Learn About the Satellite TV Systems in Your Free Satellite TV Deals

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

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

Television Receive Only (TVRO) systems

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

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

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

Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) system

Satellite TV services were popular only after Direct Broadcast Satellite system is introduced. DBS is meant for everyone with a simple, low cost installation of the system. Small dish, maintenance-free, and stable signals receptions -- all these makes the satellite TV system a good commercial product. Satellite broadcast via DBS system is done in the Ku-Band. These satellites work on higher frequencies and can transmit higher power signals. This is why smaller dishes can be used to receive satellite signal for DBS systems.

As you might know, a small TV dish of 18 inches is already good enough to receive all satellite TV signals by Satellite companies. This makes it possible to have satellite TV from an apartment on the 10th floor, if you have a clear line of sight to the south. Once installed the dish needs no maintenance since it is aimed at just one satellite. Some dishes actually have 2 or more feeds, which makes it possible to receive the signals from more than 1 satellite.

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

Currently in United States, Dish Network and DirecTV are the major DBS systems provides. As satellite TV services are the latecomer in home TV broadcasting services, they are now fighting hard to win the market segments with extremely low prices. Free satellite TV systems, free DVR systems, free DVD players, free shipping, free installations, free HD upgrades, free home protection plans รขโ�ฌยฆthey give free things as much as possible! All you need to be to qualify the deals condition is you must commit on the satellite TV deals for one year and you must be a first-time customer. With extremely low start up cost, online satellite TV retailers are now offering some very lucrative offers. To review more about these online satellite TV retailers: http://www.satellitetvissue.com/FreeSatelliteTV/SatelliteTVDealers.htm and if you would like to compare Dish Network and DirecTV, this page is suggested: http://www.satellitetvissue.com/DirecTVvsDISH%20Network.htm

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

Getting Best Free Satellite Dish Offer: Is It Possible?

Getting best Satellite TV deal has never been easier with the online facility available at the hit of your fingertips. Why take pain visiting personally to the Satellite TV stores wasting a lot of time and energy when you can get all sorts of information relating to satellite TV deals right on your computer screen in the comfort of your home.

And if you were still unmoved, the avalanche of discounts, freebies and gifts that are given for online deal would definitely rock you. The online transaction cut down operating expenses drastically and the retailers' pass on this benefit to their consumers for remaining one up against their rivals. So what is holding you to experience the unique combination of entertainment and the technology and surprisingly at the price that you would jump for joy.

Competition Is Here To Stay And So Are The Benefits

There is another good news for the new entrants. Satellite TV companies like Dish Network and DirecTV will even go to the extent of giving the satellite deal at free of cost. If the word `free' makes you cynical, you are not wrong yet not right too.

What does it mean? We all know people are in business to make money and not just to have your `thank you'. But do not forget getting a customer entails some expenses, which companies incur in the form of advertisement and sales promotions etc. You might get equipments and other services absolutely free of cost but in return you might have to take full year subscription. This is a win-win situation. Isn't it?

Besides the subscription charges, there are various other factors which should be detailed into before zeroing on any one Satellite TV provider like the number of channels, quality of sound and picture reception, availability of any specific channel, equipment availability, customer care service etc.

Before analyzing these factors one by one, you might find it a Herculean task to choose two or three for comparisons amidst so many satellite TV providers competing with each other. Just to ease down your problem, we suggest you could limit your research to the two largest satellite TV providers namely Dish Network and DirecTV.

First you need to have required equipment installed at your premises. Though you are free to choose equipment from wherever you like, but some Satellite TV providers like Dish Network insists for their own equipment. The reason behind the logic is simple. They want the entire process to go trouble-free without going into blame game. DirecTV however gives you full freedom for choosing equipment.

You get sales promotion benefits from Disk Network and DirecTV from time to time but in their own style. While you receive some premium channels for a few months as a free gift from DirecTV, Dish Network gives you credit of 2-3 months subscription.

If you are too crazy about the quality of picture and sound, go for HD TV and the best choice is Dish Network as they are the one who invented it though both companies provide around 8-18 channels for HD TV. The competition is neck to neck, literally.

Dish Network that boasts of another feature is recording facility that makes sure you do not lose your favorite program missing out due to time constraint. DirecTV is working towards providing high-speed Internet at an affordable price through its mega project SPACEWAY.

