In the USA there are 2 types of satellite TV systems. The first is TVRO which stands for TeleVision Receive Only. The second is DBS which stands for Direct Broadcast Satellite.

TVRO – TeleVision Receive Only

TVRO was the first satellite system available for home viewing of satellite TV. It required a relatively big dish of 3 to 6 feet in diameter and worked in C-Band. Frequencies of around 4 G Hertz are called C-Band and require bigger dishes because the wave length of these frequencies is longer than in Ku-Band which requires a much smaller dish of about 18 inches. Ku-Band is at 12 to 14 G Hertz.

TVRO systems also need a movable dish because it needs to get all the channels of many satellites. C-Band satellites have much less channels available than Ku-Band satellites and therefore more satellites are needed to provide enough channels. Possibilities that exist with TVRO systems is that you can also receive free channels and independent feeds from for instance news companies. You could for instance receive the unedited material that is broadcasted from a news crew somewhere in the coverage area of the satellite. They transmit their materials to their headquarters using a C-Band satellite. Many of these types of feeds are not scrambled and are available to everyone with the proper equipment.

TVRO systems are often referred to as Big Dish TV, C-Band Satellite TV and BUD (Big Ugly Dish).

DBS – Direct Broadcast Satellite

Satellite TV via DBS is done in the Ku-Band. These satellites work on higher frequencies and can transmit higher power signals. This means that much smaller dishes can be used to receive the signal. A small dish of 18 inches is already enough to receive all satellite TV by Satellite TV. 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.

DBS is for everyone. The satellite dish is so small that it is not an obstacle like with for instance the TVRO dishes of 3 to 6 feet. 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.

There are no free channels available on DBS satellites as these are often owned and used by the satellite TV provider it self, while TVRO satellites often are used by those who rent space on the satellite for a limited time. TVRO systems are meant for, for instance, transport of unedited materials between continents, but also within one continent.

DBS is meant for everyone with a simple, low cost installation of the system. 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 and the tools that make this even easier. A qualified installer will find the satellite and point it to maximum reception within minutes.

By Gary Davis
Dish-Network-Satellite-TV.ws

Webmasters: You may reprint this article in its entirety, providing you leave the Byline and About the Author sections intact, including the links to Dish Network Satellite TV.

About The Author

Gary Davis is the owner of Dish Network Satellite TV, has several years experience in the Satellite TV Industry and has written numerous articles about satellite TV.

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Email: customerservice@dish-network-satellite-tv.ws

Written By: Gary Davis

(Find the Best Deals by Avoiding Potential Pitfalls and Fraudulent Websites.)
Submitted by: John Lee
WorldWideReviews

http://entertainment.worldwidereviews.com/satellite_tv.htm

Recent popularity.

The last few years have seen an explosion of people choosing satellite over cable or network Tv. 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.

This has been accompanied by large advertising campaigns from satellite Tv retailers. This has no doubt succeeded in demystifying the technology.

DIRECTV or DISH Network?

Though there are other satellite TV systems (ie; Sky Angel), DIRECTV and DISH Network are the twin giants in the industry. Between them they claim the overwhelming majority of all satellite TV systems sold in the United States.

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. DIRECTV’s packages are a little more expensive, however they do normally include more channels. DISH Network offers more International and movie channels.

How the legitimate online retailers work.

You place an order with an online satellite TV system retailer. Some actually have tools on their webpage that allows customers to design systems perfectly matched to their home. At the time of ordering you will schedule a time that a local professional installer can come to your home and install the system. The satellite system will either be shipped to your home before the installation date or the installer will bring it with them.

It is really that easy. The retailers that have been around a few years have this process streamlined for efficiency. All the customer needs to do is be at home during the installation.

Fraudulent websites & potential pitfalls.

