What Are The Costs - Satellite TV vs Cable TV?

New technology such as computers, MP3 players, digital cameras all hit the high tech electronics market with huge price tags. Then as demand grows, and the process required to create these items becomes more cost effective the prices inevitably come down.

With Satellite TV the prices started at an affordable rate because of the realization that the ongoing revenue would be huge. This in turn has had an instant impact on cable companies.

When comparing Satellite TV to Cable TV, you are not comparing apples with apples!

I know that the end result may be similar; you get to watch television programs you want to watch, but there is much more to consider in the comparison.

After comparing Satellite TV to Cable TV we found that in our opinion the Satellite TV service was well over twice as good as Cable TV. We compared price, quality, features, benefits, coverage, versatility and speed of installation.

Satellite TV was cleverly launched on the market with seductive pricing and a benefit rich product. Cable TV very quickly became over-priced and yesterday's fashion. Cable TV, very effectively, served its purpose in the past providing a much needed service. Satellite TV has a big advantage with lower infrastructure costs and the ease in which the technology can be updated - making it the preferred choice of many consumers.

The comparison table of Satellite TV vs Cable TV is heavily weighted to Satellite TV. The Satellite TV features and benefits are substantial without even considering the state of the art satellite technology they use. The Satellite TV monthly subscription cost is less than a few visits to a coffee shop! At more than twice the price, Cable TV is offering less than half the programs and none of the satellite features.

In most cases there is an initial outlay when embracing new technology. Cable TV means a cost to purchase the equipment and pay for the installation. But not with Satellite TV. There is no charge for Satellite TV equipment or the installation and most times there are promotions with even more value thrown in.

This means that existing cable customers can move over to Satellite TV (a more technologically advanced system) without incurring any cost and save money every month!

Article by Brian Lomas.

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Brian Lomas is a Satellite TV expert who has dedicated an enormous amount of time in providing free information for anybody considering Satellite TV. More information is available by clicking here => http://www.better-satellite-tv-reviews.com/
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DirectTV vs Dish Network, Which One Should You Choose?

The two main satellite TV providers in the U.S. are DirecTV and Dish Network. The satellite TV industry has made huge gains on the cable TV industry in the past several years. With the price of cable skyrocketing every year, many of their subscribers are making the switch over to satellite TV.

Okay so you've decided to switch to satellite; but which provider do you choose?

A provider is a company that owns and operates satellites in geostationary orbit around the earth. These satellites broadcast the signal down to your satellite dish and from there the signal is transferred to your receiver (black box).

The two largest satellite TV providers in the United Sates are DirecTV and DISH Network. The vast majority of satellite TV subscribers in the United States use one or the other so this article will concentrate on comparing the two satellite giants in an attempt to help you decide which of the two is best for you.

With the almost exponential growth of the satellite TV industry, both DISH Network and DirecTV are now in a position where they can afford to offer the satellite equipment (dish and receivers) free to their subscribers.

So for starters, both DISH Network and DirecTV offer free satellite equipment. Basically the only qualifiers are that you be a first time subscriber and that you have a credit card for monthly billing purposes.

So if the equipment is free, how do the two providers make any money? Well, you do have to pay for the monthly programming of course. The price of your monthly programming bill depends on which programming package you choose.

DISH Network's America Top 60 programming package starts at $24.99 per month and local channels are available. DISH Network presently is not making new subscribers commit to a one year contract. You can end your subscription at any time with no financial penalty to pay.

DirecTV's entry level programming package is called the Total Choice package and comes with local channels and is $39.99 per month. With the Total Choice package you get over 130 channels. DirecTV does require you to sign a one year subscription agreement. If you cancel your service before the year is up, then you have to pay a penalty fee to DirecTV.

As both satellite giants use the very latest technology in their satellites and receiving equipment, what differentiates the two is in the programming options that they provide to their subscribers. DirecTV is somewhat ahead of the DISH Network in their sports packages, as they offer seasonal sports options like the NFL Sunday Ticket that DirecTV has exclusive rights to.