There are over 150 channels that will give you fulsome entertainment and here choice of either of these two does not make any difference. But if you are looking for some specific channels like sports channels or local channels put your finger on DirecTV without thinking twice. However, Dish Network is making inroads in the heart of US audience with its regional channels like Bridge TV or movie channels and news channels that will keep you informed of the latest all the time.

In nutshell we would say that fierce competition has made the Satellite TV entertainment quite affordable. As one tries to outsmart other with new marketing policy, the other evens with its own and the process of qualitative improvement of the services keep go on and the customer is set to sit at the top.

Visit Compare Dish Network and DirecTV for more comparison between Dish Network and DirecTV in some aspects, such as programming, equipment, pricing, etc. Also learn about How to select satellite TV network that suits you.

Wireless Satellite - It's Not Just For TV Anymore

As technology advanced forward, many of the things we've taken for granted for years are being reborn under the banner of wireless or wireless satellite Internet. Of course, we're talking about a lot more than just receiving the Internet from a satellite connection. Many other technologies have also obtained new life through the use of "sky birds."

Some of the most visible changes in technologies has been in communications and entertainment. Cellular telephones use satellite services to bounce signals literally around the world. Although cell phone service is typically within a 2 mile radius of a cellular tower, by using the power of stationary satellites, a signal or connection on a cell phone can be routed to wherever another cell tower can be found. This is especially good news for those people who tend to be in more remote areas.

Wireless satellite Internet is a connection to the web that's available anywhere the sky can be seen. Using a satellite to make the connection into the web holds the promise of all the web all the time, anytime. The always on no matter where you are can be a major benefit for many people. This feature is especially promising for serious followers of sports, sport teams, news, weather junkies, stock reports, etc. Imagine anytime, all the time, whenever there's a computer to be able to log into you Internet connection using wireless satellite Internet services.

Another technology that falls under the umbrella of wireless satellite Internet is the whole television genre. Companies like Direct Way and Dish Network are rapidly building infrastructure that replaces traditional antennae or cable television reception options. For about the same price as cable-TV a clear view of the southern sky will deliver crystal clear television with all popular channels.

Movies on Demand is an up and coming technology that will literally allow you to order movies to watch whenever you want. No more being tied to the start times of the networks, cable companies or even the satellite entertainment providers. All movies, whenever, all the time is the driving force behind the wave of growth in this fast paced industry.

Abigail Franks writes on a variety of subjects that are important to families today. For more information on Wireless Satellite Internet and other Satellite programs visit http://www.4-wirelessinternet.info

DIRECTV - What's It All About?

As the owner and webmaster of a satellite tv comparison website I often get many questions about the different channels and options that are available with DIRECTV.

In my earlier articles I've discussed some of the basic differences between DISH Network and DIRECTV. In this article I will specifically discuss DIRECTV so that you may become more familiar with the packages that this company offers.

Let's first take a look at the channel packages that are currently offered along with a brief explanation of each.

Available Channel Packages

Total Choice

This package features approximately 95 channels including many of the most popular channels. E!, TBS, USA, Comedy Central, CNN, Nickelodeon, ESPN, ESPN2, Discovery Channel, MTV, Food Network, and many more are found in this channel package. There are also a small number of XM music channels available for those who enjoy digital music. Many people find this to be an acceptable number of channels. However, if you're interested in a larger selection of television and music channels you may be interested in one of the following.

Total Choice Plus

This package includes 33 more music and programming channels in addition to those featured in the "Total Choice" package. If you're a music fan, the additional XM selections might make you choose this package instead of the "Total Choice" option.

Total Choice Premier

For the individual that likes to spend hours in front of the television the "Everything" package includes all of the channels currently offered by DIRECTV. Sports Channels, Music Channels, Educational Channels, and Lifestyle Channels are all included along with the commercial free movie channels.

