Satellite TV Set Up Fun

Satellite TV was the rainbow after the storm in my life. I had just left my drudge of a job, as an overworked sales clerk. I was bored at home, feeling really low. I did a lot of looking around in stores and window shopping just to get out of the house. I saw a promotion in the window of one of the video stores in town. It was for a satellite TV system on sale. Since I didn't have cable TV At the time, this ad really attracted me.

I went in and had a look at the quality and content of the satellite programming being shown on one of the TV sets showing it. The picture was so impressive. The picture quality was so crystal clear, and sharp. The brochure the clerk provided me indicated that there were over 50 channels to watch. Of course I jumped at the chance to brighten up my life.

That evening the store owner installed the dish. He laid the cable and hooked everything up. The system was turned on and then nothing. The receiver had to wait to be activated. This took over 24 hours to occur. When it started working it was terrific. It featured all the movie channels one could wish for. HBO, Cinemax, the Movie Channel, the independent Film Channel, and more. There were more sports channels than one could watch. MTV quickly became one of my favourites. Shows like Road Rules, and The Real World, made my day. It was like being in touch with a world I had never known.

Satellite TV signal reception has vulnerabilities. During heavy rain or snow storms, the amount of data carried in the signal is reduced, sometimes so much so that the computer which constructs the picture on the screen, can't do its job. When this happens little blocks pop up on the screen. This is called picture break up. If the rain or snow storm becomes more heavy, the data will became so reduced that the video freezes its movement. The computer crashes. Unplugging the receiver, removing and reinserting the smart card usually fixes the computer crash. When the storm has passed and the dish can receive, the satellite TV data at a normal signal strength, everything will work, normally once the receiver is plugged in and turned on.

When I moved residences, I had to reinstall the Satellite TV dish. This involves attaching a mast to the wall of your house, with a clear view of the southern sky. That means no trees, houses, or anything, in the way of the line of sight the dish has to the satellite location in the sky. The mast must be levelled vertically. The satellite dish is placed on the mast and set to the approximately height and direction of the satellite location in the sky. The receiver is then connected to the wire lead from the dish, and the TV. When the receiver is turned on and put in tuning mode, a graph will display the satellite signal strength. The satellite dish is moved ever so gently by a hairs width, up and down, side to side, until you reach the highest satellite signal strength. This gives you the best chance of viewing longer during a rain or snow storm.

On the whole satellite TV is the best TV viewing you can experience. You usually get more for your dollar, and it's worth every penny spent.

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Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Satellite TV
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Changing the Location of Your Dish Network Dish - Easily

One of Dish Network's offers is free installation of all equipment and service to first time subscribers. This is excellent because you are assured of expert installation initially. There may come a time, though, when you either must change Dish Network's Dish because of necessity or just because you want to change it. Whatever the reason, it is easily accomplished with some precaution.

The actual Dish Network Dish is small, about 2 to 2 l/2 feet in diameter, and mounts quite easily on an outside wall, a veranda, roofing, fences, or even the roofs or sides of garages. It is light in weight and this makes it even easier to fasten. Each Dish Network Dish has two antennas, and they should always be pointed toward or facing the Southern sky. Each of these antennas is instrumental in intercepting and transmitting satellite signals onto your television screen. When choosing a new location for your Dish, be sure you look at the environment well so there will be no future obstructions of the signal transmission. Place it away from trees, places where children play, buildings, other wiring, any thing that might get in the way of satellite transmissions. Dish Network's satellite dish must be pointing directly and unobstructed at a Southern sky at all times. This assures you of uninterrupted signal transmission from Dish Network's satellites and the best in quality program viewing on your television system.

There may be occasion when mounting of the Dish is just not possible. If such an instance should present, Dish Network includes, in their promotional offer, a tripod stand. This alternative to wall or roof mounting is great for use in apartments or condominiums - especially if there are rules that prohibit nailing and mounting objects on dwelling exteriors. The only problem with using a tripod is that it is highly sensitive. The tripod and Dish Network Dish need to be placed far and away from people or animals that may cause it to tip in any way. Sometimes people and animals may bump into the tripod and even the slightest touch can interrupt your reception. When this happens, your television screen will indicate that the Dish is looking for a signal. Then you will need to lightly touch or tap your satellite dish until begin transmitting is resumed and the imaging is restored on the television screen.

It is assumed that the question is being asked: Well, if Dish Network's Dish is so sensitive that even a bump or nudge will knock it out of line, then how does it withstand being mounted on walls with the wind, rain, snow, etc., hitting it constantly? The only thing I can think of is that with the Dish being stationary, it is secure and receiving a constant line of signaling; when jolted, it interrupts the flow of signaling from satellites and throws it into chaos until secured again. Who knows? Your guess is as good as mine in this regard.

Mitchell Medford is a popular reviewer of consumer electronics and has served as a product development consultant for several consumer electronics manufacturers including Dish Network. For more information on satellite TV, HDTV, and Dish Network DVR< receivers, visit his website: http://newtechnologytv.com

The Best Offers in Digital Satellite TV or Cable Television

Digital television service is all the buzz in 2006. With companies like Dish Network, DirecTV, and Time Warner Digital Cable battling it out to be your number one provider for TV service. Which one of these services will be your top pick this year? Will you go for price, or features?

Aren't the best offers in digital television the ones that meet the consumers personal needs and desires? Some of you may want the cheapest satellite or cable TV service, while others want all of the extras they can get their hands on. First lets take a look at the promotions offered as of the time of the writing of this article.

Cable television has recently leaped into the digital TV promotions arena with cash back incentives and lower rates on TV service for a set period of time. Recent Time Warner Digital Cable promotions include:

• Digital Cable service plus DVR rental & service for $39.95 per month for 3 months
• Digital Cable with HD DVR rental & service for $39.95 per month for 3 months
• $25 cash back on digital cable service
• Free activation
• Free installation

While DirecTV satellite service has always been big on promotional offers, they seem to be a bit sluggish this year in comparison to Time Warner and Dish Network TV services. Current promotions offered by DirecTV include:

• First month of DirecTV Total Choice Plus free
• $100 dollar mail-in rebate on DVR or HD receiver lease upgrade.
• Free installation

The best promotional offer for digital TV service in 2006 is from Dish Network, hands down. In addition to the standard promotions listed below, some Dish Network retailers even offer extra incentives like free home theater systems on top of Dish Network's standard promotion. Dish Network's current promotion includes:

• Dish Family for $19.99 everyday
• Americas Top 60 or higher with up to $100 cash back
• Dish HD or HDTV programming with up to $200 cash back
• Free Starz movie pack for three months
• Free HDTV & DVR lease upgrades
• 30 day risk free guarantee
• Free standard professional installation

Not only is Dish Network satellite TV service tops in promotional offers this year, it is the most configurable of the big three television service providers, with plans for the most frugal or the most feature rich programming available with more HD channels available than any other network.

Dish Network has set up their promotional offers to last. For example, with their $100 cash back offer, you'll basically be getting Americas Top 60 and higher for the price of the next cheapest package for the next ten months. This is appealing to consumers who are tired of short lived promotional offers.

Keep in mind this article was written in June of 2006. The jury is still out on what DirecTV or Time Warner intend to do with their promotional offerings of digital television service the rest of the year. Promotions are always great when getting started, but the ones that last are the best digital television deals.

Daymon Hoag is founder of Cheapest Service provisioner of Dish Network Satellite TV

DIRECTV versus Cable - DIRECTV Wins Hands Down

Variety and price are two of the big factors that separate the best deal from the good. The same applies for DIRECTV and ordinary Cable television. Compare directv programming with the entertainment package of the cable, offers more channels for your money and satellite tv that is superior and better.

Donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt forget the excellent always on-call customer service from the DirecTV dealer and the crystal picture quality that is 100% digital. Leave costly cable and join the quality programming packages that fit your taste for every channel. Be one of the 14 Million DIRECTV customers who enjoy pristine nationwide by viewing directv channels from directv dealer Expert Satellite - Preferred On-Line Dealer. With direct tv you save money every month verses cable and get more channels of every possible flavor and taste on premier directv programming. Click here and find more on programming options with directv.

Start right away with directv installation that is easy and affordable. Yes, Expert Satellite gives directv that is free with no up-front cost to get started - equipment, delivery, installation are free. Can you imagine what this means? Yes, as a customer you get to have access to digital benefits by paying no extra fees unlike cable television free means the best quality content with no worries as maintenance is almost zero, only certified DIRECTV Installers get to work with you that makes the arrangement better than you can bargain anywhere in USA. Only this directv offer from expert satellite lets you enjoy channel that is 100% digital quality and even directv local channels are beamed in high-definition (HD).