Both providers offer tons of premium movie packages to choose from including HBO, Showtime, Starz and Cinemax. All these come with multiple channels per movie package.

DISH Network has more satellites in orbit than DirecTV. They have the capacity to offer up to 500 viewing channels, whereas with DirecTV, you can only get 250 channels. Also, DISH Network offers a lot more foreign programming packages than DirecTV does.

Both DISH Network and DirecTV offer 100% digital picture and CD quality sound in all of their programming. So again, they are tied in this important quality. This technology allows for a crystal clear perfect picture that cable TV simply cannot provide.

DISH Network, a subsidiary of EchoStar Communications, was founded in 1996 by Charles Ergan. While not quite as old as DirecTV, DISH Network was the fastest satellite provider to reach the 100,000 subscriber level doing so in just four short months.

Presently, DISH Network has over nine million satellite TV subscribers in the United States. DISH Network has many firsts to its credit, including being the first company to offer a satellite TV receiver that had a built in DVR (digital video recorder).

DirecTV was started in 1994 and is the largest satellite TV provider in the United States. When it first launched in 1994, Direct TV was the first satellite TV company to offer all digital-quality, multi-channel TV programming through the use of direct broadcast satellite (DBS) technology.

DBS technology is now the standard for the satellite TV industry and we have the ingenuity of the DirecTV engineers to thank for it. While DirecTV does not have as large a bandwidth allocation as the DISH Network does, to counter this DirecTV has arranged to have to exclusive deals with programming companies to cater to the programming whims of their subscribers.

In the all important area of customer care, both DirecTV and DISH Network offer outstanding customer care and support. Both offer online FAQ sections and help sections at their websites.

You can also call both toll-free to get help with any problem you may be having. Pay-Per-View movies may be ordered either by using your remote control or calling the 800 toll-free number for either provider.

Both DirecTV and DISH Network offer free professional installation as part of their free satellite TV promotions. One difference is that DirecTV will install your equipment for free in up to five rooms, where DISH Network presently only installs for free in up to four rooms of your home.

For More information click on the links below:
The Best Online Resource For Satellite TV
The Best Deals Of The Day

Everything You Need To Know About Satellite TV!

Why Satellite TV?

Satellite TV is beamed directly to the little satellite dish on top of your house, or it may be hanging off the balcony, or even inside, pointing through a skylight or window. It's dependant on whether you own the house or not. It is preferable to drill holes and mount the satellite dish but this not possible if you are renting.

Does Satellite TV fade out in bad weather?

The satellite TV providers would like us to think it doesn't, but it can in extreme conditions. It's the same as cable, which also gets most of its feeds from a satellite. But believe me, if it gets that bad, the Satellite TV reception will be the last thing on your mind.

How much does it cost?

Honestly about the same as cable, unless you're one of those cheapies who only have the basic deal with 15 channels. The first 125 Direct TV channels will cost around $39.95 per month, plus a little tax in many states. Most deals are very similar and can only be separated by the free giveaway they provide that month.

Can you install it yourself?

Of course (not!) Just like you can restore the '68 ' corvette in the garage. You know, the one that's been in there since you had pimples? Actually, it's not much harder to install Satellite TV than to put those kid's toys together on Christmas Eve! Most of the companies even translate the Japanese for you.

How about portability?

Yep. It does seem like we all move a lot more than we used to. Unless you move to Alaska, Hawaii (like you're really going to watch TV there!), or some foreign country like New Jersey, they will be glad to keep taking your money. Many will even re-install the equipment for free.

Can you get free installation?

If you like to shop, there is always a deal. It may take a lot of digging. Just let you fingers do the pounding on the keyboard. Everything can be shopped on the internet. Even Satellite TV.

What about hooking it into my phone line?