Conclusion

As you can see there are a great number of choices for you to select from. It's difficult for you to go wrong with any of these selections because of the huge availability of popular channels. If you'd like more information on DIRECTV please visit www.bestdishdealonline.com

Michael Hizer is a successful internet marketer and expert in satellite television and online shopping. You can find the best deals in satellite television at http://www.bestdishdealonline.com

Dish Network - What You Get For Free

By the time you have read through all the Dish Network deals, it can be difficult to work out what you get free and what you have to pay for! After all itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs the รขโ�ฌห�freeรขโ�ฌโ�ข label that catches the attention of potential customers. Web sites like the Dish- Network-Directory were created to help customers find their way through the many retailer offers but even with this help it can be difficult.

As everybody knows, there is very little these days that really is free. So how come we see all these adverts such as those starting "Free Dish Network รขโ�ฌยฆ."? Well there are two words you need to tag onto the end of that advertising line รขโ�ฌโ�� รขโ�ฌห�equipmentรขโ�ฌโ�ข and รขโ�ฌห�installationรขโ�ฌโ�ข. These are the two things you get free when you sign up for Dish Network as I will explain in a minute. So is this too good to be true? The answer to that is yes and no. Yes you do get a state-of-the-art satellite TV system including installation free of charge, but the equipment is no good unless you have good programs to watch. As you probably guessed, programming is the thing that subsidizes all this equipment. Programming is where Dish Network, (and rival networks), claw back the money they invested in providing you the customer with free equipment.

So choosing the right programming option is vital when you sign up for Dish Network. Donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt forget that all the best deals are offered at cost per month. If your budget is tight, you need to multiply this figure by twelve to get the annual cost of your programming. The top packages will cost you more than $1000 per year and this is fine if itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs within your budget and you feel you will get value for money, but itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs something to bear in mind when you sign up.

Itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs worth mentioning at this point that you should also compare Dish Network vs cable TV and DirecTV alternatives. In particular, it doesnรขโ�ฌโ�ขt take much investigation to realize that the cost of cable TV programming has been rising continuously for a number of years, and as we have already seen, the programming is where you will spend your money. The recent proliferation of high definition TV, (HDTV), is another thing in favor of satellite TV.

Finally, letรขโ�ฌโ�ขs take a look at these free Dish Network deals. Dish Network retailers will give you a system driving TVs in up to four rooms, including one DVR package. You will be expected to pay a nominal (about $49) fee when you sign up, but you get this back after installation. So the equipment and installation really does come free. Only expect to pay if you need extra DVR or an upgrade to HDTV equipment.

Conclusion

Competition between Satellite TV retailers means that customers can get free equipment and installation from Dish Network. Choose your programming option carefully though, because thatรขโ�ฌโ�ขs where retailers recoup their money.

James Taylorthe provides information on equipment and best deals to the Dish Network Directory. Dish-Network-Directory

Satellite TV Packages -- Get the Best for Less

Satellite TV Packages

Between the two satellite TV providers -- DISH Network and DIRECTV -- you can get more than 256 different channels of TV programming, pay-per-view movies and events, your local channels, and commercial-free music channels.

Satellite TV channels are bundled into various packages. Here's a rundown on what satellite TV packages are available:

Dish Network Satellite TV Packages

America's Top 60 -- 60 program channels including local channels.

America's Top 120 -- 120 program channels including local channels, plus 32 Sirius satellite radio channels.

America's Top 180 -- 180 program channels including local channels, plus 50 Sirius satellite radio channels.

America's "Everything" Pak -- 230 program channels including local channels, 50 channels of Sirius satellite radio, premium movie channels from Showtime, Starz!, HBO and Cinemax, and DISH Network HDTV programming.

DISH Network Movie Channel Packages

10 Showtime Channels, 8 Starz Channels, 8 HBO Channels, 5 Cinemax Channels, Showtime Unlimited/Starz Super Pak, HBO The Works/MultiMAX from Cinemax, HBO The Works/Showtime Unlimited, HBO The Works/Starz Super Pak.

DISH Network Sports Packages

Multi-Regional Sport, The Outdoor Channel, MLB Extra Innings, ESPN College Grand Slam, NBA League Pass, ESPN Full Court, ESPN Game Plan, NHL Center Ice, MLS Direct Kick, English Premier League.

DISH Network International Programming Packages

Dish Latino, Dish Latino Dos, Dish Latino Max, Chinese Great Wall Package, African, Arabic, Armenian, Farsi, French, German, Greek, Israeli, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, South Asian, Tagalog, and Urdu.

