Satellite v Cable: The Winner Is...

The Dish On Satellite TV Versus Cable TV

A fierce battle is carrying on between satellite TV and cable TV in America. While cable has lots of option with numerous providers, satellite also has lots of choices but only two providers – DishNetwork and DirectTV. The choice between the services is such a close call that it boils down to preference. Some cable fans quickly point out that satellite is a fair-weather friend and some satellite fans boast of satellites versatility in channels. You be the judge and weigh each side.

In the United States, satellite TV subscribers have a choice between Direct TV and DishNetwork. Cable TV providers, on the other hand, are more abundant. Most cable subscribers choose either basic cable or digital cable. Digital cable has many more options than basic cable. Both satellite and cable hook up with DSL Internet service, HDTV, TiVo, parental control and other fun features. However, to get these services, you'll need extra equipment. Satellite TV scores one up on cable in this round: high definition reception automatically comes through satellite TV, whereas cable TV currently makes customers pay extra for this reception. This advantage will soon end once HD is mandatory on all new sets and all channels will come through HD. The time-line for this change in the United States is anticipated by the year 2007.

The more options the better, according to many subscribers. Satellite wins hands down in this arena, although cable undoubtedly carries lots of channels. Many fans of satellite TV believe its reception is crisper and love the fact you can interact with many channels. You can also watch a satellite sports channel and turn off the broadcaster or watch a sports event and leave out commercials. Cable TV may soon catch up since it's trying out a few new interactive channels such as Time Warner Cable's interactive games and sports news.

Cable TV doesn't limit all you TVs to broadcasting the same channel on every TV. You can watch different channels on different TVs. This isn't so easy to do with satellite TV. You need a separate receptor box to get a different reception than what's showing on a different TV. However, one receptor box can be hooked up to as many as 6 sets. The satellite TV providers are now offering these boxes for free rather than charging for additional boxes in the past. Even though cable TV comes through a cable line hooked up to your TV, cable seems to win in this department.

While weather can sometimes affect cable reception, a lot more can interfere with satellite TV signals. A satellite TV dish needs to be obstruction-free to the south of where it's placed (reception of satellite TV comes from the South). Most subscribers have their dish located either on their roof or porch. While some homeowner associations and landlords try to ban this placement, homeowners and renters have FCC regulations on their side.

No one can say for sure who's winning in the battle between cable and satellite. The call appears very close. Whichever service you decide has more to do with your preference for one option or another since the costs even look close and the issues look pretty upfront. So, which side are you on?

About The Author
Copyright 2005 Frederick Greystone. All rights reserved.
Frederick Greystone is the owner of RGW Satellite Inc which one of the best resources for information on satellites on the internet. Be to take a look at his complete archive of articles: http://www.rgwsatellite.com/

Would You Like To Recieve Hundreds Of New Channels For Free?

Your probably thinking, free? nothing is free right?

Wrong! This brings us to the idea of Satellite TV which i'm sure you know about through the dishes you see at your neighbour's house or while your driving to the mall. Dishes have just about come up everywhere. Yesterday i was in a remote town where it's difficult to locate a store unless you drive 20 miles into the city. However, i was surprised to see a satellite dish. They are just everywhere.

So why do you need a satellite dish?

Often we get bored with the same programmes that are offered to us as viewers through TV. When your watching tv and you want to see something new, you find out that you've seen it already. The re-runs on all shows has gotten so boring that we want something new. This is where satellite tv comes into play.

What will satellite tv bring to me that i dont have already?

The question you want to ask really is what doesn't satellite tv have. TV gets boring after a while, we all know that. But often we like to relax and watch a good movie or something interesting. Thats why you need satellite TV. Having satellite TV installed in your home will mean that you can watch channels covering movies, sport, documentaries, adult and everything else you can name. Not only will you be able to watch channels in every language but you will be able to watch channels from every country in the world.

Find out more ... http://www.installyoursat.com

About The Author
Alex Porter - A well learned satellite expert in the field of Satellite TV and Home entertainment for 15 years.

DirecTV vs. Dish Network -- Which Is Better?

The satellite TV systems and services offered by DirecTV and Dish Network are almost identical -- both offer more than 250 program channels, all-digital programming, HDTV (high definition TV) options, and DVR (digital video recording) capabilities.

So when you compare DirecTV to Dish Network you'll discover the biggest differences between them are the subscription fees and programming.

Here is a blow-by-blow comparison of DirecTV vs. Dish Network ...

