How To Watch Satellite & Cable TV On Your PC FREE - Tips

Today you can get instant access to watching satellite TV on your PC but is it all as good as they say. These are how to watch satellite & cable TV on your PC FREE - Tips

NEGATIVES:

For some shows I watch such as my favourite live sport show you have to get it set up 10- 15 minutes beforehand otherwise you not going to get as good of a feed.

As this is not a paid TV cable or satellite service there is buffering involved which means you might have to wait under a minute or two before you can watch a particular program.

Depending on the speed of your computer, if it is a dial up I probably wouldn?t advise you to consider this.

POSITIVES:

Over 3000 STATIONS on your PC or Laptop for a one time low fee. That means you can stop paying for high-priced cable or satellite services! Watch LIVE Games (even the games that are not shown elsewhere) - With this software!

There are no subscriptions needed and no recurring charges and the picture is DVD quality.

The choices you get are sports such as ESPN, news, movies, music, weather, kids channels, educational, shopping, clips plus radio stations and much, much more. It works anywhere in the world with no need to buy extra hardware equipment or a PC TV card because the TV channels are streamed through your internet connection. You just need an Internet connection.

Watch TV in English, Spanish, German, Arabic, French, Italian, Russian, Dutch and more. You may also browse world TV by regions or by country name you do this by choosing a country and watch there TV programs from that country so many to choose from.
They will be adding many more quality stations in the near future such as ESPN 2, MTV USA, HBO, Playboy TV, Pay Per View, + many more.

There is a forum, which helps you out if you have any questions.

MY CONCLUSION:

Satellite TV for your PC is solely I believe up to your computer if you have dial up I wouldn?t recommend it. Otherwise if you don?t mine waiting for the buffering to watch your program and also a one time low fee to watch satellite TV on your PC then its forever free instead of paying recurring charges to watch on your TV this is the way to go.

How To Watch Satellite & Cable TV On Your PC FREE - Tips

Tony Pescatore finds and writes helpful information on topics he believes in. To check out how you can watch hundreds of LIVE worldwide channels on your PC, with no subscription payments or any other recurring payments. EVER! go to http://www.tpescatoreproducts.com/Recommends/SatelliteTVForPC/index.html

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,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How should I know the satellite TV retailer is dependable?

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

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

Requirements on good online satellite TV retailers:

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

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

Overview on satellite TV systems

Even if you watch your satellite television 5 hours a day, I bet you can't tell what a satellite TV system really is.
Satellite television is TV broadcast delivered by way of orbiting communications satellites located 22,300 miles above the earth's surface. Satellite TV system, like other communications relayed by satellite, starts with a transmitting satellite antenna located at an uplink facility. Uplink satellite dishes are directed toward the satellite that its signals will be transmitted to, and are very large, as much as 9 to 12 meters (30 to 40 feet) in diameter.

There are mainly two types of satellite TV systems: TVRO and DBS. TVRO system, aka Television Receive Only, is the first satellite system available for home satellite viewing system. While the DBS system, Direct Broadcast Satellite is available later. These two satellite systems work in different band (C-band and Ku-band) and their working system specifications are quite a different.

Television Receive Only (TVRO) systems

TVRO systems in United States are often referred as Big Dish TV, C-Band Satellite TV or BUD (Big Ugly Dish). It was the first satellite TV system being commercialized and brought into the U.S. families.

Viewing TVRO broadcast requires a big and movable dish - which is why it is well known as big dish TV. The TVRO dish's diameter ranged from 3 to 6 feet. It works in C-Band with frequencies of around 4 GHz. As news companies normally transmit their materials to their headquarters using a C-Band satellite; and as many of these types of feeds are not scrambled, chances to unedited news are great. Besides with TVRO systems, you can also receive free channels and independent feeds from for instance news companies.

Ever wonder why do we need such a big dish to receive TVRO signals? It's because of TVRO's wave length of these frequencies is longer than in Ku-Band which requires a much smaller dish of about 18 inches. Ku-Band, which is used by DBS, is at 12 to 14 G Hertz.

Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) system

Satellite TV services were popular only after Direct Broadcast Satellite system is introduced. DBS is meant for everyone with a simple, low cost installation of the system. Small dish, maintenance-free, and stable signals receptions -- all these makes the satellite TV system a good commercial product.