DISH Network Adult Channels

Eclip, The Erotic Network, Extasy, Hot Zone, Playboy (all DISH Network satellite TV systems include parental locks.

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

DIRECTV Satellite TV Packages

Total Choice -- 135 program channels, including local channels and 50 XM radio channels).

Total Choice Plus -- 155 program channels, including local channels and 67 XM radio channels.

Total Choice Premier -- 215 program channels, including local channels and 67 XM radio channels.

DIRECTV Premium Services Packages

HBO7 HBO channels (including HBO HD), STARZ (4 STARZ channels, 2 Encore channels, and 6 EncoreSM Theme channels), Showtime Unlimited (5 Showtime channels, 2 channels of The Movie Channel, 1 FLIX channel, and 1 Sundance channel), Cinemax (3 Cinemax channels),

Sports Pack (more than 25 specialty and regional sports networks, plus NBA.com, Fox Sports World, and The Golf Channel).

DIRECTV Sports Subscriptions

NFL Sunday Ticket, NBA League Pass, ESPN Game Plan, MLB Extra Innings, NHL Center Ice, ESPN Full Court, MLS Direct Kick, Barclays English Premier League, Mega March Madness, Cricket Ticket

Additional Programming Packages

HD Package (ESPN HD, ESPN2 HD, Discovery HD Theater, HDNet, HDNet Movies, and Universal HD, Pay-Per-View, and adult programming.

International Program Packages

Para Todos, Phoenix TV, Jade World, Filipino, South Asian, Vietnamese, and Italian programming.

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

Click on the following link for more information on free satellite TV systems and service, or these links for ordering information, plus the latest satellite TV packages information and free offers 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 packages.

Satellite or Cable TV- Tough Choice? Not Really

There is a lot of propaganda out there about the pros and cons of satellite tv versus digital cable. At one time, several years ago, deciding between cable and satellite was a tough choice, but not today. Most of the cons associated with satellite tv no longer exist. The main reason cable companies promoted for years to entice people to choose cable over satellite was that cable carried local channels. Voila, today satellite tv also offers local channels. But what about all of the equipment you have to buy with satellite tv? Another fallacy. There is typically about the same amount of equipment with either cable or satellite, it is just different equipment. Right now, there are endless promotions for satellite systems that include free equipment and installation with sign up for services. One of the best available right now, is at www.hdtvdishnetwork.com. You can also find a coupon for free satellite tv equipment and installation on the "sign me up" page at www.getdishdirect.com. So, if you take away the cons associated with satellite tv, you are left with only the pros. Satellite tv offers a wide array of choices. You can usually get a package containing more channels for less than a similar cable package. The digital information is received in full for a crystal clear picture.

The cons associated with cable, however, still exist. In fact, they are becoming more apparent with the onset of high definition televisionรขโ�ฌโ�ขs popularity. The major benefit of satellite over cable, in my opinion is the bandwidth. The bandwidth of cable television is limited by the size of the cable, generally about RG6. Satellite does not suffer from this limitation. It has full capability of transmitting all the digital information included in high definition television. It is also capable of providing high speed internet connections at very competitive rates.

With the advancement of technology and todayรขโ�ฌโ�ขs competitive market satellite tv has emerged as a clear victor over cable television. High definition television is increasing the value of satellite services. Competition is leaving you the consumer at a distinct advantage. Isnรขโ�ฌโ�ขt it time you start enjoying all the benefits of satellite tv? I recommend www.hdtvdishnetwork.com as the absolute best place on the web to get a great deal on satellite tv including free equipment and free installation. You may also want to check out www.getdishdirect.com for some really great package offers.

Mr Winchester has over 25 years experience in engineering and manufacturing upper management. Feel free to email by visiting http://www.shopatmoes.com and using the contact tab. Check out some savings at http://www.getdishdirect.com and http://www.hdtvdishnetwork.com

New Technology Enables You to Watch Satellite TV On Your PC or Laptop at the Click of a Mouse

Here's what the big satellite and cable TV providers don't want you to know...

Rapidly advancing technology has done it again.

There was a time in the not too distant past when watching thousands of satellite TV channels on your PC was unheard of. But because of the very rapid advances in technology that have become commonplace today, we have been given the ability to do just that.

