a few short months. So why does this "grouping" phenomenon seem to happen with satellite TV?

There aren't any doctoral theses on the subject, but I would like to offer an educated guess: Basically, people are fed up with cable. And hey, an odd-looking satellite TV dish perched atop your neighbor's roof one day is bound to spark your curiosity. After striking up a conversation and hearing about all the great things that a dish satellite TV system has to offer subscribers, it is easy to see how a domino effect could start in a neighborhood. Once one brave soul decides to take the plunge and subscribe to satellite TV, the rest will soon follow. It's just a theory, but I think we might just have a story here, Houston.

Are you bored with the selection offered by your cable provider or just plain tired of paying through the nose for the channels you actually watch? A dish satellite TV system provides viewers with a greater selection of channels for less money than cable - period. Cable companies may try to lure customers in with low introductory rates, but they always rise after a few short months - and hey, why should you pay more for worse selection with cable, when satellite TV gives more for less?

Oh come now...there has to be a catch around here somewhere!

Hey, that's smart thinking! And yes, there are always tradeoffs when choosing satellite TV over cable. The first is that a dish satellite TV system tends to lose signal during storms. Without question, that could really put you in a bad mood if you get cut off while watching the latest episode of 'Desperate Housewives'. But the good news is that satellite TV technology continues to improve, so the weather will cease to be an issue within a very short time. Although subscribers to satellite TV do have to put up with lost signal every once in awhile, the same can be said of cable - and the extra channels and lower cost more than compensate for this inconvenience.

The second major drawback of satellite TV is the lack of local programming. Personally, I never bother with the local news anyway, and I'm not a big high school football fan, so the lack of these local channels on my dish satellite TV system doesn't bother me. But some satellite TV companies are making deals with local programming affiliates in larger markets to help eliminate this gripe. Still, it is another disadvantage of using satellite TV instead of cable. Can you live without those local channels? Probably...at least for a week or two!

Satellite providers are addressing the two main complaints against a dish satellite TV system. But even if you accept these two drawbacks to satellite TV, the advantages simply outweigh the problems. And besides - satellite TV is the future. So don't be surprised if you find yourself joining the Cult of Satellite TV one day - even if you are a die-hard cable fan - because the technology continues to improve, and the problems become fewer.

Albert Medinas has developed and maintains the website Satellite TV Universe, which answers the most common questions viewers have about Satellite TV. Please visit us at http://www.satellitetvuniverse.com today.

DISH Network Satellite TV -- What You Need to Know Before You Order

Launched in 1996 by EchoStar Communications, DISH Network is the second-largest satellite TV provider in the world, with 11 million subscribers and 9 broadcast satellites.

In addition to TV programming, DISH Network satellite TV also offers 50 Sirius Satellite Radio music channels and Starband broadband Internet service.

J.D. Power and Associates recently ranked DISH Network #1 in customer satisfaction among all U.S. satellite TV and cable companies.

DISH Network Satellite TV System

To receive DISH Network programming you need a DISH Network satellite TV system to capture the broadcast signal and transmit it to your TV.

Due to the competition between DISH Network dealers, you can now get a complete DISH Network satellite TV system free when you subscribe to their programming service.

Here's what you get when you subscribe to DISH Network's satellite TV service:

* A free DISH Network satellite TV dish and stand.

* Up to four free receivers plus universal remotes.

* Free DISH Network HDTV (high definition TV) receivers.

* Free installation in up to four rooms of your home.

* Free gifts such as a free DVD player and home theater system (click on the links below for current offers).

DISH Network Satellite TV Service

Here's what you get with DISH Network service:

* All-digital programming for the clearest picture and sound available.

* More than 256 program program channels.

* Up to 500 commercial-free movies per month.

* DVR (digital video recording) so you can record your favorite programs.

* Up to 60 pay-per-view programs per day.

* Your local channels broadcast in digital format.

* Fifty commercial-free Sirius Radio music channels with CD-quality sound.

* Toll-free, 24-hour, 7-days-a-week customer service.

DISH Network Satellite TV Programming

Here are the DISH Network programming packages currently available:

* America's Top 60 ? 60 program channels for $31.99 per month.

* America's Top 120 --120 program channels plus 32 channels of Sirius satellite radio for $42.99 per month.

