What Is A Satellite TV Provider?

When you receive satellite TV the signal must come from somewhere. But where? It comes from satellite dishes rotating the earth that companies and other people paid for to put up there for you to watch these shows regardless of where you live. The people that provide you with these channels and movies are called satellite TV service providers. These men and women work day and night to bring you high quality analog and digital cable and only ask for a small amount of money in return.

In the next few minutes you will have learned what a satellite service provider is and isn't and how that moving picture gets to your television screen.

What does a satellite TV provider do?

A satellite TV provider, as a person, runs a network in which their main purpose is to bring you a high quality broadcasted show or movie to your living room without you having to be in Mexico where they filmed it at. These men and women bring to you what you think the shows bring to you. Entertainment. And I believe these people need more credit because there job isn't so easy.

A satellite TV provider as a whole is the business in whole. It's all the people involved in bringing you the entertainment you so enjoy on your Friday nights, right before your weekend starts. These services provide the general cable to your TV. Like basic, basic extended, cable, or HDTV. They broadcast the signal from there building to a satellite up in the sky that then broadcasts it to the whole world or its designated locations.

Why do satellite TV providers charge so much?

When the first satellites were placed in the air it was a lot of money. It still costs a lot to develop, build, and launch one of these babies into orbit in space. The monthly charge you get charged with every month is to help pay for the costs of employees and the cost of having a satellite in orbit. These things can run a bit costly at some times and that is why channel packages can be more expensive to buy. The more people that buy these channels the less it will cost. This is because more people will be paying the price for the satellite in space and so they can drop the price as more people start becoming subscribers.

Christopher Buckley is owner of one of the internet's largest Satellite TV resources. To learn more about satellite TV provider, visit Satellite TV Blog

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

Satellite TV - Whats The Options?

Well, there are several options available to viewers, depending on your requirements. You have the choice of Sky Digital, Fixed European Satellite & Motorised Satellite Systems. But in this article, were going to cover Sky Digital and the benefits it provides the viewer compared to the old analogue.

So, Why Sky Digital:
As opposed to the old analogue system, where you had to have a 60cm satellite dish installed, Sky Digital is now available through what is called a ?mini-dish?, which is much less of an eyesore as the conventional system.

Furthermore, Sky digital will cater for all audiences, from entertainment channels with comedy and drama?s, movies including latest releases, music channels for you to keep up to date with the latest chart releases, or listen to your favourite genre, then there?s the radio stations, cartoon channels and news/documentary stations. There is a whole list of channels, available on different packages ranging from ?15 to ?42.50 (not including additional premium channels) per month.

What else can Sky do? Well, there?s

The Interactive Services:
The interactive services provided by Sky (telephone connection required and charged at a per minute rate) give the viewer the option to purchase goods through their Sky Digital Receiver.

By pressing a button on their controller, you will access the interactive services page, and then can choose whether to go shopping for goods, from a range of stores you can find on the high street and online, so you?ll never have to leave your sofa again!

If your not interested in shopping but after entertainment, there are a range of games available to play, as well as competitions to participate in, a friends & dating section, and also a health and lifestyle section providing information on a wide range of related issues. You can also check availability and what?s on at your local cinema!

The Sky+ & Multi Room Systems:
Ever wanted to watch a film when another film you wanted is being shown at the same time on a separate channel? We all have, and it is frustrating, having to choose which of the two your going to watch.

Well, with Sky+, you?ll have that problem no more. You can keep up-to-date with your favourite soap, and record another programme at the same time, and it will be stored in your Sky+ receiver?s Hard Drive for viewing later. No more will you and your partner have to argue on who is going to miss their programme this week!

Sky+ also gives the viewer the ability to pause what you?re watching. No, not just the recording, but what your watching in ?real time? can be stopped. So, when you receive those annoying sales calls in the middle of the night, and your just getting into your film and don?t want to miss any of it, you can now hit pause, answer the call then get back to film and carry on where you left of! Then when the film is ended, switch back to real-time to carry on viewing as normal.

With Sky+, an upgrade to your dish will have to me made, and a new receiver will have to be installed, which will have an integrated hard drive to record your programmes.