A couple of the very attractive benefits this new software provides, is that it only requires one simple download, a click of your mouse and "BAM", you're up and running. Watching thousands of international satellite TV channels in seconds. And all with a small one-time payment, so there are no monthly user fees involved as there are with cable or satellite TV services.

Also, with most of the old satellite TV to PC methods, you were required to install new hardware in the form of a card that would then use the PCรขโ�ฌโ�ขs infrastructure to decode satellite signals and ultimately allow users to enjoy free-to-air digital television and radio programs.

At times it was even necessary to acquire additional computer hardware, such as a sound card, a spare USB slot, a CD Rom drive and possibly other components. This new instantly downloadable software cropping up all over the Internet, has made the additional hardware requirements a thing of the past.

All you need is an internet connection.

Of course the faster your internet speed, the better picture you will get. But, it even works with a 56k connection. (A Broadband connection will deliver superior audio and video quality).

It gives the average computer user instant access to thousands of entertainment channels from around the world and from various genres and categories. These entertainment channels range from live television channels to music videos and from movies to sports.

But, be forewarned.

As with any new software technology found on the Internet today, there are scams and sub-par, poorly performing Satellite TV to PC software programs all over the place. So be careful what you purchase.

Some complaints I've run into concerning certain brands of this software, range from there being only a few channels to watch to "pathetic picture quality". And from no full screen display to no customer support. Believe it or not, some even had links to other sites asking for more money for premium channels!

So, if you're looking to make this fantastic new technology one of your entertainment options, do a little homework first. You'll be glad you did.

For more information and my own 5 star recommendation on Satellite TV to PC software go to: http://www.msp77.com/pctv.html

For more information on home and business telecommunications, VOIP, home business opportunities, home loans, auto loans, insurance, and websites. Free downloads from Sitesell! Google News, small business help, online business startup and much, much more, visit: http://brooksglobal.blogspot.com

5 Reasons To Get ESPN Game Plan through Dish Network

Going to a college football game is an exciting time to be among a crowd of fans rooting for your team. However, not all games will be graced with the perfect weather for football. Not all games will be nationally televised. And not all times will you be down to go to a football game. For those reasons, you might opt to stay at home and watch the game on television.

That is when ESPN Game Plan comes to the rescue. With ESPN Game Plan, you will get access to games all over the country. Here are five reasons to get ESPN Game Plan for your home entertainment.

1. You live in North Dakota and your alma mater, UCLA is playing the University of Washington. Hundreds of college football teams play every Saturday and the odds of your former school playing on national television are slim. In-state rivals and top-ranked match-ups are the likely candidates for national airtime. With ESPN Game Plan, you are guaranteed 100 games that arenรขโ�ฌโ�ขt offered locally and chances are, your alma mater is one of them.

2. Traveling can be costly. If you live miles away from your favorite college football team, it may not be reasonable to travel every Saturday to be at the game. Transportation, food and hotel accommodations can add up quickly. Watching your favorite team through ESPN Game Plan will be the better alternative when it comes to saving your money.

3. Game preparations are time consuming. You are among the thousands of fans who will rush to get to the game and among a hoard of people hurrying home to avoid the congestion. Traffic to and from the game can add stress that you could do without. Youรขโ�ฌโ�ขll find your time valuable once you realize how much you could put toward other things like doing chores around the house or taking a much-needed nap.

4. Inclement weather? No worries for you! You remember those days when you stood through it all, in the rain, or in the snow while watching your team play. Now watching from home, you just observe the bundled up coaches on the sidelines or the crowd of umbrellas in the stands. You are grateful that you donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt have to endure the inclement weather and take comfort of watching the game indoors.

5. You can lounge on Saturday. Are there days when you just feel like being inside, staying in your pajamas and just lounging? If there were any day to do this, it would be Saturday, the day dedicated to college football. If you donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt want to watch alone, invite your close family and friends for a game party with food, fun and laughter. Take advantage of this downtime to relax inside and enjoy the game from home!

About The Author
Stephanie Tuia Dish Network also offers several packages similar to the ESPN Game Plan focusing on different exclusive sports. For more information, visit http://www.dishnetworkproducts.com/articles/espn-game-plan.php

HDTV and the iPod Photo: A Perfect Marriage?