* America's Top 180--180 program channels plus 50 channels of Sirius satellite radio for $52.99 per month. * America's "Everything" Pak--230 program channels, Showtime, Starz!, HBO, Cinemax, 50 channels of Sirius satellite radio, and DISH Network HDTV programming for $86.99 per month..

Note: For more information on DISH Network programming packages, current offers, and free gifts, click on the links at the bottom of this article.

Ordering DISH Network Satellite TV Service

You can place your order online, or you can call toll-free and order through a DISH Network representative.

The representative will take your order, schedule your installation, and answer any questions you may have. Installation time is usually one to five days after you place your order.

A certified Direct TV installer will install your system, test it to make sure it works, then show you how to use all the functions and controls.

Bottom Line

With DISH Network satellite TV service starting at a dollar a day, plus the fact that you can get a complete satellite TV system for free, DISH Network satellite TV is a bargain.

Click on the following link for more information on free satellite TV systems and service, or these links for ordering information, the latest offers, and free bonuses from DISH Network satellite TV or DIRECTV satellite TV.

Brian Stevens is a professional freelance writer and webmaster who has written extensively on DISH Network satellite TV.

FAQ for satellite TV deals

So, what is a satellite TV?

So, what is a satellite TV?

It's a complicated question. In short, a satellite TV system is a wireless system delivering television programming directly to an end user. The whole system you can see in your home, a satellite dish, satellite decoder, and a remote.

The small satellite dish, about 18 to 24 inches in circumference, is installed outside your house; with the satellite decoder linked to your TV. Television and satellite TV stations transmit programming via a digital signal (satellite TV signals).

Satellite TV 'Who'?

Two main providers of satellite TV in United States are Direct TV satellite TV and Dish Network satellite TV. Both satellite TV companies are promoting hard with their free satellite TV deals all over the country.

Nowadays, satellite TV business is turning into a huge success, where satellite TV became the fastest selling consumer electronics product ever to enter the market.

Why is satellite TV so success?

The short answer: pay LESS, get MORE!

Benefit 1: Amazing Savings.
Benefit 2: Varieties, varieties, and varieties!
Benefit 3: Quality customer service.
Benefit 4: Choose your own satellite TV program!
Benefit 5: Instant! Easy! Convenient!

Topnotch picture quality, superior value and plenty of programming, if you want all these, digital satellite TV system are definitely your choice.
For more details on the benefits of satellite TV deals, visit this page:
http://www.satellitetvissue.com/benefits.htm

So, how satellite TV works?

To make things simple, this is what happens in your satellite TV system. Satellite TV broadcast stations, for example Dish Network or DirecTV satellite TV, use a powerful satellite antenna to transmit digital waves to the surrounding area.

Satellite TV viewers can receive the signal with a smaller satellite antenna. The digital signals used to broadcast television emit signals from the broadcast satellite antenna in a straight line.

To receive these signals, the satellite dish has to be in the direct line of sight of the antenna. Blockages such like trees or buildings in between would not cause any problems on the digital waves.

Is satellite TV suitable for you?

For United States, I can say that satellite TV is the right choice for 95% of the citizens. The figure would goes higher with current satellite TV market condition, with Dish Network and DirecTV offering free satellite TV deals all year long.

Compare satellite TV deals to cable TV! Either free satellite TV from DirecTV or Dish Network offers you more satellite TV program choicesup to nearly 300 channels! With current free satellite TV deals, you can even have your "own" satellite TV station with the satellite TV pay-per-view deals. This is different from normal cable TV, where you are forced to purchase whatever system your region offers and pay whatever price it offers. Direct TV and Dish Network offer you this advantage.

Cable TV users, ATTENTION! i am not going to say this twice.

If you are looking for your next home entertainment system, take time to discover DirecTV and Dish Network promotion in our site, you will love them. For cable TV subscriber, I am sure you will be make a switch very soon when you check out these free satellite TV deals! Check it yourself, browse those Free satellite TV offers from Direct TV and Dish Network satellite TV systems, check those satellite TV benefits in details and you will know what am I talking about. Pay less, and have more with free satellite TV system from Direct TV or Dish Network!

Teddy L.Cc., a successful freelance internet webmaster/writer. He is currently running 4 internet websites including http://www.satellitetvissue.com offering satellite TV deals