Satellite broadcast via DBS system is done in the Ku-Band. These satellites work on higher frequencies and can transmit higher power signals. This is why smaller dishes can be used to receive satellite signal for DBS systems.
As you might know, a small TV dish of 18 inches is already good enough to receive all satellite TV signals by Satellite companies. This makes it possible to have satellite TV from an apartment on the 10th floor, if you have a clear line of sight to the south. Once installed the dish needs no maintenance since it is aimed at just one satellite. Some dishes actually have 2 or more feeds, which makes it possible to receive the signals from more than 1 satellite.

Unfortunately, there are no free channels available on DBS satellites broadcast. DBS broadcasting are often owned and used by the satellite TV provider (for example, Dish Network and DirecTV) it self. Often the installation is for free as it really is very easy to do. The only thing that is needed is a bit of knowledge of where to find the satellite thus a qualified installer will find the satellite and point it to maximum reception within minutes.

Currently in United States, Dish Network and DirecTV are the major DBS systems provides. As satellite TV services are the latecomer in home TV broadcasting services, they are now fighting hard to win the market segments with extremely low prices. Free satellite TV systems, free DVR systems, free DVD players, free shipping, free installations, free HD upgrades, free home protection plans ...they give free things as much as possible! All you need to be to qualify the deals condition is you must commit on the satellite TV deals for one year and you must be a first-time customer. With extremely low start up cost, online satellite TV retailers are now offering some very lucrative offers. To review more about these online satellite TV retailers: Recommended satellite TV providers and if you would like to compare Dish Network and DirecTV, this page is suggested: Dish Network vs DirecTV

Teddy LC., expert writter on consumer products reviews. Check out his latest satellite TV related website to get Direct TV or Dish Network consumer guides as well as other issues on satellite TV deals.

The Dish on Satellite TV

The evolution of television has seen dramatic acceleration recently. Satellite TV has truly revolutionized the global viewing experience. You no longer have to rely on awkward rabbit ear antennae to bring viewing pleasure. Satellite dishes have become as ubiquitous as the roof antenna was in the early years. The world can now be accessed through numerous, and diverse channels, and programming.

The number of options available with satellite television is overwhelming. Since the broadcast signals used in satellite television are digital, as compared with old analog, the results are crystal clear audio and visual transmissions. Broadcasts can be done in HDTV, or high definition television, which is the latest television technology. Digital transmissions allow a greater degree of flexibility for broadcasters.

In addition to picture and sound excellence, there is a virtual library of movies, sporting events, and news programs to choose from. More than the basic channels of yesteryear. Satellite receivers, when put together with the properly built and positioned satellite dish, hook up with access to more than 225 digital-quality channels. The receiver can also provide an on-screen program guide that can be customized to suit viewers needs. The receiver also has a built-in "Locks and Limits" feature, which gives control to limit channels or programs.

More recently, a spectacular Digital Video Recording feature, DVR, has emerged. This gives the viewer the ability to record, replay, and splice programming scenes as many times, and in as many ways, as desired. That's what the combination of HDTV and DVR will give: complete control.

Unlike commercial television, which broadcasts free programming, satellite television is not without cost. To get satellite TV, you need a dish antenna, and a receiver designed to work with the chosen service. You can buy the hardware from the satellite company, an electronics store, or a satellite-system dealer/installer for about $100 and up. There is a monthly subscription fee, in addition to the cost of the hardware; this varies according to the level of service. In the past, bad weather could adversely effect the signals, however new technology and improvements have made this a rare issue.

All considered, satellite television is an investment well worth it. Satellite service can include you in a world revolution that is changing the face of how information and entertainment is done in this world. The sky is the limit with satellite services, literally, when it comes to speed, features, and innovation.

Jay B Stockman is a contributing editor for Direct Satellite TV Network Visit http://satellite-tv-usa.net/ for more information.

Dish Network deals A to Z: avoid satellite TV online scams!

Recent years we have seen an explosion of people choosing satellite over cable or satellite TV. Consumer surveys and polls show some common reasons being superior picture quality, larger selection of channels and programs, increased availability, good customer service and the continuing drop in price. As Dish Network stands as one of the most popular satellite TV providers in the states, examining on their deals is a must for one who is looking for some satellite TV deals.