With the dish upgraded, you will also be able to have your existing box moved to another room in your property, so if your family want to watch cartoons, and your more interested in a film or the news, you can watch both, at the same time, in separate rooms (additional monthly fee?s will apply). This is called Sky Multiroom.

This can be extended as much as you want, providing you have the correct equipment installed.

Freesat From Sky:
Not want to pay a subscription, but still want Digital TV channels? Why not opt for the Freesat service available from Sky.

Very similar to a normal Sky system, but you don?t have to pay a monthly subscription, and will get a number of free digital channels (approximately 200) for your viewing pleasure.

Sky HD:
Sky HD is ?High Definition? Television broadcast from Sky. Not familiar with HD?

HD or HDTV is the latest generation of digital TV, providing life-like picture quality, at least four times superior to current standards. It will provide extremely clear and fine picture detail with richer colours, improving the visual experience.

At launch, HDTV is thought to be available from Sky. In order to view programmes broadcast in 'High Definition', a soon to be released HDTV Sky Receiver with Sky+ technology will be required. In addition, the benefit of High Definition will only be apparent through a HDTV television (ideally plasma or LCD).

Please note, not all Plasma & LCD televisions currently available are HDTV compatible. It is expected to become available in the first quarter of 2006. http://www.aerial-satellites.co.uk One of the UK's largest independant TV Aerial & Satellite TV Installation Companies.

Cable vs. Satellite TV - Which Is The Better Choice?

When considering cable vs. satellite TV it can be incredibly confusing, especially with so many commercials touting one system over the other. They both promise lots of perks such as pay-per-view and other features, and each service provider declares they are the best buy for your money. But there really is no comparison ? satellite TV service providers simply give you the best value for your money across the country.

In order to understand what you are getting for your money, make sure you ask plenty of questions when you compare cable TV and satellite TV. Don?t simply rely on advertising hype and your local cable service provider?s promises.

Why is Satellite TV Better Than Cable? So Many Reasons!

Many people don?t realize how much is offered with today?s satellite TV systems, assuming that they will be expensive or difficult to install. Not so! In fact, most of today?s top satellite TV companies such as service providers Dish Network and DirecTV, will come to your home and do the installation at no extra charge once you have a contract.

Your options are also greater with satellite TV vs. cable ? most of the larger companies offer their services just about anywhere you can imagine, whether you live high in the mountains, remotely located from the world where no cable reaches, or in a crowded city. Being national companies rather than small, locally owned cable services also means you will benefit from quality service at lower prices. It also ensures you are getting the benefit of state-of-the-art technology. Many cable companies today are either replacing old cable or struggling to keep up while satellite TV providers are forging into the future.

Of course, in the final analysis, it all comes down to quality of programming and service reliability when you compare cable and satellite TV providers.

Here are a few things you should know about satellite TV:

FREE Equipment - Take advantage of a free satellite TV system and FREE installation. You can also purchase or lease your equipment depending on what is best for your needs.

TiVo - TiVo is available only through satellite TV providers and enables you to record, rewind and pause your programming.

HDTV - High Definition programming is always available and not dependent on location and company like it is with cable.

Pay-Per-View - There are twice as many Pay-per-View stations and the sports coverage is much more complete ? with no black-outs for local stations.

Programming - There are more programming packages and options for you to choose from, so you can tailor something that suits your tastes.

Customer Service - Customer service ranks consistently higher than with cable TV.

Value - Value for the money is superior ? dollar for dollar, you?ll get more channels and a better variety of options with satellite TV than most other cable service providers can provide.
Cable Television vs. Satellite TV is an easy choice once you compare services and know the facts. Millions of people have switched to satellite TV providers DirecTV and the Dish Network and more sign up every week. The best value for your dollar is clear ? Satellite TV.Kevin Urban is a freelance writer for http://www.1st-dish-tv.net,

Digital satellite TV systems create a whole new entertainment world

Todays technology is truly amazing. One of these great new technologies is digital satellite TV. It can communicate with a satellite 22,000 miles above earth, unscrambling and converting the signal into analog or HDTV format as required by the TV set and puts out one channel at a time. Digital Satellite receivers offer amazing features the were only dreamed of years ago. Both DISH Network and Direct TV systems allow parents to lock out inappropriate programming for their children. The receivers can also pause live television and video recording. Satellie TV systems also keep track of pay-for-view programming billing. The receiver communicates with the provider's computer equipment to transmit billing information.