Satellite TV Equipment

Direct TV offers free satellite TV equipment (the dish and receivers), and free installation in up to four rooms of your home. If you want a DVR receiver you will be charged an additional $49.99. The charge for HDTV receivers is $299.99.

Dish Network gives you free satellite TV equipment and free installation in up to four rooms of your home. You can get a DVR receiver or an HDTV receiver at no charge.

Satellite TV Programming

DirecTV offers 255 program channels, including movie channels, music channels, pay-per-view movies and events, sports packages, and international programming. Programming packages start at $41.99 per month for 115 channels.

Dish Network offers 256 program channels, including movie channels, music channels, pay-per-view movies and events, sports packages, and international programming. Programming packages start at $31.99 per month for 60 channels.

Customer Service

DirecTV has excellent customer service with 24/7 online support, and 24/7 toll-free telephone support.

Dish Network also has excellent customer service with 24/7 online support, and 24/7 toll-free telephone support.

Customer Satisfaction

DirecTV is ranked #2 in customer satisfaction among all the cable and satellite TV providers.

Dish Network is ranked #1 in customer satisfaction among all the cable and satellite TV providers.

The Bottom Line

Both DirecTV and Dish Network offer top-of-the-line satellite TV equipment and all-digital programming for the best picture and sound available.

Dish Network's basic programming package is cheaper than DirecTV's, but DirecTV's Total Choice has a more channels.

Dish Network has more movie packages and foreign programming, while DirecTV offers more sports packages.

About The Author
Brian Stevens is a professional freelance writer and webmaster who has written extensively on DirecTV and Dish Network. For more information on DirecTV vs. Dish Network, go to http://www.thesatellitetvguide.com/directv-vs-dish-network.htm.

Benefits of Satellite TV

Satellite TV seems to be the way of the future. With many people already switching from cable, it makes you wonder what is so great about Satellite TV. Some of the main reasons people are switching over is due to the free offers of equipment and installation, the HDTV picture quality, the channel selection, as well as the range of service.

Due to the intense competition between DirecTV and Dish Network, the prices have been getting lower and lower. These price wars have caused the most recent offers to include free satellite dish, free receivers, free installation, free DVR's and more. The two are very similar in what they offer to their customers, but do differ in a few areas such as channel selection, and sporting packages.

As many know, satellite television has excellent picture quality. Now is the best time to purchase a HDTV and link it up to your satellite and enjoy the best of the best. Once you plug in the satellite, the television, and the surround sound, you will be ready to enjoy the ultimate entertainment experience!

The channel selection with satellite TV is also one of their strengths. Satellite TV allows the customer to pick which package they want, which can be quite difficult when they are choosing from 300 available channels.

One of the main benefits to satellite TV is its range of service. If you are living in a rural area, which most likely doesn't receive cable service, its is very likely that you will be able to receive satellite service. The one draw back may be that you need one of the older, larger dishes in order to tune in the programming.

Satellite TV has a lot to offer its customers. By switching over now, you will be able to reap all the rewards and offers that are available through DirecTV, and Dish Network.

About The Author
Tina Porter is the writer and product researcher for http://www.hdtvtome.com/. She has extensive experience with consumer electronic products including satellite TV's and home entertainment theaters.

Picking Up The Best Satellite TV Deals From The Right Retailers: A Checklist For Satellite TV Shoppers

Once considered a luxury for the rich and famous, satellite television has become a competitive industry, making it an affordable option for just about everyone. Nowadays, with more than 20 millions subscribers in total, satellite TV broadcasting had become one of the fastest growing home products in United States.

The fact is for recent years, the expansion rate of satellite TV had beaten cable TV greatly.. Recent polls show some common reasons being superior picture quality, larger selection of channels and programs, increased availability, good customer service and the continuing drop in price.

However, with any hot product come the scammers. Thousands of "Free Satellite TV" websites have popped up; claming to offer the best satellite TV deals and promotions. Most of these scams offer a fake promise on their deals. Extremely low monthly subscription rates, next-day installation, and unlimited number of free satellite systems are some of the common promotion terms. However, once a customer signs up they find hidden activation fees, high delivery costs for free extras, installation dates continuously missed or pushed back, as well as shocking cancellation fees.

What will happen when I order my satellite TV via online retailers?

You place an order with an online satellite TV system retailer. You will then choose the number of satellite system you wished to receive. Standard online satellite TV deals will offer you up to 4 free satellite systems along with certain incentive gifts like DVD player or home theater systems.