Don't skip plugging in the phone jack. For some services, like ordering your very own personal movie, if you don't have it plugged into a phone line, it costs an extra fee every time you order.

How about putting it on several TV's?

Sure, you can even get Satellite TV into your shower, with the right stuff. Anything is possible, well almost. It usually costs about $4.99 per month per set.

What's with the access card?

Satellite TV figured out a way to keep us all honest. Without an access card, you don't get access. After all, unless they're on public TV, those actors don't work for peanuts!

How does this 'Interactive' service work?

On certain channels (which usually have a little 'I' on them, for some reason), you can interact with the feature showing, or even with the commercial. Just like the guy in the Chocolate Factory, I guess. It will even give you additional entertainment and electronic shopping.

What about internet through Satellite TV?

No problem. The consumer is king. You ask and the satellite providers provide. Be sure they translate the instructions for hooking that up, though.

We've certainly come a long way from the wire antenna that had to be pointed in just a certain direction to pick up your favorite station.

For More information click on the links below:
The Best Online Resource For Satellite TV
The Best Deals Of The Day

DirecTV versus DISH network - So Which One Do You Choose?

So you know that cable is more expensive and you want to go with satellite TV. But there are all these deals between DirecTV and DISH network. What is the difference?

Let's first talk about DirecTV. They are the largest provider of digital satellite TV. The company services over 15 million customers nationwide and its DirecTV system offers 250 channels.

DirecTV uses well known companies to build its systems. Sony, Panasonic, and RCA, produce their satellite receivers. The DirecTV system includes an 18-inch dish, an integrated receiver decoder and a remote control.

They have two broadcasting centers, one in Colorado and one in California. They transmit signals to five satellites.

Now let's talk about DISH network. They are part of the larger company EchoStar. They are the fastest growing satellite TV company. DISH network services several million customers and adds at least 100,000 new customers on a monthly basis.

DISH network is the second largest provider and is based in Colorado. The company's service offers 500 satellite TV channels including digital video and music stations. Their satellite dishes are manufactured by EchoStar Technologies.

So in terms of quality both companies are right up there. Both companies offer free products when you sign up as a new customer, provided you sign a minimum 12 month contract.

Both DirecTV and DISH network offer free satellite packages. The free packages include an 18" or 21" satellite dish, up to five satellite receivers for your televisions, free professional installation of system, a video recorder (either a personal video recorder or TiVo), and, usually, a few months of free service. Depending on the time of the year each supplier will offer a teaser like a gift or cash to attract people to sign up with them.

One difference between the suppliers is in who owns the equipment. With DirecTV the customer owns the system, while with DISH network you don't own the equipment unless you pay a small fee upfront. This fee is normally refunded on the first bill, but you need to enquire about this or read the small print.

Both DirecTV and DISH network offer digital video recorders. The difference is in the type of recorder offered and the upfront costs. Installation times vary for both companies. Usually both companies can install within 24 hours dependant on a few factors though.

Both providers offer local programming and international programming, but you should check each local programming package for certain channels. The difference will be determined by your personal viewing preferences and the channels offered. You will find that costs are much the same as far as programming packages except for special programming or extra packages you choose.

DirecTV owns the rights to several sports packages, including NHL Center Ice, MLB Extra Innings, Yankee games, NFL Sunday Ticket, and NBA League Pass, which show just about every NFL game, and offers a greater number of international channels.

The DirecTV system offers up to 250 channels while DISH network provides up to 500 channels. There are small advantages between each, with no real disadvantages, but it does depend on your location and what you want to watch on your satellite TV.

More FREE information ==> www.better-satellite-tv-reviews.com

Fraud and Violation of the "Do Not Call" List

The deal sounded too good to be true, eh. Well, yeah. It all started with that guy who called one night to get you to try DirecTV. And then there was all that fine print. The sales person said it was just routine, right.

But you had taken the time to sign up for the Federal Trade Commission's Do Not Call List. Well, you took that call. And then all you really wanted was that good deal they offered you. What happened?