With Expert Satellite, you can avail the HD receiver free with instant rebate and enjoy HD programming on your TV at your leisure with a DIRECTV DVR. Always remember that DIRECTV DVR service costs less than cable DVR service, so no points for guessing where smart people like you will go.

Coming back to cable television, the worst thing about premium cable networks is that they have been the loosest with regard to content, since they require only a cable box to view. This makes it difficult to restrict childrenรขโ�ฌโ�ขs access to them. Nudity, foul language, and even pornography on these networks are not uncommon. Directv local channels do not entertain any such programming so not only do you see programs not offered elsewhere but satellite tv is safer than ever before. Some basic cable networks have also recently aired R-rated movies uncut late at night which poses great problems for parents of adolescents. With the DIRECTV TOTAL CHOICE package, you donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt have any such hassle as your children and whole family can see to over 135 of your favorite digital-quality channels for only a trifle every month.

Will you still root for the cable television which asks you to pay same but 60 analog channels? Ask a renowned direct tv dealer like Expert Satellite to install satellite dish and get up to 4 standard receivers that are free. Program commitments of 12 months of TOTAL CHOICE programming is required which will pass like a breeze and force you to keep the service for more action and entertainment. With directv mover connection, your equipment stays yours, even if you move homes 12 times in a year as the directv installer will set up again and again.

Cable television stays a loner when you get to see the pay per view options with directv programming with more than 55 PPV events every day. Choices are plenty as you can add services like directv international or directv sports to basic configuration and enjoy seamless broadcast of your shows รขโ�ฌโ�� in short never miss your favorite shows ever again!

As a directv customer you also get to receive commercial-free digital music channels which serve the finest quality digital audio, unlike scores of cable customers. Grow up and choose what is best for you.

And finally if you are still thinking of moving into directv channels, sports directv programming is sure to get you hooked. No cable can provide you NFL SUNDAY as direct tv is the exclusive provider of NFL SUNDAY TICKET games in high-definition. All this and more comes with the directv offer called SuperFan package. Click here for NFL SUNDAY offer. Drool over your favorite team across the country with directv sports and its peerless coverage of all major professional and college sports.

Get center stage with 25 specialty and regional sports networks with the directv sports package thatรขโ�ฌโ�ขs packs adrenaline and enthusiasm in unbelievable tequila of gargantuan proportions for the real sports buff. Say good bye to cable television and welcome directv offer from Expert Satellite!

About Author: Bob Johnson E-mail: satellite.expert@gmail.com http://www.expertsatellite.com/

Satellite TV Reviews -- DISH Network, DIRECTV, and Sky Angel

Satellite TV Reviews

There are currently three satellite TV companies in the U.S. -- DISH Network , DIRECTV, and Angel Star.

DISH Network and DIRECTV broadcast a variety of television shows, sporting events, special events, and commercial-free music, while Angel Star broadcasts Christian oriented programs, music, and special events.

Here are the reviews ...

DIRECTV Review

DIRECTV was launched in 1994 by Hughes Electronics and was the first high-powered DBS (direct broadcast satellite) service in the world.

DIRECTV is currently the largest satellite TV company, with more than 15 million subscribers, and is ranked #2 in customer satisfaction among all cable and satellite TV companies by J.D. Power and Associates.

DIRECTV Programming Review

DIRECTV has 250 channels of satellite TV programming, and offers three programming packages.

Their basic package, Total Choice, includes 155 program channels, 3 movie channels, and 50 XM radio channels, while their top-of-the-line Total Choice Premier package includes 250 program channels, including 3 movie channels, and 67 XM radio channels.

DIRECTV also also offers pay-per-view programming, HD (high definition) programming packages, adult channels, and international programming.

Program prices start at $29.99 per month (for the first three months) for their basic program package, and go up to $96.99 for their top-of-the-line package. It costs $3 a month extra to receive local channels.

Compared to the other satellite TV providers, DIRECTV has the most sports programming.

DIRECTV Equipment Review

The equipment you need to receive DIRECTV programming includes a satellite TV dish, satellite TV receivers, and remote controls . This equipment is currently free when you sign up for one of DIRECTV's programming packages, and comes with free installation.

DIRECTV offers DVR's (digital video recorders) and HD receivers. Both are free after a $99 mail-in rebate.

Note: For current information on programming, equipment, pricing, and ordering, click on the links below.

DISH Network Review

DISH Network was launched in 1996 by EchoStar.

DISH Network is currently the fastest-growing satellite TV company, with more than 12 million subscribers, and is ranked #1 in customer satisfaction among all cable and satellite TV companies by J.D. Power and Associates.

DISH Network Programming Review

DISH Network offers 375 channels of satellite TV programming, and five program packages.

Their starter package, the 40-channel Dish Family Pak, includes family-oriented programming such as Animal Planet, Nickelodeon, and the Hallmark Movie Channel. Their top-of-the-line "Everything" Pak includes 375 program channels, including 60 Sirius radio channels, 52 music channels, HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, and Starz.

DISH Network also offers pay-per-view programming, HD programming packages, adult channels, and sports packages.

When you compare DISH Network to the other providers you'll find they have most movies, shows, and international channels.

Prices start at $19.99 per month for their family package, and go up to $74.99 for their top-of-the-line package. It costs $5 a month extra to receive local channels.

DISH Network Equipment Review

The equipment you need to receive DISH Network programming -- a satellite dish, satellite TV receivers, and remote controls -- are currently free when you sign up for one of DISH Network's entertainment packages. Installation of the system is also free.

DISH Network is currently offering free DVR's and free HD receivers.

Note: For current information on programming, equipment, pricing, and ordering, click on the links below.

Sky Angel Review

Sky Angel is owned by Dominion Video Satellite Inc., and is a satellite TV provider that specializes in Christian oriented programming. It was launched in 1981.

Sky Angel uses DISH Network satellite TV equipment for their service and allows subscribers to get both services with the same equipment.

Sky Angel Programming Review

Sky Angel offers a variety of Christian talk shows and Christian news shows. Included in their lineup are popular Christian-oriented shows such as Pat Robertson's 700 Club, Benny Hinn's This is Your Day, and Hal Lindsey's TV show.

News shows include CBN's Christian World News show. TV specials that have aired on Sky Angel include Justice Sundays, and the Promise Keepers.

Children and Teen programming includes KTV-Kids and Teens Television, TVU Music Television, several teen Christian radio networks, and the nation's only kidsรขโ�ฌโ�ข radio network, His Kids Radio.

Twenty program channels and 16 music channels are $14.99 monthly, or $149.90 annually. It costs $5.99 a month extra to receive local channels.

Sky Angel Equipment Review

Equipment prices start at $149 for one dish, one receiver, and a remote control. Additional receivers are $99 each, and there is a $5 monthly charge to activate each receiver.

Note: For current information on programming, equipment, pricing, and ordering, visit www.skyangel.com.

Click on the following link for more satellite TV reviews and to compare satellite TV providers. Click on this link for information on free satellite TV systems and service plus ordering information and the latest special offers from DISH Network and DIRECTV.

The author, Brian Stevens, is the senior editor for TheSatelliteTVGuide.com and has written a number of satellite TV reviews.

Free Movies with Dishnetwork Starz TV Movie Package

With DishNetwork Satellite Service, you have the freedom to sign up for several movie packages. One of the best happens to be Starz. With Starz, you will receive 8 channels of new hit movies, uncut and commercial free, most of which can be seen first on Starz, and some only on Starz. This important addition is a part of many high end satellite packages because of the value it brings to the table. If you would like to add Starz to your satellite service separately, you can do so for around $11.99 a month.

Starz provides all of the movie programming you could ever ask for. Expect to fine all of the New Movies, Big Movies, and Movies for all generations. Starz has several special channels targeting several niche audiences like Starz in Black which provides cultural programming targeting the urban audience. Starz Kids & Family provides programming that is family friendly all the time. I know for a fact everyone with a family can appreciate this convenience knowing it is worth the $11.99 monthly fee just for a great family movie channel. Great family programming can be invaluable for spending some time with your family relaxing in your living room. And free movies that are family oriented can save you money in the long run if you make fewer trips to the local movie rental store.

And of coarse you get the work horse channels which provide movies, movies and more movies all day everyday. Encore is In fact nothing but movies. Remember that any provider can play movies all day, but which and what kind of movies is the most important. Feel safe knowing that your subscription to starz will bring you the movies that you have been waiting to see, and will want to see and see again without rental or late fees.

To sign up for Dishnetwork Satellite service visit asefd.com. We offer Free Dishnetwork information and great deals on Dishnetwork packages in your area.