At the time of ordering you will schedule a time that a local professional installer can come to your home and install the system. You do not need to choose your programming packages at the time of order. For example when you are ordering the Dish Network deals, you can always order your Dish Network systems first and decide your programming package later. Instructions for ordering your Dish Network programming will be sent with your systems. You will need to call Dish Network's toll-free number (24/7 all year long) after your installation is completed. A customer service representative will help you activate all the programming you would like.

The satellite system will either be shipped to your home before the installation date or the installer will bring it with them. In normal case, shipping cost and standard installation fees are free of charge.

Why order satellite TV deals online?

Ordering your satellite TV deals online is instant and easy. All you need to do is just a few clicks on your PC and stay at home at the scheduled installation time. The retailers that have been around a few years have this process streamlined for efficiency.

The start up cost for online satellite TV dealers is much lower than the brick and mortal dealers. Thus, online satellite TV dealers offer the best bargains in satellite TV services. In order to win the market share, some online dealers even offer incentive gifts to their customers. Home theater systems, DVD players, digital cameras are given free to win more customers.

How about the Internet scams?

Unfortunately, with any hot product on Internet come the scammers.

Online ordering satellite TV deals sounds great. However, consumers should also aware that there are risks hidden when ordering your satellite TV deals online: Fraudulent websites.

There are hundreds or even thousands of scammers in the satellite TV online business, claiming to offer the best satellite dish deals and promotions. Their websites might look professional to lure unsuspecting customers. Most of these scams offer a fake promise on their deals. Extremely low monthly subscription rates, next-day installation, and unlimited number of free satellite systems are some of the common promotion terms. But once a customer signs up they find hidden activation fees, high shipping costs for free extras, installation dates continuously missed or pushed back, as well as outrageous cancellation fees.

Hundreds of "Satellite TV" websites have popped up, Buyers should always beware of all these scammers and do not fall into their traps. Satellite TV deals can be a huge bargains or a scary nightmare and it all depends on the satellite TV retailers that you pick.

Picking up the right satellite TV retailers

Both Dish Network and DirecTV had several reputable online retailers assigned and you are always recommended to order your satellite systems from them.

To get a dependable online dealer, we suggest checklist below as the minimum requirements. If you would like to view the list of satellite TV dealers that we recommend, we suggest this reference page: http://www.dishnetworkissue.com/DishNetowrk_retailers.html

Requirements on good online satellite TV dealer:

·In satellite TV business for more than 1 year.
·Websites must provide secure order page and certified website.
·Must be authorized by Dish Network or DirecTV officials.
·No "hidden" fees- cost charged on credit card is shown clearly.
·Customer service available via phone, live chats or email.
·100% guaranteed. (Full refund if installation fails).
·Testimonial, users review, as well as other authority sites recommendation would be a plus point.

About The Author
Teddy LCC -- experienced writter on consumer products reviews. Check out his latest satellite TV related website and get recommendations on DirecTV or Dish Network deals at: http://www.satellitetvissue.com or http://www.dishnetworkissue.com

Directv HD Receivers Moving With Times

Directv's debut in 1994 turned out to be an auspicious entry into the satellite television market. With a variety of options in programming, some cable subscribers opted for satellite and now more and more are doing so, while others are taking the next technological step by purchasing Directv's HD receivers as well.

And with the FCC handing down a decision to convert all television to high definition format, commonly known as HD, by 2006, content providers, cable and satellite companies like Directv are in full swing with marketing programs to sell their HD receivers. HD is broadcast digitally at a higher resolution for better picture quality. In the past high definition television used to be a term referred to newer technology in the 1930s that replaced experimental television technology at the time.

Currently, a Directv HD receiver can cost in the five hundred to six hundred dollar range on the cheap side and well over a thousand dollars for higher end receivers. Electronics manufacturers like Hughes, Samsung and others are all touting their HD receivers now for their features, but prices are still a little high, as well as for HD television sets, which average in price over one thousand five hundred dollars

Much has been made of the high definition issue of late and those with a more pessimistic mindset toward HD, some refer to them as hardcore analogue-ers, don't think a full conversion to HD will be done in time. Even now, those who may purchase an HD receiver are limited to those providers, or television stations or networks that provide content in HD, which some say is up to five times sharper than regular television.

