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Satellite TV

Satellite TV is a television system whereby a broadcast center sends a signal containing TV programs to a satellite in orbit above the earth.

The satellite captures the signal and sends it back to earth, where it is picked up by a satellite dish and relayed to a TV set.

In order to receive a satellite TV signal you must have a satellite system — a dish to capture the signal, and a receiver to unscramble the signal and send it to your television.

Satellite TV History

In 1962, the first satellite TV signal was sent from Europe to North America via the Telstar satellite. The first first commercial satellite, Early Bird, was launched in 1965, and Satellite TV reception in the U.S. began in 1980.

Early satellite TV systems were expensive, costing anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000. The dishes were large — 10 to 12 feet in diameter — and the receivers and antenna rotators were bulky and complicated.

In 1994 the first DBS (direct broadcast satellite) was put into orbit, issuing in the era of the mini dish and the slim-line receiver, making it possible for anyone, even apartment renters and condo owners, to have satellite TV.

Satellite TV Providers

There are two major satellite TV providers in the U.S.A — DIRECTV and DISH Network.

DIRECTV

With 14.5 million customers, DIRECTV is the oldest and largest satellite TV provider in the USA.

DIRECTV is ranked #2 in customer satisfaction among all satellite and cable TV companies by J.D. Power and Associates.

DIIRECTV offers the following equipment and services:

* A Free satellite TV system — one dish and four receivers.
* Free installation and instruction on using the system.
* 250 channels with digital-quality picture and sound.
* 500 commercial-free movies per month.
* Up to 67 pay-per-view programs and events daily.
* 67 commercial-free XM radio channels.
* Toll-free, 24/7 customer service.

DIRECTV offers the most sports programming of the two satellite TV providers.

DISH Network

With more than 12 million customers, DISH Network is the second-oldest satellite TV provider, and is the fastest-growing provider.

DISH Network is ranked #1 in customer satisfaction among all the satellite and cable TV companies by J.D. Power and Associates.

DISH Network offers the following equipment and services:

* A Free satellite TV system — one dish and four receivers.
* Free installation and satellite TV system instruction.
* 256 channels with digital-quality picture and sound.
* 500 commercial-free movies a month.
* Up to 60 pay-per-view programs and events per day.
* 50 commercial-free Sirius radio channels and 52 music channels.
* Toll-free, 24/7 customer service.

DISH Network has the biggest variety of movies and shows of the two satellite TV providers, and offers the cheapest basic service package.

Satellite TV Dealers

There are more than 80 online dealers and thousands of offline dealers across the U.S.A.

Some dealers are reputable and will give you an honest deal, but a number of dealers will lure you into subscribing to their service, then hit you with hidden fees, provide you with shoddy installation, and give you zero customer service.

Before you subscribe to a satellite TV service, you should read their service agreement carefully and call their customer service to clarify anything that isn’t clear to you.

Note: Click on the links below for information on dealers that are reputable and give the best service at the best price.

Satellite TV Benefits

The main benefit of having satellite TV service is you can access up to 375 channels of TV programming. That gives you a lot more viewing options than cable or over-the-air TV.

In addition to regular TV programming, satellite TV allows you to tune into pay-per-view movies and special events, and to listen to more than 100 channels of commercial-free music on satellite radio.

Another benefit of satellite TV is the quality of the TV picture. Satellite TV is broadcast in digital format which produces a super sharp picture. Additionally, you have the option of ordering HD (high definition) TV for an even more lifelike picture.

Another benefit is the ability to record your favorite programs and to pause or fast-forward live TV using a DVR (digital video recorder).

Last, but not least, you get all the equipment you need to view satellite TV, including installation, absolutely free.

Conclusion

If you have over-the-air TV and don’t watch much television then satellite TV probably isn’t for you.

If, however, you watch a lot of TV or you have cable TV, then I recommend clicking on the links below to see what satellite TV has to offer.

With over 375 channels to choose from plus satellite radio, pay-per-view, movies, and programming packages starting at less than a dollar a day, you can’t go wrong with satellite TV.

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 the senior editor for The Satellite TV Guide and has written extensively on satellite TV.

Written By: Brian Stevens

In the U.S.A. there are currently two major satellite TV providers — DISH Network and DIRECTV — and hundreds of satellite TV dealers who sell their services and systems.

Due to the recent rise in popularity of satellite TV, satellite TV dealers have sprung up all over the Internet promising the best deals, the best service, and everything else under the sun. But after you sign up for their service they sock you with hidden service fees, provide you with shoddy installation, and offer zero customer service.

So how do you know which satellite TV dealers are the most reputable, will give you the best service, and will sell you DISH Network or DIRECTV’s services at the best possible price?

I’ve spent hundreds of hours researching online satellite TV dealers. Here’s a rundown on the top four dealers — the cream of the crop:

DISH Network Satellite TV Dealers

**** Allsat (Highly Recommended)

Established in 1995, when DISH Network first started broadcasting, Allsat is one of the oldest and most reputable online satellite TV dealers. Allsat began as an offline satellite TV store, then went online in 1997.

Their prices, reputation, and service are second to none.

Allsat currently offers:

* A free DISH Network satellite TV dish
* Up to four free receivers plus remotes
* Free professional installation
* Free DVR (digital video recording) receivers
* Free HD (high definition) receivers
* Free 25 movie channels
* 24/7 customer service
* Lifetime equipment warranty
* Free bonus gifts (click on the link below to view current offers).

*** VMC (Recommended)

VMC is one of the largest and most well known satellite TV dealers in the U.S. They installed the satellite TV system in the U.S. Capitol building.

VMC currently offers:

* A free 4-room satellite TV system
* Free professional installation
* Free digital video recorders
* Free HDTV receivers
* Free 25 movie channels
* 24/7 customer service
* Lifetime equipment warranty

DIRECTV Satellite TV Dealers

**** iSatellite (highly recommended)

iSatellite is one of DIRECTV’s top satellite TV dealers. Though relatively new to the satellite TV scene, they are one of the fastest growing, most respected online dealers in the U.S.

iSatellite currently offers:

* A free satellite TV dish
* Up to four free receivers plus remotes
* Free professional installation
* Free DIRECTV DVR receiver (after $99 mail-in rebate)
* Free HDTV receiver (after $199 mail-in rebate)
* Free premium movie packages
* 24/7 customer service
* One-year equipment warranty
* Special offers (click on link below to view current offers).

*** Rapid Satellite (recommended)

In business since 1999, Rapid Satellite is one of DIRECTV’s highest rated satellite TV dealers. They have thousands of customers in hundreds of cities across the U.S.A.

Rapid Satellite currently offers:

* Free 4-room system
* Free installation
* Free DIRECTV DVR (after $99 rebate)
* Free HDTV receiver (after $199 rebate)
* Free premium movie packages
* 24-hour customer service
* One-year equipment warranty
* Special offers (click on link below to view current offers).

Note: For more information on current DISH Network or DIRECTV programming and subscription fees, or to order satellite TV service with a free satellite TV system, click on the links below.

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 the senior editor for www.TheSatelliteTVGuide.com. and has written extensively on satellite TV dealers.

Written By: Brian Stevens

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/SatelliteTVDealer s.htm

About the author:

Teddy LC., expert writer 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”>http://www.satellitetvissue.com”>free satellite TV offers.

Written By: Teddy LC.