Satellete TV Guide

Deciding which satellite company to pick is a major choice till you try to decide which package you want with your service, then there is which receiver is the best to meet your needs not to mention the different dishes you must chose from. I know I have been through both and with the help of two friends one who works for Dish TV and the other than installs DirecTV systems I have really found there is a major amount of research you should do to make a wise decision on the best type of satellite TV system. I have compiled over 2000 websites for all the information of different aspects of the area of satellite TV.

I have tried the big two satellite companies personally. I have much information never found on any other websites. I believe this site will be your one stop site in the future. I left no stone unturned when the term satellite TV, hacking and programming are both addressed.

Installation is completly different between the the two companies and the are many factors that will improve your reception in the wiring design you deside in you installation plans. I found it is best to plan ahead the wiring and if possible have your wiring finished before your installation.

Dennis Evans has consulted both DirecTV and Dish Networks installer and representives and feels you will find weeks of reseacrh here. http://satellitetvguides.com/

What if No One Ever Invented Satellites?

What if no one ever invented satellites? Can you imagine? There would of course be no GPS for you car, which could effect you personally and you might be without all the XM Radio Channels? Direct TV would not be available and forget their 100รขโ�ฌโ�ขs of channels and pay per view sports? And the United States Military would not have such an easy time with "Shock and Awe" and flying smart bombs and missile through windows, meaning more people would die in war to go in personally to capture or kill the bad guys. Many innocent people would die because the bombs would be slightly off or carpet-bombing strategies would be used instead. But that is not all.

Without satellites we could not monitor our Earth or even figure out the issues with Climate Change or Global Warming. What if Hurricane Katrina, Rita and Wilma were not very well predicted? What if all weather forecasts were more about probabilities from Farmerรขโ�ฌโ�ขs Almanac that actual storm weather? Can you imagine that? Where would mankind be without the weather prediction satellites? How about cross-ocean telephones? Well you are talking about many cables crossing the ocean and when they got damaged for any reason, no communication? The World Wide Web would be completely fractionalized. In fact without satellites nothing would be the same and life as we know it would be thrown back a ways, not to the stone ages, but you might feel that way if it happened. By the way could it happen? Perhaps from a massive Solar Flare? Well indeed it could and so we should be thinking here as our scientists work on ways to be build better systems which can withstand anything. Think on this.

Lance Winslow

Dish Network: Super Digital Satellite TV Deals Now Available

With more than 250 channels, Dish Network is the fastest-growing digital satellite television provider in the country. Serving 12 million subscribers, the company offers the best customer service and the sharpest digital satellite television available. Dishnetwork brings discriminating TV viewers the widest variety of programming, including more interactive channels, more high definition selections and more international options than any other digital satellite TV company.

Subscribers to Dish Network digital satellite TV service get access to great deals and packages, as well as special upgrades. The company is constantly striving to expand and improve its service. Check out the special upgrades featured below and find out more about the best satellite TV available today.

The ClubDISH upgrade: Give your friends and family Dishnetwork Satellite TV, and you'll be richly rewarded. Subscribers who purchase Dishnetwork digital satellite television as a gift will receive great perks. And the friends you introduce to the service will also be eligible for exclusive deals through the ClubDISH referral system. Refer a friend and receive special credits on your billing accounts each month, as well as great Pay-Per-View movie deals and special discount certificates. The friends you refer get great benefits, like the Digital Home Advantage, which includes free programming activation, free digital satellite TV equipment for four rooms, great discounts and credits, and special movie channel offers.

It's easy for you to give the gift of great digital satellite television. Surprise your friends with the ClubDISH gift card. Click here for more information.

The SuperDISH Upgrade: SuperDISH from Dish Network is indeed super. SuperDISH represents the best in cutting-edge digital satellite TV technology. SuperDISH gives viewers the capability to pick up a satellite TV signal from three different satellite locations, providing access to special regional and international broadcasts. Subscribers can get SuperDISH by signing up for a basic programming package. A fee is also required for upgrading and set-up of SuperDISH. Click here for more information.

HDTV upgrade: It's what you want. High definition television (HDTV) is the sharpest, clearest TV available today, and nobody does high-def better than Dish Network. Subscribers have access to 1700 hours of high definition television a week. Viewers need a high def receiver and a high def TV in order to get HDTV. With Dish Network's special Dish'n It Up offer, customers who qualify can lease the newest HD receivers from Dish Network. This is a great, affordable deal for current subscribers looking to get high definition television. A wide range of HDTV channels, from sports to movies to family programming are available. Special high definition packages that combine both high definition and standard channels are also available.

Remember: Dish Network delivers ultimate TV. Bringing the highest quality digital satellite television to viewers, with superior audio and video technology, it's the best in the business.

John Richardson is a popular reviewer of consumer electronics and has served as a product development consultant for several consumer electronics manufacturers including Dish Network. For more information on satellite TV, HDTV, and Dish Network DVR< receivers, visit his website: http://bigmouthtv.com

Free Satellite TV

Legality aside, any kind of Free Satellite TV offered by a business is looking for a profit. However, stealing channels is an unintelligent activity at the very least. Free Satellite TV is a bonus for paying the monthly service fees for at least one year. So how free is Free Satellite TV? If you sign up and pay a monthly service, the company is more than willing to offer a free installation, free DVR, free HDTV, free equipment and free channels.

What is Free Satellite TV?

Not all Free Satellite TV is the same. Different companies offer different policies. Generally speaking, more and more techniques are used to get people to sign up for a satellite TV service. Free Satellite TV is one of these things that people seem to think means getting a box from a company for free and then manipulating it into an all channel free service. Which is not only unwise, it's unnecessary. Free Satellite TV means getting free equipment, free installation, free to air channels and paying monthly service, just like everyone else. You can choose to pay for more channels other than the basic service, but that is your choice, and you pay only for what you are interested in. Channels you don't want, you don't get.

Free Satellite TV Equipment and Installation

Free Satellite TV equipment and installation usually include a DVR, HDTV and a technician going to your house with all the equipment and doing the setup for free. The DVR is a Digital Video Recorder, a box that records video feed from your Free Satellite TV to a digital storage space. Just like a hard drive on the computer, the DVR works as a virtual memory of video, related to the older analog VCR of the 80's and 90's. The HDTV is a High Definition Television unit that amplifies a video feed in such a way that the images, sounds and feelings coming from the TV are a far bolder experience. With HDTV the quality of a pin dropping from across the globe is as if from close up and in surround sound.

Free Satellite TV Channels

When we think about Free Satellite TV we also seem to think about channels. Free Satellite TV channels are those that are free to air channels from all over the globe. Public broadcasting in any country is free of charge with Free Satellite TV and when you add the number of public broadcasting stations up in the diverse developing English speaking countries around the world, that comes to a whole lot of educational programming for one monthly signature in a basic package. And if you are thinking about the family, there is no better set of family channels than the Free Satellite TV channels.

Free Satellite TV is about paying a monthly service and the bonuses that come with a basic monthly package. Free Satellite TV comes with free installation, free equipment, free channels that include radio, public and educational programs from all over the world. So how free is Free Satellite TV?

"Unless you want more than a basic package, it will cost a monthly signature to your local Dish Network for a minimum of one year to get Free Satellite TV."

About the Author: Gary Davis is owner of http://www.dtv-satellite.com an authorized DIRECTV retailer, has over five years experience in the Satellite TV business and has written numerous articles on the subject.

Satellite TV Dish

A satellite TV dish is a device that receives and decodes signals received from a relaying communications satellite orbiting the earth. These dishes are circular and made of metal parts. The first generation satellite dishes were big, around nine to ten foot. Nowadays, it is possible to easily carry a satellite dish in a briefcase.

Satellite TV dishes are small and easy to install. More and more people are opting for these satellite TV dishes because they are handy and provide better quality. People have access to satellite TV and Internet broadband even in the most remote places.

Satellite TV dishes are also in great demand because consumers can choose from a range of satellite dishes available in the market. Satellite TV has become very affordable these days. At present, around 25 million households are enjoying the improved quality of satellite TV.

It is recommended, when installing the dishes, that they be positioned in a clear area, where the sky is easily visible. This helps in the reception of uninterrupted TV content, Internet broadband and improved picture quality.

Satellite TV dishes have made it easier for households to enjoy their favorite TV channel, surf the Internet and listen to endless number of music channels on radio. The chief advantages for a consumer is that it provides fewer disruptions, better picture quality and a high-speed connectivity. The number of people opting for satellite TV dishes is increasing every year.