Unfortunately, with any hot product come the scammers. Hundreds of “Satellite TV” websites have popped up, claiming to offer the best satellite dish deals and promotions. Their websites look slick to lure unsuspecting customers. Many promise monthly subscription rates under $10 and next-day installation. But once a customer signs up they find:

* Hidden “activation” and “usage” fees * High shipping costs for “free” extras * Installation dates continuously missed or pushed back * Shoddy installations performed by cheap, inexperienced contractors * Zero help or customer service * Outrageous cancellation fees

Most of these SCAM sites won’t even respond to customer issues. Eventually they get shut down due to too many customer complaints, or the State Attorney General forces them out of business. But the customer has already lost their money, and the SCAMMERS just open another satellite TV website under a different name in a different state. It’s definitely “buyer beware”.

Yes, you can find good deals on Satellite TV systems.

If you can stay away from the SCAM websites, it is possible to find authentic good … even great … deals on Satellite TV systems.

Before signing up for satellite TV through an online retailer, you should be sure that it satisfies the following minimum requirements:

* In business for at least 1 year. * Must be certified by the network. * Have at least 1000 installations. * No “hidden” fees. * Customer service available via phone, chat or email. * 100% guaranteed. (full refund if installation fails)

For more information or resources pertaining to this article, please visit WorldWideReviews Satellite TV Systems at http://entertainment.worldwidereviews.com/satellite_tv.htm

Copyright by John Lee
Staff@WORLDWIDEREVIEWS.COM

About the Author

John Lee is owner and publisher of the acclaimed consumer reporting website WorldWideReviews. A free product review and watchdog service. Satellite TV System http://entertainment.worldwidereviews.com/satellite_tv.htm

Written By: John Lee

In the last 10 years more than 27 million people have switched from cable and over-the-air TV to satellite TV. But is satellite TV really that much better?

Let’s find out …

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

Satellite Radio is the future of broadcasting

Satellite Radio, in short, can be described as commercial-free music, news, sports and talk shows. Many of the biggest players and events are now available from Sirius radio and XM radio like Howard Stern, Fred Schneider (the B52s), NFL, English Soccer, NBA, NASCAR, NHL, Major League Baseball, INDY, and the PGA.

Satellite radio began in 1992, when the S spectrum was allocated by the FCC to four companies. The two main ones, Sirius and XM paid a pretty penny (in fact almost $80 million dollars worth) to buy a license. Satellite-based radio began on May 15th, 2001 when XM Radio completed their satellite system. Sirius followed shortly when they launched in July, 2001. Since then, expanded products and competition has changed the radio landscape.

While automobile manufacturers started installing satellite radio in 2001 and 2002, most new vehicles come equipped with one now. XM has two satellites (called Rock and Roll) in parallel orbits to cover the mainland US market, while Sirius has three. Both have recently been awarded licenses for the Canadian market.

So what are the differences between the two providers?

XM has a flat $9.99 a month fee with no contracts to sign. They have the latest portable equipment. XM offers some of the best varieties of programming available today. They offer 68 commercial-free music channels; 32 channels of News, Sports, Talk & Entertainment; and 21 channels of instant Traffic & Weather in major metro areas. Here’s the latest information of channels:

15 channels of Rock music

11 News channels (Fox, CNN, ABC, CNBC, MSNBC, BBC, C-SPAN, Bloomberg)

11 Talk & Variety channels (Discovery, E!, Experts & advice, African American Talk, Christian Talk)

10 channels of Pop music & Top Hits

7 Country music choices

7 channels of Blues & Jazz music

7 Hip Hop and Urban music choices

6 different channels of music by the Decades (40′s through 90′s)

5 Sports channels (ESPN, Fox, Sporting News, NASCAR)

4 Dance music channels

4 World music choices

3 Christian music choices

3 Comedy entertainment channels (adult comedy, family comedy)

3 Classical music channels

2 Kids entertainment channels (Disney)

2 Latin music choices

Sirius offers a $12.95 per month fee and you can pre-pay for a full year for a discount (works out to $9.99 per month). They offer better sports coverage with play-by-play of the NBA, NHL, and NFL. Sirius has signed some great talent of celebrity DJs. Sirius offers 60 channels of music with no commercials, 50 channels of News, Sports, Talk and Entertainment; and 20 channels of 24/7 Traffic & Weather in major cities. Here’s how Sirius stack up with their channel line up:

16 Talk & Variety channels (Discovery, E!, Talk for Women, CourtTV, Air America, Gay/Lesbian, Body/Mind/Spirit Talk)

14 channels of Rock music

12 channels of Pop music & Top Hits

10 News channels (CNN, CNBC, Fox, NPR, PRI, C-SPAN, BCC, World Radio, Bloomberg)

9 Hip Hop and Urban music choices

7 Sports channels (ESPN, play-by-play channels)

6 Country music choices

6 Jazz music channels

5 Dance music channels

4 different channels of music by the Decades (50′s through 80′s)

3 Classical music channels

2 Christian music choices (Catholic)

2 channels of Blues & Reggae

2 Latin music choices

2 Comedy entertainment channels (regular and uncensored)

2 World music choices

1 Kids entertainment channels (Disney)

To read more on Satellite TV and Radio, please visit my site: Satellite TV and Radio :: Your #1 Source for Satellite Television and Satellite Radio.

About the Author

Satellite TV and Radio :: Bringing a New World of Digital to You
Satellite TV and Radio :: Your #1 Source for Satellite Television and Satellite Radio.

Written By: Dale L

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: http://www.satellitetvissue.com/FreeSatelliteTV/SatelliteTVDealers.htm and if you would like to compare Dish Network and DirecTV, this page is suggested: http://www.satellitetvissue.com/DirecTVvsDISH%20Network.htm

About The Author

Teddy LC.– experienced writter on consumer products reviews. Check out his latest satellite TV related website and get recommendations on DirecTV or Dish Network deals.

satellitetvissue.com

Written By: Teddy LC

Important Steps in Installing a Satellite Dish
With the recent breakthroughs in the communication world, DSL connection has already become a household term. It has already been launched in various areas across the world; however, obtaining a high-speed access to the Internet via satellite is a technology that is still unavailable to many television users because of lack of facilities. At present, the solution to this limitation can now be achieved through the satellite dish network. Whether you live in an area with DSL access or not, you can now utilize DSL technology to the extreme.
If you intend to use satellite dish for your homes or offices, you must receive transmitted signals through a clear view of the southern hemisphere. You must ensure that your chosen location is free from any obstruction like trees, buildings and other structures that can alter your signal and in effect, cause poor reception. If your site is free from any obstruction, it is not necessary to locate the co-ordinates until later when you decide to install the dish system. When you live within these areas, you can install your dish on a galvanized pole that is cemented in the ground or by positioning it no further than 100 ft. from your area.
To give you a better idea regarding this, here are some steps to install a satellite dish successfully and get it authorized:
First, you must know the satellite service in your location. Say, if you live in Europe, you can choose between AFN and Direct to Sailor (DTS). The former has a greater number of channels available but doesnt have worldwide service while the latter has worldwide coverage but has fewer program channels.

Next, you must find the technical information on the satellite that will be used in the whole process. Then, you have to search for the look angle this is the direction in which the satellite dish has to be pointed to get the signal.

Finally, set up the system all together by assembling and pointing the satellite dish, connecting and programming the decoder. After selecting the proper location, you have to distinguish where to mount the dish. To get the best reception possible, it is advisable that you mount the dish outside your home or office such as in surfaces like roofs, decks, chimneys, etc. Most areas will be pre-wired with the correct RG-6 coaxial cable used in both satellite TV and cable services. You must also pre-install external outlets in each room where the televisions are situated. Take note that you must always install RG-6 cable and not any other type of cable.
In addition, you can also place a satellite receiver at the vicinity of the cable outlet in your home or office depending on the number of televisions connected to the satellite system. The said receivers are like a smaller version of a VCR that actually processes the signal from the satellite dish to your TV for sharp, stunning, digital quality pictures.
If the location that you have chosen is questionable and you are planning to install the satellite dish yourself, you might need a compass and position yourself towards the southern hemisphere. You will first need to know the correct azimuth the horizontal direction of your dish and the direction of the communications satellites in orbit and your elevation co-ordinance. You have to expect these elements to differ by geographical location.
Furthermore, major satellite TV providers namely: DirecTV and Dish Network have satellite dish pointing basics on their sites that are established by your zip code. And if you intend to make use of terrestrial DSL, the variant via satellite will perfectly suit you. With it, you will benefit both by saving your charges and valuable time. While you pay the low fees for the channels you receive, you can also find service providers that provide you with hundreds of dollars of satellite TV equipment including dish, receivers, etc. for free.
chris Joseph is the founder of http://www.satellite-tv-choice.com and informational web site that teaches you all about getting a free satellite tv