1. Who is Dish Network anyway?

Owned by Echostar Communication Cooperation, Dish Network was licensed in March 1996 and currently dish up to 11 million satellite TV customers. With up to 256 TV channels served in three major packages (Dish Network All American Top 60s, 120s, and 180s), Dish Network provides a wide programming selection to the subscribers.

2. Are Dish Network deals offering free satellite TV systems for real?

Yes, you do can get free Dish Network satellite TV systems, provided that you must be a first time customer and you MUST commit to at least one-year service contract with Dish Network. The basic free satellite TV systems includes up to 4 receivers (common model: Dish 311) with remote controls, Dish Network access card, and a satellite dish to be installed facing the north. Some dealers will give out extra incentive gifts such as DVR system, DVD player, home theater sets and free movie channels for certain periods. Thus, picking up the right Dish Network dealer is important. We highly recommend ordering Dish Network deals online, as they are the one who can afford the best bargains for you.
Click here for Dish Network online dealer's review.

3. Why get Dish Network from online dealers?

Just a simple reason: Bargains. As Dish Network online dealer's operating cost is extremely low compared to brick and mortar satellite TV stores, online Dish Network dealers manage to focus their model in providing the cheapest deals as well as building up strong customer support network.

Check out other Dish Network dealers on the list by your own, you will soon find those online Dish Network deals are just incredible.

4. Do I need to install the dish my self?

No, but you can if you want to. Standard Dish Network installation is free of charge, so why take the hassles?

5. What I need to do to get a Dish Network system?

To order Dish Network services, you need to approach Dish Network dealers to select the number of satellite systems, programming packages, HD upgrading, DVR upgrading, and other supplementary deals. Shipping and installation will be done very soon after the order is placed.

A cost of $50 will be charged as deposit when you place your order. This fees will then credited back to your Dish Network monthly bills thus starting up Dish Network services basically is free.

6. So how do they make money?

Pretty simple: the subscription fees. To get your free Dish Network satellite TV, you have to commit to a one-year subscription contract when you get into Dish Network. Infact, this is the current trend of the satellite TV buisness -- both Dish Network and DirecTV are making money through the subscription fees in long term.

7. What are the different methods for paying my Dish Network bill?

One-time Credit Card Payments

You can make secure online payments using Dish Network Customer Support Center. This FREE service works with any major credit or debit card and posts to your account immediately.
You can also make payments by calling Dish Network Automated Phone System at 1-800-333-3474 and follow the voice prompts. If you have a 3900, 4900, 111, 301, 311, 322, or DVR501/508/510 receiver, you may also make a payment through Dish Home (channel 100). If services are interrupted, the services will be restored usually within 5-10 minutes once a payment is made.

Credit Card Auto-pay (CCA)

This feature deducts your monthly charges from your credit or debit card on the due date. You may choose to discontinue paper bills or continue to receive the statements (You will not need to send a payment should you choose to continue receiving these statements.). Please be sure to pay the current balance when you sign up. As CCA will take one full billing cycle to take effect, this will help prevent a late fee from being charged.

8. What is the best Dish Network setup?

2-rooms set up; 3-rooms set up; HDTV set up ... getting confused?

The best hardware set up really depends on your visualize and your location. Most people will be perfectly served by the multi-room systems right now. All the necessary equipment for up to 4 rooms, plus the installation, plus Digital Video Recorders are yours for the taking, FREE.

In this package, with just $50 of start up fees (which they will credit back your account for the same amount), you are ready to enjoy your Dish Network. As mention before, these satellite TVs equipments are given life time warranty; you won't have to worry about receivers or dishes breaking down.

Same thing if you want to receive Dish Network HD programs. Until recently you had to buy special equipment (known as the Superdish) to receive high definition signals. Now you don't even have to -- Regular receivers (those that are freely given) like the HD-811 and the HD-DVR 921, can get all HD content.

If you want to get international programming - the strong set of Dish Network - you will have to buy an additional dish antenna at the cost of $99 (at the time of writing).

9. How does Dish Network scores when compare to DirecTV?

Interestingly, the satellite system services offered by both DIRECTV and DISH Network are practically interchangeable -- both offer more than 200 program channels, integrated digital video recording (DVR) capabilities, high definition TV (HDTV) capabilities, stunning picture and sound quality and award-winning 24-hour customer service departments.