They may seem like an odd combination, but the iPod photo could be the perfect choice for anyone who wants to view photo slideshows on an HDTV. The iPod photo can store thousands of digital photos, and syncs with a Mac or PC via iTunes. It will read any slideshows youรขโ�ฌโ�ขve created in iPhoto on a Mac or Photoshop Album on a PC and copy them to the iPod. Alternatively you can tell it to copy a folder full of images from your hard drive as a slideshow.

Also, with the addition of an optional camera connector($29), you can copy photos directly from a digital camera and automatically create a slideshow from them on the iPod photo. All slideshows can be set to music.

To connect the iPod photo to an HDTV youรขโ�ฌโ�ขll need to first make sure that your HDTV has composite video and audio inputs and then purchase the iPod photo AV cable ($19) from Apple. Connect the iPod to your TV, select the appropriate input and hey presto, your slideshow can be seen in beautiful, bright widescreen glory on your HDTV.

Itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs worth bearing a few things in mind when creating slideshows for HDTV. First of all, the screen of an HDTV set has an aspect ratio of 16:9 (length: height) so if you size your photos with this aspect ratio youรขโ�ฌโ�ขll be able to fill the screen without cropping the photo or seeing ugly black space around it. Secondly, the resolution required for optimal viewing on HDTV at full screen is less than that needed for printing even an A4 image. So if you only intend viewing your photos on-screen, whether on your computer or HDTV, you can save space on your iPod photo by reducing the capture resolution on your digital camera. If you set it at three mega- pixels, that will be enough to allow you to crop photos to the correct aspect ratio and still view them at the highest possible quality on an HDTV.

Of course, the iPod photo can store more than just photographs. Anything that can be saved as an image file, such as JPEG, can be included in a slideshow, so you could even use it to carry around business presentations which can be viewed by anyone with access to a TV or projector.

Robert Armstrong is a contributor to The HDTV Tuner - a guide to the kit, the technology and the programming on HDTV.

Read This Article if You are Tired of Network TV

Are you getting tired of the Network TV shows; are you bothered by the rapid pace of the news? Do you ever really want to hear what someone being interviewed has to say, but then they cut the poor SOB off mid-sentence, slam their comments and go to commercial break? Are we watching the news or is it simply setting us up to watch the commercials and if so, why do we participate in this charade? If you watch some of the network TV stuff you have to wonder what on Earth is going on, do they even care about bringing us meaningful content or is it all about "Shock and Ah!"

Do they get away with this format because they merely realize that humans are basically brain dead and surrender their minds to the boob tube each night and merely wish to be entertained with bright lights, flashing screens, chaos and controversy? It is a G-Darn circus. For those who say they are well informed or know about what is going on from their skewed liberal written local newspaper, NYT or the TV news; well they are merely full of themselves.

Letรขโ�ฌโ�ขs face it folks you are not going to get to the bottom of any issue or news watching network Television News. Indeed if you read the newspaper, well it is so liberally skewed, that it is not bathed in any real since of reality. The opinions you have are therefore irrelevant, meaning your vote is worthless and your mind is warped. Welcome to the brain dead masses. Think on it, if you are able.

Lance Winslow

NFL Sunday Ticket Continuing Satellite TV Charge into Cable TV's Customer Base at Halfway Point

Satellite sales consistently gaining ground in numbers and holding lead in customer satisfaction.

As we complete the first half of the NFL Season two things become readily apparent. Sports Bars who have bit the bullet and paid for commercial license to show Sunday NFL Football games on several screens are doing booming business.

I, myself being a displaced RAMS Fan have had to frequent such establishments on many occasions to see my team play. Not bad but watching it at home would be more convienient on a Sunday Morning.

NFL Sunday Ticket has been a significant programming differentiator for DirecTV, helping us build a loyal subscriber base," DirecTV chairman Eddy Hartenstein said. "It's crucial for us to have programming that sets us apart from our competition."

His service has more than 17 million customers and is a unit of Hughes Electronics, which is a unit of General Motors Corp. NFL Sunday Ticket allows subscribers to see all out-of-market games each Sunday during the regular season.

At the same time, DirecTV would use new middleware from a News Corp. subsidiary to present a new user interface in subscribers' set-top boxes (STBs) followed by "a suite" of interactive TV services including news, sports, weather, traffic and games.