The market is flooded with numerous service providers offering satellite TV packages to the consumers. Such competition between service providers is good for the consumers as they can enjoy satellite TV at affordable costs. The service providers have become more efficient due to the increased competition. The demand for satellite TV is also rising and this is certainly good news for the service providers. Satellite TV providers are tapping the full market potential by offering better packages and thus increasing their market share.

Satellite Dish provides detailed information on Dish Satellite, Dish Satellite Network, Satellite Tv Dish, Dish Network Satellite Tv and more. Satellite Dish is affiliated with Free Satellite TV on PC.

DHPP - a Must Have Feature in Dish Network Satellite TV

What is Dish Home Protection Plan (DHPP) and what is the big deal of Dish Network offering me that? Well, for being established for decades, Dish Network provides a comprehensive plan to protect your pleasure on satellite TV shows. Yes, thatรขโ�ฌโ�ขs DHPP!

DHPP is a plan that covers you from suffering on dish network malfunction. Itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs a must have service when getting a dish network satellite TV. Check out what you can get from DHPP now..

Priority Technical Support Dish Network provides 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week online or phone call technical support. Whenever you get a dish network malfunction, you can always get fast assistance from them. It doesnรขโ�ฌโ�ขt matter itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs late night or early morning. You will need no more to sit at home, wasting your time (skipping your favorite show?) to wait for the technical guy to come and fix the problem.

Replacement Equipment For usual, most of the problems settled within a simple phone call. But if the problem is isolated to the receiver, dish network will straight away send a replacement receiver directly to you. Itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs fast and clean enough isnรขโ�ฌโ�ขt it? DHPP covers full replacement and shipping costs of everything. Itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs just all for your satellite TV pleasure!

Video Cabling & Power Surge Repairs DHPP also covers you from any power surge damages on your Dish Network receiver as well as inside video cabling. Dish Network will send someone to your place to replace or repair it for you! And itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs for free. Perhaps you do not need to worry on thunder anymore.

In-Home Service If Dish Network is unable to solve your problem through their technical support staff, theyรขโ�ฌโ�ขll come to you! Dish network provides in-home service that is almost perfect. No matter where you live, youรขโ�ฌโ�ขre covered, nationwide. Give them a call and they will arrange everything under DHPP.

Free Movers Program Another feature under DHPP is free movers program. Well, if you are moving to another house, need not to worry on dish network services. Again, inform Dish Network and take along your receivers to your new house, and Dish Network will have them installed professionally in your new home free of charge!

All these features are for your satellite TV pleasure! Convenience and security is what DHPP offering you. Look for DHPP coverage when you subscribe to Dish Network. It will definitely ease your pain when problems occur with your dish network.

Visit Darenรขโ�ฌโ�ขs site to learn more on dish network. Find out everything you need to know on dish network satellite.

HDTV Brings Home Entertainment To A New Level

With the introduction of the HDTV standard, everything you watch on your TV set will vastly improve and get more impressive. HDTV stands for high definition television and you may think that it only has to do with the video portion of TV viewing. But HDTV is a standard format that has been mandated by the FCC to be put in widespread practice by programming providers by the end of 2006. That format not only significantly upgrades the video, but also the audio portion of TV viewing as well. Let's take a look at how it will affect the way you watch TV.

If you like to watch movies on DVD, you can already begin to see vast improvements over the old analog VHS tapes that have been in use for some time. Many movies are coming in HDTV now, and also include Dolby 5.1 surround sound that is part of the HDTV experience as well as watch it in widescreen format which allows you to see the entire original recorded image, just like at the movie theater. This is the fuel for the recent boom in homwe theater systems that let you enjoy movie entertainment at home that can begin to rival that of movie theaters. If you haven't enjoyed a home theater experince yet, arrange a demo as soon as possible and you will understand what the excitement is all about.

Video game playing is going to go to a new level now too with HDTV, as the XBox 360 and Playstation 3 will integrate HDTV technology into their video and audio systems too. Gamers will be able to enjoy even more realism and special effects than ever before thanks to the improved video and audio from HDTV.

And of course, TV broadcasts themselves will reach a whole new level as programming is sent more and more in HDTV format. Even without an HDTV signal though, HDTVs improve the viewing experince anyway due to the increased resolution of the screen, making even normal television signals appear sharper and smoother. But when you add the magic of true high definition TV signals displayed ona HDTV television set, the effect is really stunning.

The future looks bright then for TV viewing and now is the time to get ready for the impact that HDTV will have on the way we view all home entertainment.

Jim Johnson writes on many consumer related topics including HDTV. You can find out more about the best hdtv by visiting our HDTV and Television Review website.

Pick the Right Dish Network Programming

You had made up your mind to get yourself a Dish Network satellite TV service; you had review all the available dealers and choose the most reliable one; you had selected the system combinations that you want and you are ready to place your order online. Now, whatรขโ�ฌโ�ขs next?

Itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs time to choose the right programming package that suit you the best!

Although you can always choose your programming package after the order is placed, itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs always better to have everything clear in mind before you putting down your deposit money. Read thru this article to get a better view on Dish Network programming packages.

Dish Network programming packages come in four main packages: Americaรขโ�ฌโ�ขs Top 60, Americaรขโ�ฌโ�ขs Top 120, Americaรขโ�ฌโ�ขs Top 180, and Americaรขโ�ฌโ�ขs Everything Pak.

America's Top 60

Americaรขโ�ฌโ�ขs Top 60 package is the Dish Network entry package. The basic Americaรขโ�ฌโ�ขs Top 60 cost $31.99/month (some dealers offer $19.99 for the first three months); while with extra channels added, Americaรขโ�ฌโ�ขs Top 60 Plus charges extra $5 at the time of writing.

This basic package is the most economical of all the Dish Network deals. It is kind of popular as it provides a larger selection than the cable TVs in a lower price. Most cable TV users who switch to Dish Network started with Americaรขโ�ฌโ�ขs Top 60 to try out the dish TV program. The package is consist of 60 major paid TV channels in United States, such well-known channels include ABC Family, CNBC, Court TV, Comedy Central, ESPN, MTV, Nickelodeon, Star Sports and a host of others. Additionally, local channels are always included for free whenever itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs possible.

America's Top 120

This mid-level programming package will cost you $42.99 per month. It includes all of the America's Top 60, along with additional of sports, movies, documentary, and kids channels. Some of the channels listed here that Americaรขโ�ฌโ�ขs Top 60 does not have includes all time kid favorites-- Toon Disney, F/X, Soap Net, Tech TV, American Movie Classics, The Speed Channel, Turner Classic Movies, as well as a big bunch of sports channels. Americaรขโ�ฌโ�ขs Top 120 had been the Dish Network best selling channel package for quite some time as the deal provides a large channels selection with an acceptable price tag.

America's Top 180

If you are a big music TV fans, Americaรขโ�ฌโ�ขs Top 180 is the Dish Network programming package to go for. With $52.99/month, you get an extra of 15++ music channels in this package. Further more, Americaรขโ�ฌโ�ขs Top 180 also include some of the famous TV channels that Americaรขโ�ฌโ�ขs Top 120 and Americaรขโ�ฌโ�ขs Top 60 do not have. These channels include s Discovery Kids, Encore, National Geographic Channel, Nicktoons, The Golf Channel, Action Westerns, as well as The Movie Channel.

America's Everything Pak

Americaรขโ�ฌโ�ขs Everything Pak is for those TV maniacs that canรขโ�ฌโ�ขt live without TV entertainments. This package is the ultimate of the Dish Network that provides every TV channels available under the sun, premium movie channels are included here in this package: Showtime Unlimited, HBO The Works, Multimax from Cinemax, and Starz Encore Super Pak. You will get more than 2000 movies per month with Americaรขโ�ฌโ�ขs Everything Pak.

Wide selections in Dish Network programming packages had been always the main discussion point when we are talking about Dish Network deals. Itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs true that the programming package sounds a lot more better when compare to cable TVรขโ�ฌโ�ขs. However, consumer should always aware that extra programming means extra monthly subscription fees. You should always pick the best programming package that suits you the best; but not picking up the package that offers the most programming channels.

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. Always select from the list of reputable dealers when you are ordering your satellite TV deal. This is extremely crucial to assure that your money well spent and not bump into those free satellite TV scams.

Teddy LC., expert writter on consumer products reviews. Check out his latest satellite TV related website and review free satellite TV promotions, compare on DirecTV and Dish Network deals and other issues on satellite TV deals.

Want Information on RV Satellite TV?

For many years, people have enjoyed traveling across country in their vehicles, exploring the land they live in. This love of travel led to the invention of the RV, or Recreational Vehicle. The RV is like a small house on wheels. You can take with you all the conveniences of home, from a queen-size bed to a hot shower to a refrigerator and stove, with you as you drive along. Traveling by RV gives you the ability to stop whenever and wherever you want and not worry about hotels and restaurants.