Written By: Chris Joseph

Hurricanes and Satellite TV By Marianne McEachern If you are like me, you believed bad weather would kill the reception on Satellite TV, so I was content to keep my cable and watch my favorites. I still had memories of those giant dishes and how unattractive they used to look on roofs and in yards.

Last year, here in southeast Florida where I live; Francis and Jeanne, two not so friendly hurricanes, visited me. I think I should tell you that hurricanes and the Big Bad Wolf are at the top of my “Scare Me to Death” list. Francis was first, and my cable went off before the power. I called for repair but was told everyone had gone home in the local area to get ready for the storm. I guess they turned everything off with the lights when they left. I lost power for two weeks not to mention that half of my belongings were blown into the next county, and when the first lights flickered back on – WOW – civilization was returning so I turned on the TV. No Cable! This is not good, I thought! My neighbor invited us over to watch theirs; yes, they had satellite!! The dish is so small and hidden on the back of their roof I never even knew they had it…and amazingly enough it didn’t get blown into the next county like my stuff.

Thinking I had a lot of time to shop services, Jeanne was on the scene and I was too late, but I figured the cable had just been repaired and would withstand the portion of the storm we were going to get. Not so, it was a repeat of the last round. Then I had to fight with the cable company for credits on my bills for all the days of no service and it took three billing cycles to get any adjustment.

I started making phone calls, not something I’m fond of doing, when my neighbor mentioned to me that they had found their service online. You can compare rates and free offers without having to talk to sales people and wonder if they are giving you a line to reel you into their service. Isn’t the Internet GRAND??? How convenient!

I also found out that shopping for satellite TV online offers so many more discounts and freebies than calling local suppliers. Online sellers work so hard to make you a customer. They not only offer free equipment and installation but also offer free receivers for extra rooms (up to four) as opposed to the one digital box I had on ONE TV from my cable service, and you can watch a different channel in every room which was contrary to what I had believed about satellite TV. The professional installation they schedule for you insures the maximum benefit from the system and is one of the best freebies offered.

Needless to say, I am happy with my service. Our squalls and incredible thunderstorms haven’t bothered my television experience and I no longer have to worry about lines going down or over-all-area cable outages. I can even get my high speed Internet service on satellite. Technology is a wonderful thing!

I am curious if your experiences are anything like mine. Does snow bother your television viewing? It’s not something I have to deal with here in Florida. I’d love to hear from you to know more about weather effects on your own television systems. Send me an email and let me know how you like your own cable or satellite system. I have a free gift for you that you will simply love if you write to me.

Mmceach@time4me.com

I would encourage everyone to investigate satellite TV in his or her own area. It has been such an improvement and cost savings for me that I highly recommend it. Shopping for it online is a pleasurable experience; here are a few of the sites I found to be the best when I did my research:

http://tinyurl.com/d8eay

http://tinyurl.com/cjz4p

http://tinyurl.com/byg3f

You can compare costs easily, and look for the pricing on the service that fits your needs. If you want only great TV you can see what they have and what current freebies are available, and if you are looking for high speed Internet I am sure you will find what you are looking for too. Mother Nature just got friendlier; I am no longer afraid of the Big Bad Wolf or losing my television reception to hurricanes…well maybe the Big Bad Wolf.
About the Author

Marianne McEachern has 30 years of experience as a Management Accountant and 10 years of experience (mostly hard knocks) in Internet Businesses.