Additionally, the filing states that the merged operation would launch a new generation of satellites as early as 2006 and no later than 2008 that would provide capacity for local TV coverage in all 210 designated market areas in the United States. It would also enable DirecTV "to transmit more HDTV programming to subscribers, including local channels in HDTV format in select markets."

By 2005, DirecTV said the merged company would offer "very competitively priced set-top boxes with fully integrated digital video recorders, which will result in the deployment of at least 1 million such STBs each year thereafter."

Coincidentally, rival EchoStar at the same time announced it had reached the 1 million DVR mark among DISH Network subscribers.

During his remarks at the retailer rally, Hartenstein said DirecTV would draw on its high customer satisfaction ratings as a key weapon in fending off cable operators who are now ramping up digital cable programs for retail distribution.

He pointed to a recent J.D. Powers and Associates study on cable and satellite that indicated consumer satisfaction is much higher among satellite homes, adding that combined DBS subscriber totals now top 20 million customers รขโ�ฌโ�� or one in every five homes.

He added that DirecTV continues to be the top ranked multi-channel TV service in J.D. Powers consumer satisfaction surveys.

Although cable subscriptions still dominate the industry, satellite market penetration continues a steady eight-year climb, with nearly one in four households now subscribing to satellite pay TV.

Satellite receives an overall customer satisfaction index score of 723 (on a 1,000-point scale), compared to 659 for Digital Cable and 621 for analog cable, with strong performance across all measures of customer satisfaction.

Despite this outcome, cable narrows the gap in overall satisfaction versus satellite, improving at nearly twice the rate of satellite (3.1% vs. 1.6%). Both satellite providers included in the study receive the two highest customer satisfaction rankings among the 13 largest providers of cable/satellite TV service.

Satellite pay tv regains its highest ranking from 2003, receiving top ratings from customers in three of the six factors that drive overall satisfaction: billing, cost of service, and offerings and promotions. It also performs near the top in the remaining three factors: customer service, image, and performance and reliability. Satellite TV is followed in the rankings by cable companies WOW (WideOpenWest), Cox Communications, RCN and Bright House Networks, respectively.

Customer service has once again re-established itself as the top driver of consumer satisfaction, contributing to 26 percent of the overall customer satisfaction index score.

This factor weighting is the highest seen for any factor in the cable/satellite TV study, representing a stark contrast to the 10 percent weighting the customer service factor averaged over the previous three years.

"The opportunity to purchase voice products from pay TV providers and vice versa from historical voice providers has no doubt contributed to this dramatic increase in the importance of customer service," said Steve Kirkeby, senior director of telecommunications for J.D. Power and Associates.

"Similar to the voice market counter-parts, dissatisfaction with levels of customer service will make consumers less satisfied overall, making them more susceptible to bundling and price promotions from competitors." Product bundling continues to be the key area where cable providers can stem migration to satellite and increase cable's share of the consumer wallet.

With a continuing strong consumer desire to combine multiple services in a single bill for convenience and simplicity, the study finds that 44 percent of cable subscribers want to combine their cable service with some other telecommunications product or service.

The study finds the current average monthly expenditure for pay TV service is $49.08 among satellite subscribers and $50.98 among cable subscribers.

What this means for the consumer is more and better choices at more competitive prices are in the offing as cable tv services try desperately to keep the subscribers they have which is much cheaper than trying to lure people away from "The Dish". And if you love Pro Football like I do there is no other choice but DirecTV and NFL SUNDAY TICKET.

Kenneth Waugh Visalia Ca and displaced Football Fan and Sports writer.

KN.Waugh@gmail.com

For more information about satellite with the NFL Sunday Ticket Option click below:

http://kensrapidsatellite.opportunity.com

Cheap Satellite TV -- Who Has the Best Deals?

Just a few years ago there was no such thing as a cheap satellite TV system. A decent system cost anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 for a satellite TV dish and the array of electronic boxes that came with it. Not only that, it cost hundreds of dollars to have a big-dish satellite TV system installed.

Today, because the satellite TV industry has become so competitive, dealers are giving away satellite TV systems to entice people to subscribe to their satellite TV service. Even the installation is free.