Back in 2003, the FTC started the List to protect consumers from unwanted sales calls. Companies must remove registered consumers from their marketing lists and not call them. But many consumers continue to receive phone calls, and the FTC tracks companies with more than 100 complaints.

Very soon after it's beginning, the FTC began tracking consumer complaints against DirecTV. They found that DirecTV had violated the List restrictions when its telemarketers called registered consumers. DirecTV ended up paying $5.34 million in penalties for their satellite TV marketing practices.

The 2005 charges qualified as the biggest civil penalty for violation of the Do Not Call List regulations. Because the FTC wants parent companies to be accountable for their affiliates as well, they named the independent companies in the complaint against DirecTV, too. The independent companies, which sold the DirecTV system, were also found to have violated the List rules.

The FTC tracked those consumer complaints, which numbered in the thousands. They received complaints about the sales calls from DirecTV from October 2003 until the day the company agreed to enter settlement negotiations. With the maximum penalty for each call assessed at $11,000, the 485 days of violation accumulated the multi-million dollar penalty.

In one violation included in the suit, the satellite TV company and five related telemarketing firms used an auto-dialed, pre-recorded sales call for the DirecTV systems. The FTC only allows automated calls as long as the company switches to a person within 2 seconds of the consumer answering the phone. Apparently, this did not occur.

In response, DirecTV claimed that it had severed business ties with the independent agencies that violated the List rules. They updated their affiliates with new procedures on telemarketing their DirecTV systems.

Additionally, the settlement also requires operation of a customer service desk to handle all consumer complaints of the DirecTV systems.

In another settlement involving fraud, DirecTV paid $5 million to its consumers. And the company voluntarily reimbursed 22 states that had pursued consumer complaints since 2000.

The 22-state task force had tracked consumer complaints against the company's advertising. These complaints alleged that goods advertised were not delivered. The small print contracts deceived consumers, and other problems occurred installation and performance. Consumers also complained of the lack of local reception. The company was required to address the complaints, make appropriate changes and reimburse consumers with the complaints.

So what's the moral of this story for you? As a consumer, you learn about the Do Not Call List. Besides not calling registered numbers, telemarketers cannot call other consumers before 8 am or after 9 pm. They must give consumers information about the call, such as the sales person's name, phone number, company name and the company's business address for consumer contact. Telemarketers must allow display of their caller ID; they cannot block their calls to consumers.

Even if you're on the List, companies can contact you if you have done business with them in the previous eighteen months or if you have contacted them within the previous three months. To register your home or cell phone on the National Do Not Call List, call: 888-382-1222 or log on the website: www.donotcall.gov.

For More information click on the links below:
The Best Online Resource For Satellite TV
The Best Deals Of The Day

How To Get The Absolutely Best Satellite TV Deal!

While Satellite TV has revolutionized the market, what does that actually mean for the average consumer? Many consumers are more confused after watching the promotions, than they were before.

I've always found that one of the best sources of information is normally right next door. If your neighbor has satellite TV, invite yourself over! Ask the questions, because there is nothing better than experience and hearing the truth, from someone other than a sales person.

Because installers service a certain area some installers may be better than others. Check on the support of the installer, how quickly will they respond if you have a problem? If you are renting will the installer provide a fixing that allows you to take the system away and leave no damage to the walls?

There are several options to choose from as TV moves into the digital age. But the real choice is between Cable and Satellite TV, especially as cable is getting more expensive. There is probably no better time than now to begin saving money and getting a better and more satisfying home entertainment experience.

Directv is the top provider of digital satellite television services. They made history with their 1994 launch of the first communications satellite. Television and radio would never be the same because satellite tv revolutionized the way broadcasting signals are transmitted. Advanced technology, research and development had, at that time, achieved new levels of telecommunications in bringing the best of television programming to viewers. Customers can enjoy the highest quality of multi-channel digitalized satellite programming services available to man.