Until recently, however, there has been one problem that RV owners weren't able to figure out, and that wasรขโ�ฌยฆhow to watch the baseball game or favorite sitcom while far from home. Frustrated RV owners would get out the "bunny ears" antenna, covered with tinfoil, and jiggle them around on top of their TVs, trying to get just one channel. One man, Bob Stacey, eventually got so frustrated with not being able to watch what he wanted that he invented a motorized satellite dish that he could use on his RV.

That was the beginning. Bob then formed a company called MotoSat and began selling his creation to other RV owners. The product caught on, and soon other companies began to manufacture RV satellite dishes. Dishes available today allow RV owners access to HDTV, hundreds of channels, movies, and, most of all, a crystal clear picture.

MotoSAT and other companies now offer a satellite Internet service that RV owners can use. With the availability of satellite TV and Internet, RV owners can extend their vacations, because they don't need to return home to catch up on what is going on at the office, and they can watch the last game of the World Series from wherever they happen to be.

These devices are easy to install and operate, and help RV owners to feel connected to their home life while traveling. If you have been wanting to travel but don't like sleeping in a tent or hotel, try renting or buying an RV. You can now have all the comforts of home with you, including TV and Internet, whether you are in Texas or Alaska!

Discover more RV Satellite TV information at http://satellitetv.atmyhouse.net.

Television Polls Are Worthless

Have you ever noticed that the Television News networks will pick a topic on the news and run with it, then repeat their information, re-interview the same people over and over again and just when you think you want to flip the channel; well they start interviewing each other; that is to say reporters interviewing reporters.

Sometimes they interview celebrities to find out what they think, as if anyone cares? It seems the publicists for all the famous actors and actresses are in bed with the network news agencies and they just keep running the news story for as long as people will listen.

Then the graphics change and you would swear you are watching a Lazarium Show or an award winning website "Flash" creation? With sounds, graphics and fade ins like some sort of high-tech 360 X Box with a Holographic Chip in the middle of your living room? It seems as if the news has become pure unadulterated entertainment.

In fact they show so many graphics there is little time for the actual seven-minute segment on whatever the story is? And of course they have to cut off every guest merely so that they can show you the graphics? What about the news, then again one has to ask the obvious question; what news?

After that whirlwind of visual sensation is over; they pitch you to stay tuned with a "Flash Bulletin" which always turns out to be a re-run of the news you heard earlier in the day, perhaps less than an hour ago? It reminds me of the Casinos, where humans sit and feed quarters into machines mesmerized by the flashing lights and sounds?

After they tell you what the news is, why you should care about the story and how they feel about it and you should feel about it. They hook you into the next segment with a sound bite; "Stay tune for the polls on the last story!!!"

Since all those humans still watching at that point have had their visual fill of stimulation and brain washing, do you ever wonder what those polls say? They always come out exactly the same as the way the particular network slanted the story. I therefore ask; What good are TV news polls anyway? Think on it; if you have any cranial capacity still working up there?

Lance Winslow

The History Of America's Satellite TV Service Providers

The history of satellite TV service providers in the United States goes back farther than you might think. Most people are familiar with popular current providers such as the Dish Network and DirecTV, but very few know how satellite TV has developed and evolved since its earliest beginnings in the 1970s.

The Beginnings of Satellite TV

Thirty years ago there was no such thing as satellite TV service providers, but that was about to change. Several private companies banded together in the early 1970s to launch a series of geosynchronous satellites (geosynchronous means an orbit that keeps the satellite directly above one area of the earth at all times) to transmit signals from an originating source to multiple receiving locations.

In 1976, HBO became the first programmer to deliver satellite programming to cable companies; many other programmers like Turner Broadcasting System (TBS) and the Christian Broadcasting Network (later called The Family Channel) followed suit, and the satellite television industry was poised for tremendous growth.

Big Dishes, Free Programming

As more and more programmers used satellites to deliver their programming to cable companies across the country, a Stanford University professor developed a way to receive those signals in his own home. His receiver dish, later known as a C-band dish for the frequency that it received, was quite large and quite effective. He was able to pick up signals from just about any programmer he wanted because the signals were sent out "in the clear", or without any encryption.

At one point, the professor sent HBO a check for $100 to pay for the programming he had been receiving and enjoying so much, but much to his surprise, they sent the check back to him. They informed him that they dealt only with cable companies, not individuals. And thus, a television revolution was born.

The professor published a "how to" guide for building a home satellite dish and founded a company to produce the parts for dishes. Initially these systems were quite expensive (up to $10,000 or more) but as the technology improved, the costs dropped dramatically (to $3,000 or less).

Why would anyone want to spend that much money for a C-band home satellite receiver? After all, the dish itself was quite large and unsightly, and required a good deal of space for installation.

The answer lies in several factors. First, because the programming was free, the homeowner only had to make a one-time investment in hardware. There were no additional monthly fees. Second, the signals were extremely crisp and clear because they came directly from the programmer, rather than second- or third-hand from another provider or cable TV system. And third, there were literally hundreds of channels available, a selection that cable companies could not even come close to offering.

C-band dishes were especially popular in rural areas where there was no cable service provider and over the air broadcast signals were weak or even totally absent. As a result, the satellite TV industry surged in popularity and grew quickly.

No More Free Lunch

Of course, all good things come to an end, and it did not take long for satellite TV service providers to realize that there was tremendous value to their programming that was essentially being given away for free to C-band dish owners. They began to lobby Congress for the right to scramble, or encrypt, their signals so that they could no longer be received by dish owners who did not pay for a decoding device. Dish owners hated this idea, naturally, but they simply did not have the organization or influence of large programming companies. Congress passed the Cable Act of 1984, which allowed programmers to encrypt their satellite signals.

Suddenly the satellite programmers were full-fledged satellite TV service providers, with a new (but still small) revenue stream from C-band dish owners. In those days, though, encryption technology was not as sophisticated as it is today, and many dish owners found ways around the encryption or bought bootleg decoders. Theft of service remained a major problem up until the early 1990รขโ�ฌโ�ขs, when digital encryption technology went into widespread use.

Competition Heats Up

As the industry grew, individual programmers realized they could not survive if they all were their own individual satellite TV service providers, so they looked to new companies who were willing to take on that role. The biggest boon to the industry, though, came in the form a technology leap that allowed receiver dishes to shrink significantly in size, to the point where they were small enough to be installed on the roof or outside wall of most homes.

A huge new market was born for direct broadcast satellite (DBS) systems. Many companies jumped into this business, most notably a consortium of four cable TV companies as well as a non-cable associated company. Their services were known, respectively, as Primestar and DIRECTV.

More and more satellite TV service providers entered the market, presenting consumers with a confusing array of services at a wide range of prices. Meanwhile, the pressure to improve the technology and deliver more advanced services meant that providers were pushed to spend more and more money to stay competitive. Inevitably, some could not keep up with the financial demands and only the strongest survived.

Industry Consolidation and Changes in Ownership

A flurry of industry consolidation, changes in ownership, and restructuring led to the emergence of two major satellite TV service providers รขโ�ฌโ�� DirecTV and Dish Network. Their size and financial strength allowed them to invest in new technologies and rapidly expand their service offerings. Today, DirecTV and Dish Network offer consumers a huge assortment of options, including pay-per-view programming, on-demand programming, music services, satellite radio, high speed internet, and more.

About DirecTV and the Dish Network

The Dish Network and DirecTV are the two major satellite TV service providers in the market today, and for good reason. They each offer a range of services at reasonable prices, and have quite a large customer base.

In the early days of DBS, a major obstacle for the providers was the equipment costs the customers had to absorb in order to get their homes set up with a dish and a receiver. Further complicating the issue, if the customer had more than one TV in their home then they had to purchase a separate receiver for each TV where they wanted to have DBS service. The cost was prohibitive for many potential customers, so DirecTV and the Dish Network looked for ways to lower the start up costs and make it easier for people to switch from cable TV to satellite TV.

The winning strategy, as it turns out, was collaborating with equipment manufacturers and offering free satellite TV systems to customers who would agree to service contracts of up to two years. Over that length of time, the Dish Network and DirecTV were able to recover enough revenue to at least break even on the discounted equipment costs, and often gained substantial additional revenue as customers purchased pay-per-view programming and other extra services.

About the Author:

Julie-Ann Amos is a freelance writer for 1st-Dish-TV.net, a consumer guide to digital satellite TV. She has written numerous articles on free satellite dish TV systems and personally has no preference when it comes to choosing satellite TV service providers, as long as she can watch the Science Fiction Channel.