So when it comes to finding a cheap TV system, you're in luck. They're not just cheap, they're free.

Satellite TV Systems

Hereรขโ�ฌโ�ขs what you get when you subscribe to either DISH Network or DIRECTV's satellite TV service:

* A free satellite TV dish and mounting stand.

* Up to four free satellite TV receivers plus universal remote controls.

* Free professional installation of your system in up to four rooms of your home.

* Free DVR (digital video recording) receivers so you can record your favorite programs.

* HDTV satellite TV receivers (optional) for high definition reception.

Note: DISH Network and DIRECTV offer bonus gifts such as a free DVD player and home theater system when you order their service. Click on the links below to see the latest offers.

Cheap Satellite TV Service

When it comes to satellite TV service, you can pay anywhere from $31.99 a month for 60 channels of programming, on up to $93.99 a month for 215 channels.

Both DISH Network or DIRECTV's satellite TV service includes the following:

* More than 225 program channels with digital-quality picture and sound.

* Up to 500 commercial-free movies per month.

* DVR (digital video recording) so you can bypass commercials and record your favorite programs.

* HD (high definition) programming.

* Up to 60 pay-per-view programs per day.

* Your local channels with digital picture and sound.

* Commercial-free music channels with all-digital sound.

* Toll-free and online 24/7 customer service.

Note: DISH Network and DIRECTV offer special introductory programming rates for new customers. Click on the links below for current offers.

The Bottom Line

Getting the cheapest price for satellite TV depends on whether you want the cheapest service, or you want the cheapest price per channel.

DISH Network has the cheapest satellite TV service. Their starter package -- America's Top Sixty -- gives you 60 channels of satellite TV programming, including your local channels, for $31.99 per month.

DIRECTV's Total Choice program package offers the cheapest price per channel at $0.31 per channel ($41.99 ร�ยท 135 channels). In addition to 135 program channels, you also get your local channels and 31 music channels.

If television is your primary form of entertainment and you want a wide variety of shows, movies, sports, and news ... if you're tired of fuzzy reception and want digital-quality picture and sound ... if your cable bill is beginning to equal your mortgage payment -- then I think you'll find satellite TV is a real bargain.

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 cheap satellite TV.

How to Choose the Right Satellite TV Company

Cable providers used to benefit from the advantage of having a monopoly on expanded TV service. With the developing of Satellite TV companies, the television service marketplace is now dominated by a great competition between the increasing number of providers. The key for choosing the right satellite TV company is to ask the potential provider a lot of questions.

Steps in Choosing a Satellite TV Company:

Contact local Satellite TV companies and ask for a price list. The prices will range from $15 for basic services to $100 for premium packages. Some providers may have additional costs for hardware, such as control boxes or satellite dishes, as well as for programming. Make sure you ask about all the costs, as well as contract commitments. Check out the channel programming they are offering and decide what combination is best for you. Ask the prospective satellite TV channels whether they are carrying your local channels as well. Ask is high-definition programming is also available, especially if you own a HDTV, and how much it costs. Ask for installation per room cost and whether you need a satellite box for each room. Ask about package deals.

Overall Tips:

Different Satellite TV companies generally have incompatible equipment. If you change your provider, you will need to change your dish and box too. If you live in an apartment or condominium you should check with the property manager before you mount satellite dishes on the building roof. However, you don't need an approval to mount a satellite dish on your private balcony or patio.

Things to Look For At a Satellite TV Company:

Channel packages
Local channels
Hardware and programming
Broadcast quality
Broadband Internet Packages
Per-room charge
Digital video recorder packages

It is generally best to purchase the services of a satellite TV company than those offered by a cable TV provider. Satellite TV usually has better broadcast quality than those provided by cable TV. However, satellite TV is also more prone to interference from heavy rain or snow. If you choose satellite TV, you will also need a south-facing surface to mount the dish on.

The price you pay, the amount of time you have to wait for the installation, the broadcast quality and many other important things depend on the Satellite TV company that you choose. There are many scammers out there that claim to offer things they actually don't, so be careful not to fall for their tricks.

It is generally best to choose a company that has been in business for a long time and you can rely on. Recommendations from other customers who are satisfied with the services they are offered are always a plus. Picking up a reliable company that also suits your needs will determine whether you will get what you want from a television service.