Where they differ is in pricing and programming. Dish Network packages are a little more cheaper, however DirecTV covers more sports channels. Programming wise, Dish Network offers more International and movie channels.

10. How about the Internet scams?

Unfortunately, with any hot product on Internet come the scammers.

Online ordering satellite TV deals sounds great. However, consumers should also aware that there are risks hidden when ordering your satellite TV deals online: Fraudulent websites.

There are hundreds or even thousands of scammers in the satellite TV online business, claiming to offer the best satellite dish deals and promotions. Their websites might look professional to lure unsuspecting customers. Most of these scams offer a fake promise on their deals. Extremely low monthly subscription rates, next-day installation, and unlimited number of free satellite systems are some of the common promotion terms. But once a customer signs up they find hidden activation fees, high shipping costs for free extras, installation dates continuously missed or pushed back, as well as outrageous cancellation fees.
Hundreds of "Satellite TV" websites have popped up, Buyers should always beware of all these scammers and do not fall into their traps. Satellite TV deals can be a huge bargains or a scary nightmare and it all depends on the satellite TV retailers that you pick.

If you were scared off by the statements above, DON'T! Although there are a lot of satellite TV scams over the Internet, there are still lots of bargains to be grabbed! Just beware when you place your Dish Network order, choose ONLY reputable Dish Network dealers to assure your spending are used safe.

Some basic questions to ask when selecting reliable dealers are:
Are they in business for more than 1 year?
Are the dealer certified by Dish Network official?
Is there any customer service available via phone, chat or email?
Is your deal 100% guaranteed? (Full refund if installation fails)

If you are serious about getting a Dish Network system, why not take 5 minutes and have a look on my list of reliable Dish Network retailers? Click here: http://www.satellitetvissue.com/FreeSatelliteTV/SatelliteTVDealers.htm

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

Free Satellite TV Deals

Get a 4-room Satellite TV System free and Satellite TV Dish and Receivers free are ads seen online and offline. Are these deals really free? The answer to that is yes and no.

Yes because you get the satellite TV systems free. You could get other promotional gifts such as a digital video recorder (DVR), DVD player, HD systems and home theater systems at no charge. The ads all promote the free equipment. Programming services do cost money.

After the demise of Pegasus and Voom, there are only two major satellite TV providers in the USA. DISH Network and Direct TV are both providing 100% digital satellite pictures and both offer free satellite TV systems. Both companies also have fine sales support teams for their customer services.

When ordering a free satellite TV system from DISH Network, you must pay a $49.99 activation fee. This fee is credited to your programming bill, so your satellite TV system is free. Installation of your TV system is also free. You also have the option to upgrade to a DVR receiver or an HDTV receiver at no charge. Monthly services at DISH Network start at $19.99 but standard 60 program channels start at $31.99. Monthly fees go up to about $86.00 for 230 channels including such channels as HBO, Cinemax, Showtime, Starz! and Sirius radio. DISH Network offers more shows, movies and HDTV than Direct TV or cable. All programs are broadcast in digital format for crystal clear sound and picture. With one of their free DVR receivers you can pause and fast forward live TV or record with the remote control.

Depending on what your credit rating is, you may be required to pay a deposit or prepay when ordering a free satellite TV system from Direct TV. As the deposit is refunded to you and the prepayment applies to your programming fees, Direct TV's satellite dish and receivers are free. The installation is free also. A DVR receiver is an additional $49.99 and HDTV receivers are $299.99.

Programming packages at Direct TV start at $29.99 per month for 115 channels which includes 31 music channels and go up to more than $90 per month for 185 channels including Showtime, HBO, Cinemax and Starz!. You do get more sports programs including NFL Sunday Ticket with Direct TV. Sports channels are broadcast in all-digital format.

You will get sets of satellite systems and home electronics free but programming services range from $32 to $94 per month. Cable TV's monthly fees are increasing a lot every year. For football fans wanting to see every NFL game, Direct TV is better. For normal family viewing, DISH Network seems to be the choice. If you only watch a few shows a week and have access to over the air TV, satellite TV probably isn't the choice for you.

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/direct-tv-satellite.html Direct TV Satellite

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.