Copyright 2005 1st-Dish-TV.net

Permission is granted to publish this article on your site only if the author's byline is included and all links are hyperlinked.

Satellite TV FAQ

As the owner of a satellite TV website I get asked a lot of questions, so I decided to write a satellite TV FAQ (frequently asked questions) article to answer the most commonly asked questions.

If you have questions I haven't answered in this satellite TV FAQ, you can visit my website to get more satellite TV information by clicking on one of the links below this article.

1. What is satellite TV and how does it work?

A satellite TV center broadcasts a TV signal to a satellite in the sky. The satellite sends the signal back to earth, where it is picked up by a satellite dish, converted to a TV picture by a receiver, and displayed on a TV screen.

2. I've heard you can get satellite TV for free. Is this true?

Yes, you really can get a satellite TV system for free. However, you do have to pay for satellite TV programming service in order to get a free system.

3. Where can I get a satellite TV cost comparison?

Programming service from DISH Network starts at $31.99 a month, while service from DIRECTV starts at $41.99 a month. You can get a complete cost comparison between DIRECTV and DISH Network by clicking on the links below.

4. Can I get my local channels on satellite TV?

You can get your local channels in most areas of the USA included at no charge. In the few areas where you can't get local channels you can hook up an antenna to your satellite TV receiver to get them.

5. Can I record my favorite programs with satellite TV?

You can record satellite TV programs with the DVR (digital video recording) receiver you can get from your satellite TV dealer, or with your VCR. Both DISH Network and DIRECTV offer free DVR receivers when you order one of their program packages.

6. What's on satellite TV?

Satellite TV providers offer more than 250 channels of television programming including movie channels, sports packages, pay-per-view movies and events, commercial-free music, adult programming, and international programming. For more information on what's available, click on the links below.

7.Can I get a satellite dish for TV and the Internet?

Yes, DIRECTV offers a satellite dish for TV and the Internet through DirecWay. Click on the links below for more information.

8. How soon can I get a free satellite TV system installed?

Installation times for DIRECTV and DISH Network vary depending on your location, but you can usually get a satellite TV system installed in your home within one to five days from the time your order your service.

9. Can I get satellite TV if I live in an apartment or condo?

Yes. Many apartment and condo residents install their satellite TV dish on their balcony or patio. You can also install your satellite dish on a movable stand if permanent mounting is not allowed.

10. Does satellite TV offer international programming?

DISH Network offers Armenian, Asian, Chinese, Farsi, French, German, Greek, Israeli, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, South Asian, Spanish, Tagalog, and Urdu program channels.

DIRECTV offers Chinese, Filipino, Italian, South Asian, Spanish, and Vietnamese program channels.

11. Does satellite TV have parental locks?

DISH Network and DIRECTV offer parental locks to block your children from viewing programs you feel are unsuitable for them.

12. Can I get HDTV with satellite TV?

Yes. Both DISH Network and DIRECTV offer HD (high definition) TV. DISH Network will give you two free HDTV receivers when you order their HDTV programming. DIRECTV receivers cost $199 per receiver.

13. Does satellite TV have TiVo and DVR (digital video recording)?

DIRECTV offers DVR with TiVo service, while DISH Network offers DVR with Video-On-Demand which is similar to TiVo.

14. Can I get DIRECTV or DISH Network outside the U.S.A.?

Not at this time. Satellite TV service from DIRECTV and DISH Network is only available in the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico.

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.

About The Author

Brian Stevens is a professional freelance writer and webmaster who has written extensively on satellite TV FAQs.

Satellite TV Choices

Technology can make your television viewing easier and more pleasant and satellite TV is leading the pack. While there are several providers out there, Directv seems to be in the fore front offering crystal clear digital sound and video and even providing you with local channels - something not every satellite TV provider can do.

Satellite TV has a wide range of channels - over 200 at least. Included in that are many premium movie channels. They also have a pay per view option of over 60 movies (again, check with your provider on this for exact number). If you like the music option of Comcast, Directtv has 36 commercial free radio channels.

You satellite receiver not only hooks you up with hundreds of digital quality channels but it also has an on screen program guide that can be customized to exactly what you and your family want to watch. If you have young children you can even use the features to control and limit what they watch.

Along with your satellite service you will also get the latest in high defiinition television and digital video recording. With your receiver you will be able to pause, rewind, replay and even save any program you are watching on TV. Whether it be the ball game or your favorite soap opera, satellite TV lets you record it and watch it at your leisure.

If sports is your main reason for watching the tube, then you will love satellite television from Directv. Directv offers a special sporting package and has exclusive packages with much of the sporting industries including NFL, MLB, NHL and NBA. It includes over 25 sports networks for your viewing pleasure.

You can have high definition equipment hooked up with your satellite TV and get the latest in high tech television viewing. HDTV provides Crystal clear viewing and sound that is unbelievable. Youรขโ�ฌโ�ขll feel like the people on TV are right in your living room.

Itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs no wonder that people are hooked on satellite television. High definition sound and video, pay per view movies, premium channels, lock controls, ability to record, pause and rewind and all the sports you could want! Depending on your satellite provider, you may be able to have all this and your local channels too!

Lee Dobbins writes for a2z-satellite where you can find more about satellite services including satellite tv, radio, and internet.

What is High Definition Satellite Television?

HDTV or High Definition Television is the latest and greatest in television programming. I'm sure you have heard about HDTV but do you know exactly what it is? Do you know why you should want it or do you just assume it must be good? By reading this article, you will gain some information to help you determine if you really need HDTV.

High definition delivers exceptional sound and picture quality as close to life as anything that has ever been seen before. Standard definition TV programming has a maximum of 480 lines of visible detail. High Definition programming has up to 1080 visible lines of detail. This makes for a far crisper and more lifelike picture.

There are two main types of HD. You have 1080i and 720p. With 1080i you have more lines of resolution but your TV draws the image in two passes. With the 720p you have less lines of resolution but your tv draws the image in one pass. This means that 1080i will have the better picture but 720p will have a smoother more realistic image. Most networks have gone for the better image clarity of the 1080i but a few have opted for the smoother picture of 720p. Unless you are a serious technology nut however, you probably could not tell the difference.

As far as programming goes, viewers are somewhat limited. Networks are producing more and more programming in HDTV all of the time but most programs are still unavailable. Networks like Discovery, ESPN, HBO and more have dedicated HD channels available. These channels are normally not included in regular cable or satellite programming packages so expect to pay a premium for them. In the future, you can expect all programming to roll out in the HD format. Its starting to get there but it is a slow process.

Hopefully this article has given you a little information on HDTV. Deciding to buy HD programming or buy an HDTV can be a difficult decision. Is it worth the price? Only you can make that decision.

James C, the author, operates The Satellite Place where you can find information on satellite tv and satellite TV providers.

DirecTV and DISH Network - How Do The Two Leading Satellite TV Providers Stack Up?

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 Networkรขโ�ฌโ�ขs 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. Compare the different packages and the services provided. Look them over and decide which satellite TV service is best for your budget and viewing needs.

About the Author:
C.J. Gustafson is a successful freelance writer for 1st-Dish-TV.net, a consumer guide to digital satellite TV. She has written numerous articles on free satellite dish TV systems and personally has no preference when it comes to choosing satellite TV service providers, as long as she can get the History Channel.

Copyright 2005 1st-Dish-TV.net

Permission is granted to publish this article on your site only if the author's byline is included and all links are hyperlinked

Recording Satellite TV with DVRs - Don't Miss Your Favorite Shows

Recording your favorite television shows from your Dish Network or DirecTV Satellite TV or Cable service, then watching them when it is convenient for you, was the promise of VCRs. However, that promise was never truly fulfilled. Few of us, including myself, could ever set the clock on a typical VCR, or figure out the programming routine to have the VCR "wake up" and record the correct channel at the chosen hour. One time, I actually dug out the instruction manual and tried to set my VCR to record the last episode of Seinfeld while I was away. Inevitably, I forgot to put a blank tape in the machine and ended up with nothing to show for my efforts. I, for one, believe that most Video Cassette Recorders spent their entire existence only playing prerecorded tapes and flashing 12:00 from their front panel.

Thankfully, Digital technology has made it possible to realize the original promise of VCRs. Now, with the addition of a Digital Video Recorder, or DVR, and an Interactive Program Guide to your Dish Network or DirecTV Satellite TV Receiver or Cable Box, everyday recording of favorite programs is within the reach of even the most technologically challenged among us.