In addition to all these great features, DISH Network and Direct TV offer these digital satellite systems free! Receivers are included in the equipment packages sent to the subscriber. Free equipment, free shipping and free instation of machines worth more than $1,500 without the subscriber paying a penny. This is why DISH Network and Direct TV are becoming the fastest growing companies in the USA>

When you place an order online, some allow customers to design systems matched to their home. You will also schedule the time a professional installed will come to your home. The system will either be shipped to you before the installation date or the installer will bring it along. It is that easy. All you have to do is be home for the installation.

There are, unfortunately many Satellite TV websites that will scam you. They offer monthly subscription rates under $10 and next day installation. Once signed up you will find hidden activation and usage fees and high shipping costs. Installation dates missed or performed by inexperienced workers doing shoddy work. No help or customer service available and huge cancellation fees. These sites eventually get shut down but you have already lost your money. Before signing up make sure company has been in business for at least 1 year and is certified by the network and have made at least a 1000 installations. They should have no hidden fees and offer a full refund if installation fails. Customer service should be available via phone or email. There are many great sites that have these qualifications.

Ken is the web owner of http://www.tv-satellite.biz Satellite TV, a website that provides information and resources about Satellite TV and discounts for Dish Network and DirecTV. You can visit his website at: http://www.tv-satellite.biz/satellite/satellite-services.html Satellite Services

Free Satellite TV -- Is It Really Free?

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

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

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

You've seen the online and offline ads -- "Free satellite TV!" "Get a 4-room Satellite TV System Free!" and "Satellite TV Dish and Receivers Absolutely Free!"

But is satellite TV really free?

The answer to that question is yes ... and no.

Yes, the equipment you get -- the satellite TV dish and satellite TV receiver -- is free. But no, the programming service will cost you money.

Let's examine the facts.

Due to the demise of Pegasus and Voom, there are only two major satellite TV providers in the USA -- Dish Network and DirecTV.

Dish Network Satellite TV Service

When you order a free satellite TV system from Dish Network, you will be asked to pay a $49.99 activation fee. This fee will be credited to your programming bill, so in essence, your satellite TV system is free. Installation of your satellite TV system is also free.

With Dish Network you have the option to upgrade to a DVR (digital video recording) receiver, or an HDTV (high definition TV) receiver at no charge.

Dish Network programming starts at $31.99 per month for 60 program channels, and goes up to $86.00 for 230 channels including Showtime, Starz!, HBO, Cinemax, and Sirius radio.

Dish Network offers more movies, shows, and HDTV than cable or DirecTV, and with one of their free DVR receivers you can record, pause, and fast forward live TV with a click of your remote. All Dish Network programs are broadcast in digital format for crystal-clear picture and sound.

DirecTV Satellite TV Service

Depending on your credit rating, when you order a free satellite TV system from DirecTV you may be required to pay a deposit or prepayment. Because the deposit is refunded to you and the prepayment goes toward your programming fees, the DirecTV satellite dish and receivers are free. Installation is also free.

If you want a DVR receiver you will be charged an additional $49.99. The charge for HDTV receivers is $299.99.

DirecTV programming packages start at $41.99 per month for 115 channels (including 31 music channels), and go up to $93.99 per month for 185 program channels, including Showtime, Starz!, HBO, Cinemax, and 31 music channels.

DirecTV offers more sports programs than you can get with cable or Dish Network, including the popular NFL Sunday Ticket, and is broadcast in all-digital format.

The Bottom Line

Both Dish Network and DirecTV's basic satellite TV dishes and receivers are free ... but the service will cost you anywhere from $32 to $94 a month.

So if you watch just a few television programs a week and have access to over-the-air TV, or if you have cable TV and are happy with your service, then satellite TV probably isn't for you.

If, on the other hand, TV is one of your primary forms of entertainment and you want the biggest variety of shows, movies, sports, and new -- or if your cable bill is beginning to equal your mortgage payment -- then satellite TV may be just the ticket.

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