Satellite TV programming deals are diverse and include packages containing from 50 channels up to over 250 channels. The lineup includes movies, the best sports channels available, children's programming, news, weather, local and national programming, and much more. All channel selections are delivered in 100% digital quality signaling.

In addition to the offer of free satellite equipment and installation to new members, when signing on for a minimum of 12 months, Directv and Dishnetwork satellite television provide each customer a free Digital Video Recorder (DVR) enabling recording, editing, and digital storage of favorites for showing at a time convenient to the viewer. The Satellite TV HD Receivers and HD Programming offers are spectacular.

But as with most promotions the offers start at rock bottom prices and then there is the up sell to get you to spend more and more each month.

Brian Lomas is a Satellite TV expert who has dedicated an enormous amount of time in providing free information for anybody considering Satellite TV. It is available by clicking here => http://www.better-satellite-tv-reviews.com/

HDTV, Overrated Or Absolutely Necessary?

What is HDTV? It is high definition TV which provides a much higher quality picture on your television than standard services. Regular TV, which travels over the airwaves, is also known as analog TV. The quality, or resolution, of the picture you see is defined by the number of scan lines transmitted. HD satellite TV pictures have almost twice the number of scan lines as a regular TV set. The big difference is found in digital technology.

High definition satellite TV makes several improvements over viewing TV the old way. One is that you get a clear, sharp image that makes it seem almost lifelike. The widescreen picture you get with high definition makes you feel like your are sitting in a movie theatre. But not only that, the audio is better quality, too, because it is programmed in Dolby Digital format, which gives you that surround-sound experience.

Directv and Dish satellite TV are two well-known providers of satellite services who both carry HDTV options. Each company offers many options in packages of services, and most of those packages include high definition quality.

One of the negative aspects of getting high definition TV is that you will need to purchase a high definition television set in order to receive that improved picture quality. The cheapest of these HD ready TVs for receiving Satellite TV can cost around $200 or more for a 27-inch screen. If you want to go with a flat wide screen in a large size, you can expect to pay from $1000 to $1600. A small price to pay really for the improved quality and considering you will be watching it for many years.

People who enjoy watching sporting events on television will love HD satellite TV, because you can actually see a wider view of the playing field. Movie buffs will like it to. When watching movies you will be able to see the entire picture instead of having it altered to fit your television screen.

Analog TV sets offer a lower level of resolution than HDTV. Today, satellite TV systems and recorded DVD's are digitally encoded so that they can provide a clearer picture. The technology is similar to the resolution you use on a computer monitor, which is measured in pixels. You probably use a much greater number of pixels, such as 800 x 600, than what is seen with analog TV.

Because we have become comfortable with the improved resolution, it makes sense to look into having HDTV options as part of our Directv or Dish network satellite TV services. Having HDTV as part of the package does raise the monthly satellite bill, however, adding $10 or more to your expenses each billing cycle.

Watching a local station is a cheap alternative to satellite TV. Some television stations have plans to convert to HDTV, but they must replace their equipment to do so, so it will take a while for all of them to make the conversion. Until they do, a satellite TV service, like Dish network or Directv, are the simplest way to be able to enjoy the improved picture and sound of high definition television.

Brian Lomas lives and breathes Satellite TV and there is not much he doesn't know about Satellite TV. Have a look at the free information provided at http://www.better-satellite-tv-reviews.com/

Direct Broadcast via Satellite

Direct broadcast satellite, (DBS) also known as "Direct-To-Home" is a relatively recent development in the world of television distribution. “Direct broadcast satellite” can either refer to the communications satellites themselves that deliver DBS service or the actual television service. DBS systems are commonly referred to as "mini-dish" systems. DBS uses the upper portion of the Ku band.

Modified DBS systems can also run on C-band satellites and have been used by some networks in the past to get around legislation by some countries against reception of Ku-band transmissions.