The DVR system is simple and intuitive. You find programs for recording by scrolling through an on-screen guide which displays channels and times in a familiar grid format. Then you select the show you want to record with a single button on your remote. Thatรขโ�ฌโ�ขs all! You never have to set a clock or timer. You never have to remember to put a blank tape in the machine. All your recorded shows are stored (up to the capacity of the hard disc) and viewed as a list at one touch of a button.

Digital Video Recorders make recording and playback so easy that there is little reason to watch shows when they broadcast. You can watch shows whenever it is convenient for you, and you escape the tyranny of the broadcast schedule. If you choose to sit down and watch a program when it is broadcast, which is most appropriate for news and weather, major sporting events and political debates, then great. But, if you are like most people who have a busy schedule and would rather watch TV when it is more convenient for them, then a DVR is perfect for you.

Even beyond the remarkable ease with which you can record and playback programs on a DVR, the coolest element of this technology is the ability to pause the live feed of a broadcast while the hard disc continues to record in the background. You can take a snack break, answer the phone, check your email, then get back to whatever you were watching without missing a second of the show. This feature in particular civilizes the TV viewing experience and eliminates the need to jump up and rush back during commercials. And speaking of commercialsรขโ�ฌยฆ with a DVR it is deviously easy to skip through all the ads youรขโ�ฌโ�ขd really rather not watch. Just pause for a few minutes when an ad starts, and then use the convenient skip ahead button to jump to the other side of the commercial break. If you decide for some reason that you actually wanted to watch that advertisement, then you can skip back just as quickly as you jump ahead. In addition, you can rewind, watch the beginning of a show again for the benefit of those who just arrived. Or, rewind and watch that last play of the "Game" in slow motion, even frame by frame. No more guessing about those bad line calls or questionable fouls and penalties.

Cable companies use various brands of DVR hardware, quite often from Scientific Atlanta. Dish Network has developed a version they call the Dish Player DVR System. DirecTV uses TiVo (TiVo is the brand name for a proprietary DVR system). In future articles, I will examine the pros and cons of the competing DVR systems.

If all this DVR technology sounds confusing and difficult to use, believe me, it is not. Even though the technology is sophisticated, Digital Video Recorders are so easy to use that the original promise of VCRs is finally realized and you will never miss another favorite program again.

Chuck DeVries is the owner of SkyBlue Home Systems in Hanover, New Hampshire. He has been selling, installing and writing about Satellite TV and related subjects for over 12 years. You can find more of his thoughts and musings on the Sat Biz at http://www.KissMyDish.com

This article may be reused in whole or in part, provided the author's name and all links are preserved. Copyright, KissMyDish 2006

Abatement of Free Cable Signals Abuses

Cable Television companies lost millions in revenues as people stole the signals with de-scrambling devices. Some say but those signals were traveling thru the air and no one owns them so they believed getting free television was appropriate.

When satellite TV came the same thing happened, but today it is much different and the satellite TV folks have been able to abate the freeloaders from stealing the signals, with special cards, which have special coding to allow the signal to be captured. Is this system fool- proof?

No, it is not in fact there are ways to get those signals for free, however also realize that much of this high-tech tactics of thievery are not so open or common knowledge to the common person and some of the technology is somewhat secret. You see our military in time of war has to be able to tap signals from enemies and information sources and they are able to get such signals.

Satellite TV companies go to great lengths to prevent these things, but thieves also go to great lengths to duplicate code cards so they can sell them to others to get free TV. The days of stealing cable signals and TV Satellite signals are becoming numbered. This indeed good for many reasons as it means less cost for all the rest of us, because more people will have to actually pay for what they have been using. Consider this in 2006.

Lance Winslow

Cable Television & DirecTV: Talk the Talk While Dish Network Walks the Walk

A company with confidence in its product, is a company that knows how to satisfy it's demanding customer base. While other television services are busy taking pot shot's at one another to win over consumer confidence, Dish Network simply stands behind what it believes to be the best choice for digital television service period.

While Cable, and DirecTV are still "talking the talk" Dish Network is "walking the walk" with a new 30 day risk-free money back guarantee for new subscribers of Dish Network Digital Home Advantage programming package. Dish Network is the first satellite TV provider in the country to offer a risk-free trial of their digital television service.

Not only is this a great way for consumers to test drive the product before making any long term commitments, it speaks volumes to the confidence Dish Network has in it's product. It's like telling the customer we're the best, and we're not just saying that, we'll let you decide for yourself, no strings attached.

Digital Home Advantage subscribers must agree to an 18 month service agreement. If service is canceled within 30 days the customer is refunded the activation fee, monthly programming fee's, monthly DVR fee's, plus any equipment lease fees. Any extras used during that period such as pay per view of course are not refunded.

Currently Dish Network's 30 day money back guarantee is being pitched as a promotional offer scheduled to end in June 2006. It will be interesting to see if this "promotion" becomes standard after that date. If history is any teacher, I would venture to say Cable television and DirecTV may have to roll out a guarantee of their own.

Dish Network has also recently launched new HD locals in the Kansas City area and expects to have DishHD locals available to at least 50% of television subscribers in the U.S. by the end of 2006, allowing subscribers to view local channels such as FOX, NBC, ABC, and CBS in true high definition. Dish Network is now the largest provider of HD programming in the United States.

The other television providers are going to have to take a back seat for awhile while Dish Network basks in the glow of a very satisfied public. It's one thing to say you're the best, it's another to show it, and in 2006, Dish Network is certainly showing it can indeed "walk the walk".

Daymon Hoag is the Editor for Cheapest Service and provisioner of quality Dish Network Satellite Television Service

Satellite TV Providers offer High-Speed Internet Connection

Both DirecTV and Dish TV recently announced they will bundle their Satellite TV service with high-speed Internet service via satellite through WildBlue Communications.

Cable television has been leading the way, bundling not only cable TV, but phone and high-speed Internet services. People are looking for two things when it comes to television and Internet connection รขโ�ฌโ�� price and service. Cable has been aggressively responding, and Satellite TV is starting to get the message.

WildBlue launched its high-speed Internet connection service a year ago and has 60,000 subscribers. Their monthly service ranges from $49.95 to $79.95, with download speeds of up to 1.5 megabits per second. Their one draw back is the $299 equipment charge.

Pricing is yet to be determined for Dish Network and DirecTV packages bundled with WildBlue services, but they will have to offer a smaller equipment charge, or no charge at all in order to be competitive.

Satellite TV companies have offered DSL Internet connection for some time. They attempted to market to people without cable access in rural and remote areas. But both DirecTV and Dish Network have had miserable sales due to uncompetitive prices. DirecTV charged $580 for installation alone. The only people who bought the services were those that had no other alternative for high-speed connection, but now local phone services are able to reach these customers with radio towers.

Bundled Services is the Future

Customers donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt want to deal with a myriad of companies. They demand more simplicity. They want to deal with a single company that is willing to discount multiple services.

Comcast, the largest cable provider in Colorado, offers packages starting at $112 for cable TV, Internet service at 6 megabits per second and phone service. According to Cindy Parsons, spokeswoman for Comcast Colorado:

"We are accustomed to competition and expect there will be a wide variety of promotions from our competitors."

Qwest Communications recently dropped the price of its bundled services. New customers can pay about $87 per month for local and long distance calling, 1.5-megabits Internet speeds and satellite TV service.

The two satellite TV powerhouses will have to offer similar bundled prices if they are going to remain competitive. And equally important is their Internet connection service will need to be reliable.

This new deal with WildBlue Communications will help Dish Network and DirecTV better compete with cable and telephone companies such as Comcast and Qwest. Consumers should benefit with alternative solutions and lower prices.

Fred Waters is author of the Satellite TV Guide, where you can find the best deals on Satellite TV.

DirecTV 101: Basic Guide for Those Searching DirecTV Satellite Deals

Directv was launched in 1994 by General Motors subsidiary Hughes Electronics. At the time of writing, DirecTV has over 15 million customers in the U.S. and nearly 2 million in Latin America, achieving total revenues of $3.15 billion in year 2005. Although challenged by Dish Network aggressively, DirecTV remain as the largest U.S. satellite TV company and their growing pace had never slow down.

DirecTV was the first high-powered Direct Broadcast Satellite System (DBS) service in the world. As satellite broadcast via DBS system is done in the Ku-Band where the satellite dish size requirement is smaller, DirecTV users normally use a fixed 18" diameter round dish or 18" x 24" elliptical dish to receive its signals.

DirecTV programming

DirecTV offers a wide range of programming selections. Users can get up to 225 standard channels with their services. Above of that, DirecTV has exclusive rights to some sports channels. Sports packages like NHL Center Ice, MLB Extra Innings, NY Yankee Games, NBA League Pass and NFL Sunday Ticket allow you access to almost every NFL or NBA game. For the International channel, DirecTV offers Spanish-language programming service and Chinese-language programming service. The DirecTV PARA TODOS service features more than 45 Spanish-language channels, including sports, movies, news, music and educational networks; while Phoenix TV is offer where you can get 24-hour Mandarin programming.