But while Directv has done its part by offering HD receivers, customers recently have complained about the exorbitant price of an HD and Tivo combination receiver, which rings in at a thousand dollars when purchasing it from Directv, a hard pill to swallow for those who may have already spent five hundred to a thousand dollars on a Directv HD receiver to begin with. Tivo allows customers to records hours of television without needing a VHS tape or DVD burner. For the time being some customers are buying a separate Tivo unit and hooking it into their current Directv HD receiver, unfortunately sacrificing some picture quality along the way.

But many customers feel that in time, as with the prices of plasma screen televisions, the Tivo and Directv HD receiver combination will come down in price. So for now, the best bet for those with their Directv HD receivers may be to wait. In time, not only will there be more HD content, but also more affordable receiver options. Standard Directv HD Receivers will likely go down in price as well, along with those with the added Tivo option.

Sources:
http://archive.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/history/topic/182395-1.html
http://www.pvrblog.com/pvr/2005/04/directvs_hd_pro.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HDTV
http://www.chartercom.com/products/hdtv/hdtv.aspx
http://www.kaptainsatellite.com

About The Author
David Johnson is a website developer and one of the resources he uses for satellite tv information is http://www.kaptainsatellite.com.

Satellite TV Systems -- Which One is Best?

Satellite TV System

A satellite TV system consists of a dish that captures the TV signal broadcast from a satellite, and a receiver that amplifies the signal and sends it to a television.

Less than 10 years ago, satellite TV systems consisted of a huge satellite dish, about the size of a flying saucer, and an array of black boxes that required an electronic technician to set up. Not only that, they were expensive, costing anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000.

We've come a long way since then. Now, satellite dishes are the size of a large Frizbee, the receiver is the size of a notebook, and using the system is as easy as operating a microwave.

And the best news of all is that today's systems won't cost you a penny. Thanks to the ongoing competition between satellite TV dealers, they'll give you a complete satellite TV system for free when you subscribe to their satellite TV service.

Benefits of a Satellite TV System

Here are the benefits of having a satellite TV system:

* You have the option of viewing up to 256 channels of programming.
* Satellite TV is broadcast in an all-digital format for the clearest picture and sound available.
* Satellite TV systems include DVR (digital video recording) so you can record your favorite shows.
* You can get HD (high definition) receivers that allow you to watch your shows in HD format.
* Satellite TV is the more reliable than cable or over-the-air TV, with less blackouts and fewer picture problems.
* Customer service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

DISH Network Satellite TV System

Here's what you get when you order DISH Network satellite TV service:

* A free satellite TV dish with mounting hardware.
* Up to four free receivers plus universal remotes.
* Free DVR (digital video recording) receivers.
* Free HD satellite TV receivers (optional).
* Free professional installation in up to four rooms of your home.
* A one-year warranty on your satellite TV system.

DIRECTV Satellite TV System

Here's what you get when you order DIRECTV satellite TV service:

* A free satellite TV dish with mounting hardware.
* Up to four free receivers plus universal remotes.
* Free professional installation in up to four rooms of your home.
* DVR receivers -- free after a $99 rebate.
* HDTV satellite TV receivers (optional), $199 per receiver.
* A one-year warranty on your satellite TV system.

Visit http://www.TheSatelliteTVGuide.com for more details on free satellite TV systems and service, ordering information, plus the latest special offers and free bonuses from DISH Network and DIRECTV satellite TV.

Satellite TV Service

In order to get a free satellite TV system you have to subscribe to a satellite TV service:

DISH Network offers four program packages. Prices start at $31.99 per month for their basic package which has 60 channels, and go up to $86.99 for their top-of-the-line package which has 230 channels.

DIRECTV offers three program packages. Prices start at $41.99 per month for their basic package which has 135 channels, including 31 music channels, and go up to $93.99 for their top-of-the-line package which has 185 channels.

Both services also have movie channels, sports packages, foreign language programming, adult programming, HDTV packages, and pay-per-view channels.

Bottom Line

When it comes to which satellite TV system is the best, it's six-of-one, a half-dozen-of the other. Both systems are state-of-the-art and have enough features to please even the most fanatical electronics buff.

But when it comes to additional features such as DVR and HD receivers, or different dishes to accommodate HD receivers and specialized TV channels, price differences can be significant.

Before you order satellite TV service, I recommend clicking on the links below to check out current satellite TV system options and prices.

About The Author
Brian Stevens is a professional freelance writer and webmaster who has written extensively on satellite tv systems.
Visit http://www.TheSatelliteTVGuide.com for more details on free satellite TV systems and service, ordering information, plus the latest special offers and free bonuses from DISH Network and DIRECTV satellite TV.