Written By: Marianne McEachern

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.

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

Written By: Mark Woodcock

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 consumers 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:

In satellite TV business for more than 1 year.

Websites must provide secure order page and certified website.

Must be authorized by Dish Network or DirecTV officials.

No “hidden” fees- cost charged on credit card is shown clearly.

Customer service available via phone, live chats or email.

100% guaranteed. (Full refund if installation fails).

Testimonial, users review, as well as other authority sites recommendation would be a plus point.

About The Author

Teddy LCc., expert writter on consumer products reviews. Check out his latest satellite TV related website, http://www.satellitetvissue.com, and get recommendations on free Dish Network deals.

Written By: Teddy LCc.

Want to know which satellite TV provider has the best satellite TV offer and will give you the programs and the equipment you really want? Here’s a rundown on the current satellite TV offers from DISH Network and DIRECTV.

Best Satellite TV Offer

Due to the fierce competition between DISH Network and DIRECTV, both providers are promoting satellite TV offers that include free equipment, free installation, and free HD and DVR receivers in order to get your business. In addition they’re also offering cheap introductory programming rates.

Here’s a rundown on what DISH Network and DIRECTV have to offer …

Best Equipment Offer

DISH Network

Acquiring a complete satellite system from DISH Network won’t cost you a penny.

They’re currently giving away everything you need to receive DISH Network programming – the dish, up to four receivers, and remote controls.

In addition, DISH Network is offering their HD (high definition) receivers and DVR (digital video recording) receivers free of charge too.

Installation also is free, and you can have a system installed in as little as 24 hours after you order a programming package from DISH Network.

DIRECTV

DIRECTV is offering a free dish and up to four free receivers with remote controls when you sign up for one of their programming packages.

HD receivers and DVR receivers are free after a $99 mail-in rebate.

Installation of the system is also free and takes anywhere from one to five days after you sign up with them.

Note: For the latest information on DIRECTV and DISH Network equipment offers click on the links below.

Best Programming Offer

DISH Network

When it comes to the lowest-priced satellite TV package, DISH Network is the hands-down winner, offering their Dish Family Pak for $19.99 per month. This package includes 40 channels of family-oriented programming, plus the Starz movie Pak (8 movie channels).

DISH Network’s most popular programming package, America’s Top 120, includes 230 channels of programming including 60 Sirius radio channels, and three months of Starz Movie Pak for $29.99 a month.

DISH Network’s top-of-the-line package, America’s — Everything — Pak, consists of 350 program channels including, 60 Sirius radio channels, and 31 movie channels from HBO, Showtime, Cinemaz, and Starz, for $74.99 per month.

DISH Network also offers a variety of sports programming packages, international programming packages, plus pay-per-view movies and special events.

DIRECTV

DIRECTV programming starts with their Total Choice package which has 155 program channels, 50 XM satellite radio channels, and three months of HBO, Showtime, and Starz (31 movie channels), for $29.99 per month.

Their midline package, Total Choice Plus, comes with 185 program channels, including 67 XM radio channels, for $46.99 per month.

DIRECTV’s top-of-the-line Total Choice Premier package includes 250 program channels, three months of HBO, Showtime, and Starz, and 67 XM radio channels for $96.99 per month.

In addition, DIRECTV offers sports programming packages, international programming packages, plus pay-per-view movies and special events.

Note: For the latest information on DISH Network and DIRECTV programming offers click on the links below.

Bottom Line

As far as the best equipment offer goes, DISH Network has the slight edge over DIRECTV. Both company’s equipment is pretty much the same — high tech and high quality — but DIRECTV charges a $19.99 fee to have their equipment delivered.

When it comes to which satellite TV provider has the best programming offer, it depends on what you’re looking for.

If you want the biggest variety of TV shows, movies, and International programming, DISH Network is your best bet with 350 program channels, 31 movie channels, and 91 International channels.

If sports is your thing, DIRECTV has the most sports channels including the ever popular NFL Sunday Ticket package and the NCAA Mega March Madness package.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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

Written By: Brian Stevens