The offer

DirecTV entry level programming package starts at $31.99 per month. If you are first time customer, you will get satellite TV systems for free up to four rooms. Some dealers also offer free incentive gifts such as DVD players, home theater system, digital camera, and free movie channels. All these free gifts come along with one condition, you must commit to a contract in buying their service for 12 to 18 months.

Comparing with Dish Network

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. The slight differences between Dish Network and DirecTV are the 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.

Comparing with Cable TVs

DirecTV offers 100% digital audio and picture quality, wide selection on programming choices, HD ready channels, and the monthly cost is lower than most of the cable services. Generally DirecTV are giving much better services compare cable services. The only advantage that we see from cable TV is that you can access Internet via cable services. The Internet connection thru cable is faster and more stable compare to satellite Internet, which sometimes will be affected by the weather condition.

Installing DirecTV satellite system

Users can install DirecTV satellite system by referring user manual guides. However professional installation is recommended, as it requires some skill in connecting complicated wiring in the system. Standard installation is provided free by most of the DirecTV dealers, users actually do not need to worry about this issue.

Order online or offline?

Ordering DirecTV online is recommended. Reason one, hassles free ordering environment. DirecTV retailers websites provide clear package information stated and normally tools provided in the website allows you to sum up the money you are paying. You can thus choose the optimum package for yourself by comparing the package price and programming choices as much as you want. Reason two, better bargains. Online DirecTV retailers are those who can afford the extra bargains as online retailers have extremely low start up cost. Get more free gifts that you can ever imagine through ordering online. The competition on the Internet is so steep where online retailers are now loosing the up front money to win their market share in the satellite business.

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 just 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.

Teddy LC.-- experienced writter on consumer products reviews. Check out his latest satellite TV related website and get info regarding DirecTV and Dish Network satellite TV bargains.

How To Choose Your TV Satellite Dish Service

What is the best way to figure out which TV satellite dish to go with? We are constantly bombarded with the advertisements from every TV satellite dish company imaginable, which can make figuring out which one you want difficult. It is true that a dish can improve your home many ways. It will help you get better television reception and increase the number of televisions to which you have access. You and I both know, though, that it can certainly be expensive. The best way to figure out which is the best deal is to compare satellite companies and systems. The best place to make your comparisons is online.

You probably use the internet to price compare a lot anyway. You probably check out prices on books, CDรขโ�ฌโ�ขs, appliances, and even cars via the internet. So why wouldnรขโ�ฌโ�ขt you do the same thing when trying to figure out who can give you the best deal on a TV satellite dish and programming? Take the time to sit down and make the comparisons to make sure that you are getting the best product for the money you are spending.

When it comes to making the actual comparisons, there are a number of things you can and should look for. Look first at programming options. Make sure that the companies you are considering have a package that fits what you are looking for in your programming. If they donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt have what you want or need, it doesnรขโ�ฌโ�ขt matter how little they may charge for their TV satellite dish service. Also, check out on line reviews to find out if the companies are reliable and if they have good customer service available to their customers. Find out what the monthly charges are as well is how much you are going to pay for installation and start up.

Also, just to make sure you are making the right decision, you may also want to compare cable prices to TV satellite dish service prices. Check out the pros and cons of TV satellite dish service and cable to make sure that you pick the one that will work best for your entertainment needs as well as where you live. The two services often offer many of the same options, but which one is best often depends on where you live or what specifically you need.

Choosing a TV satellite dish service or cable service can be a big decision. The only way to make sure that you are getting what you want at the best price possible is to research and price compare. By using the internet, you can sit down and quickly educate yourself on available TV satellite dish and cable companies as well as consumer reviews and information on those companies. In the end, you will be able to get the best satellite service for your money by just doing some quick and easy research.

If you would like the latest information on the dish satellite, or find more of my personal articles like the one you just read, visit my technology blog.

Teaching Kids to Think via Better TV Programming

We see some spark in this current generation of kids. We certainly do and we see some creative geniuses in the group and lots of brilliance too. Many programs in school such as NASA, Legos and Robotic Contests are getting those little minds thinking away. What else can we do to keep them thinking and foster this curiosity and creative spark?

If we are going to "teach kids to think" so they can help the next generation work towards a better future in every regard then we ought to do so. If we use the TV and proper moral social conditioning; and plan to accomplish this then arenรขโ�ฌโ�ขt you in fact going to have these kids sit in front of a TV learning? And we know that too much TV makes people fat and keeps them from exercising.

If we use the TV as our only tool to teach kids to think then all we will really be doing is changing their programming, so the little humans will be better citizens and move to make the Utopia that our generation miserably failed to do. So where as this is a decent concept; arenรขโ�ฌโ�ขt we passing the buck a little? After all even now we are trying to accomplish this with little regard to hard work ethic, commitment and generally piss poor performance? So basically if we teach kids to think about and eventually create a better society via better TV programming in a way we are "telling" the next generation what to do rather then showing them thru example. Thus using TV social programming to brainwash them. If we are going to use such a method to secure a moral next generation to lead the human race forward then shouldnรขโ�ฌโ�ขt we be leading by example in the present period too? You see even Rhodes had led by example. Anyway the TV is a good powerful visualization tool for teaching, but we need to get it right this time. Think on this in 2006.

Lance Winslow

Satellite TV Service -- Is DIRECTV or DISH Network Better?

Since the demise of Pegasus and VOOM, there are just two satellite TV service providers battling it out for the top spot -- DIRECTV and DISH Network.

Both companies provide excellent service, all-digital broadcast quality, and great customer service. The main difference between the two companies is the programming they provide.

How Satellite TV Service Works

Satellite TV providers such as DIRECTV and DISH Network send a broadcast signal carrying television programming to a satellite orbiting above the earth. The Satellite then broadcasts the signal back down to earth.

This signal is picked up by a satellite TV dish then transmitted to a receiver where it is amplified and sent to a TV screen.

Benefits of Satellite TV Service

* Satellite TV is broadcast in all-digital format, providing the highest quality picture and sound available.

* Satellite TV gives you access to hundreds of different programs, pay-per-view movies, special events, and commercial-free music channels.

* Satellite TV utilizes DVR (digital video recording) receivers so you can record your favorite programs and bypass commercials while watching live TV.

* Satellite TV is much more reliable than cable or over-the-air TV. Broadcast outages average only 1% as opposed to 3%-5% for cable.

Satellite TV Services

DIRECTV

DIRECTV was launched in 1994 and was the first DBS (direct broadcast satellite) service in the world. It is currently the largest satellite TV provider with 14.5 million subscribers. It is ranked #2 in customer satisfaction by J.D. Power and Associates.

DIRECTV offers more than 225 channels of programming, including movie channels, music channels, pay-per-view movies and events, sports packages, and international programming.

DIRECTV has the most sports program packages, including NFL Sunday Ticket.

When you order DIRECTV programming, the system -- satellite TV dish and receivers -- is free for up to four rooms. Installation is also free.

Program packages start at $41.99 a month for 135 channels (which includes 31 music channels), plus HBO, Showtime, and Starz.

Note: To find out about DIRECTV's latest special offers and free bonuses, click on the links at the bottom of this article.

DISH Network

DISH Network was launched in 1996 and is the second-largest satellite TV provider with more than 12 million subscribers. It is ranked #1 in customer satisfaction by J.D. Power and Associates.

DISH Network offers more than 255 channels of programming, including movie channels, music channels, pay-per-view movies and events, sports packages, and international programming.

Dish Network has the biggest variety of movies and shows and the most HD (high definition) programming.

When you order DISH Network programming, the system -- satellite TV dish, receivers, and installation -- is free for up to four rooms.

Program packages start at $31.99 a month for 60 channels plus HBO, Showtime, and Cinemax.

Note: To find out about DISH Network's latest special offers and free bonuses, click on the links at the bottom of this article.

Bottom Line

If you're a sports fan and want the most sports packages -- including the popular NFL Sunday Ticket which allows you to watch almost all the NFL football games -- then DIRECTV is the way to go.

If you're a movie buff and want the biggest variety of movies and shows, and the most HD (high definition) programming, then Dish Network is what you're looking for.

Click on the following links for more information on free satellite TV systems and service, plus the latest special offers and free bonuses from DISH Network satellite TV and DIRECTV satellite TV.

About The Author

Brian Stevens is a professional freelance writer and webmaster who has written extensively on satellite TV service.