Satellite TV - What You Should Know
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 TheSatelliteTVGuide.com and has written extensively on satellite TV.
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Satellite TV vs. Cable TV -- Which is Best?
The move is on. Last year millions of Americans switched from cable TV to satellite TV.
Why? When you compare satellite TV to cable TV you'll discover the main reasons are cost, picture quality, program choices, and customer satisfaction.
Let's check out the differences ...
Cable vs. Satellite TV Fees
Cable TV fees across the country average $39.99 per month. In our area the cost for cable TV is $37.30 a month for 64 channels, plus $10.95 a month to add digital channels. Installation in one room is $39.95, plus $9.95 for each additional room.
Satellite TV fees from Dish Network are $31.99 per month for 60 channels, while DirecTV charges $41.99 per month for 115 channels. Both satellite TV providers currently offer free satellite TV equipment and free installation in up to four rooms.
Cable vs. Satellite TV Programming
Cable TV in most areas offers almost as many channels as satellite TV, and is broadcast in analog (over-the-air) format. If you want to have digital picture and sound you'll have to pay an additional fee, usually $10 to $15 a month.
Satellite TV offers more channels than cable TV (more than 250 channels), and more HDTV (high definition TV) programming. All satellite TV channels are broadcast in digital format for the highest quality picture and sound.
Cable vs. Satellite TV Equipment
With cable you only need cable boxes that connect the incoming cable line to your televisions. There is usually no charge or rental fees for cable boxes, however, If you want a digital video recorder, you'll have to pay an extra fee.
With satellite TV you need a satellite TV dish and TV receivers. Both Dish Network and DirecTV offer that equipment, plus installation, for free. Dish Network will give you a DVR (digital video recording) receiver or an HDTV receiver at no charge, while DirecTV charges $49.99 for DVR receivers and $299 for HDTV receivers.
Cable and Satellite TV Reliability and Customer Satisfaction
Cable TV outages average 3% to 5% per year. J.D. Powers and Associates ranks cable companies as good to poor in customer satisfaction.
Satellite TV outages average about 1%. J.D. Power and Associates has ranked the two satellite TV providers -- Dish Network and DirecTV -- higher in customer satisfaction than any of the cable TV companies for the last five years
The Bottom Line
If you only watch a couple of shows a week, and you live in an area where you can't get over-the-air TV and cable TV costs less than $20 per month, then cable may be your best option.
If, on the other hand, you want the biggest variety of shows, movies, sports, and news for the least amount of money ... you want to watch your all your shows in digital video and sound ... and you want the option of watching them in HD format and recording them on a DVR receiver, then satellite TV is what you're looking for.
Brian Stevens is a professional freelance writer and webmaster who has written extensively on cable TV and satellite TV. Click the following link for more information on satellite TV vs. cable TV.
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Each day more people make the decision to get their television programming through a satellite. Satellite TV is increasing in popularity and that rise in popularity is expected to continue on into the future.
When it comes to satellite TV, there are many individuals who focus solely on the cost of getting the channels that they want. The price of a service is important, but so is the equipment that you plan on receiving that service with.
Satellite TV equipment can come from two different sources. It can come directly from a satellite TV provider or it can be purchased from another location. Where you get your satellite TV equipment will all depend on your personal preferences. Before you make a finial decision it is important that you educate yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of acquiring satellite TV equipment from certain locations.
Many satellite TV subscribers make the decision to get their equipment through their satellite provider. The biggest advantage of doing so is that the equipment can often be obtained for little or no cost. It is not uncommon for a provider to offer valuable deals and discounts on satellite receivers and dishes. This means that it is possible to become a customer without having to pay equipment fees.
The biggest disadvantage of getting satellite TV equipment through a provider is one that many individuals are not even aware of. The majority of satellite TV providers are not giving you their equipment; in fact, they are leasing it you. This means that if you decide to switch television providers you will have to return the equipment. This is something that many individuals do not have a problem with, but a problem may arise if the equipment is damaged. Damaged equipment or missing remotes may result in being charged the full retail price for each item.
The alternative to leasing satellite equipment from a satellite TV provider is to outright purchase the equipment. The most common place to purchase satellite equipment is from a traditional storefront retail location or online. Most traditional department stores and media stores carry a selection of satellite dishes and receivers.
There are a number of advantages to purchasing satellite equipment from a retail store. The biggest advantage is that the equipment is yours to keep. This means that you can take your dish and receiver with you on camping trips and other family outings without having to worry about being penalized should the equipment become damaged.
When a satellite TV provider leases equipment to their subscribers they tend to offer only the standard equipment. Buying the equipment from a retail store gives shoppers a larger selection to choose from.
Having a choice when it comes to purchasing satellite TV equipment is nice, but it can also result in errors. Not all satellite receivers are compatible with every satellite TV provider. That is why it is important to ensure that the two are compatible before paying for the equipment.
The price of satellite equipment is one of the most common reasons why individuals do not outright purchase their equipment. The average cost of a satellite dish and receiver, when purchased together, is between one hundred and two hundred dollars. It is important to note that the cost of a satellite dish and receiver will all depend on where the items are being purchased from.
Leasing satellite TV equipment and purchasing it both have their advantages and disadvantages. When deciding which is the best way to acquire satellite TV equipment you are encouraged to examine each advantage and disadvantage and then apply them to your situation.
D. David Dugan is a support of the computer support forum at http://forum.dugancom.com and recommends purchasing your satellite service from
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Satellite TV Guide
Satellite television is a common thing nowadays, especially for the USA and Canada. If you are unfamiliar with it, here is a brief satellite TV guide to put some light on the subject.
The first stop in our Satellite TV guide is: How satellite television works?
Satellite TV is not a new thing, although the latest technology has made it even sweeter. In general, here is how it all works: the programming is received by an uplink station that transmits it to the satellite; than the satellite relays it back to earth and the transmission is received by satellite dishes. Then the signal is decoded by and received and voila – you are enjoying hundreds of TV channels with superb quality.
The second thing that many consumers are unaware is: What equipment shall I buy in order to watch satellite TV channels?
In general you will need a satellite dish, a received and (may be) a dish motor in case you watch to catch signal from different satellites. If you would like to watch paid channels, you will also need a descrambler that will decrypt the encrypted TV channels. The best scenario is that you contact your local satellite television provider and check what the options are. Most of these companies will provide you with all the equipment you need, free installation and some nice start – up gift offers.
Many consumers think that all satellite programs are aid. That is why we have used the next few lines of our satellite TV guide to bring you some good news.
Not all satellite channels are paid. You can watch over 3000 free satellite channels. You will still need a dish and receiver but you will save the monthly costs of the subscription-based service. The free to air satellite channels include news; movie and sport channels and many people find their amount and quality just enough.
The last stop in our Satellite TV guide is to answer the question that you are asking in this very minute: Why do I need satellite television at all?
Well, you do not really need it in terms that you do not really need anything. Satellite television provides better quality than the traditional television broadcasting systems. In addition, with the new HDTV (high definition television) consumers receive even better image and sound quality). There is hundreds of channels available ranging from news and movie channels to specialized channels. Finally satellite television is reliable and it gives you some added value features that the traditional cable or terrestrial television cannot provide you – internet access, satellite radio programs, interactive information about shows, shows schedules, etc.
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