DBS systems are generally based on proprietary transport stream encoding and/or encryption requiring proprietary reception equipment. Service providers sometimes license several manufacturers to provide equipment capable of receiving the proprietary streams. This equipment typically uses a smart card as part of the decryption system or conditional access. This measure assures satellite television providers that only authorised, paying subscribers have access to Pay TV content but at the same time can allow free-to-air (FTA) channels to be viewed even by the people with standard equipment available in the market.

For More information click on the links below:
The Best Online Resource For Satellite TV
The Best Deals Of The Day

Satellite TV And Doing The Dishes!

Satellite TV Network service gives you a lot more for a lot less than cable. In terms of quality of picture, price, and number of channels, the Satellite TV service wins out every time against cable.

And because Satellite TV has so many individual subscription options, it's easy to pick out a service plan that will be just right for you and your household.

Satellite TV dish service companies are always offering great deals to new and existing customers. Checking the Satellite TV Web site is a good way to get an idea of the specials that are currently running.

Also, you can call to see if they have any exclusive specials running in your area. Even without a specific deal going on, Satellite TV is a bargain when compared to cable. You can generally get at least 50 more TV channels for the same price as a typical cable subscription.

With Satellite TV, it's not just the number of channels that you get, but the quality of the picture that you see. All channels that you get with Satellite TV are digital, and you have the option to add an off-air antenna that allows you to get local programming in high definition (HD).

Cable gives you some digital channels, but it a lot of channels will still be in analog. This means they'll be less clear.

A benefit of Satellite TV that everyone will enjoy is the digital video recorder (DVR). You've probably heard of TiVo-this is TiVo for the DirecTV Network satellite service.

It lets you record 70 hours of TV shows, two simultaneously if you want, and watch them later without commercials. You can also watch live TV as if it were recorded. You can fast forward, pause, and rewind at will.

Another benefit of going with a Satellite TV dish is that you can get high-speed DSL service for your computer. This means your Internet connection will be fast, even if other users are on a computer nearby.

The icing on the cake is that installation is often free. You don't have to worry at all about figuring out how to affix that little satellite TV dish to the side of your house or apartment. Just pick a plan that offers free installation (many of them do) and watch the Satellite TV installation crew go to work.

How does such a tiny dish bring you so much? Inside the Satellite TV dish is an antenna that receives information from six Satellite TV Network satellites. So when you hook the dish up to your home, you're really tapping into the power of these satellites.

When your Satellite TV dish is installed, it will be aimed at these satellites, which are fixed in the sky. These satellites are constantly receiving digitized broadcast signals from broadcast centers back on Earth. All this transmission occurs almost instantly and ensures that you have the best quality picture at all times.

Knowing that all those good shows in such good resolution and sound are whizzing about right over your head makes you want to head for the 'net or the phone to schedule your own Satellite TV installation.

For More information click on the links below:
The Best Online Resource For Satellite TV
The Best Deals Of The Day

Putting The Filter On Satellite TV: Direct TV, VOOM, DISH, Sky Angel

Aren't you glad that you are not in your Grandmama's generation, who were bombarded by vacuum cleaner salesmen day after day? No, you live in the Web generation. You can sit in your own room and be bombarded by 487 Satellite TV salesmen. At the same time. On the same screen. You can get a Satellite TV Network FREE, or free, or with NOTHING DOWN.

So how do you put a filter on all of this "free" information and find out the differences between Direct TV, VOOM, Dish Network Satellite, and Sky Angel? Just as I did, you can go to their sites directly; especially if you can take what they Dish out. Or you can read on and I'll give you -FREE- and with no obligation, the fruits of my labor.

Satellite TV is nothing new. In fact, most cable companies get much of their feed by satellite. What is relatively new is the boom in companies that cut out the middleman and give you Satellite TV straight from the skies. Direct TV seems to be the leader for the moment, but Dish Network TV is rapidly catching up. VOOM (without the Va Va), is a niche Dish, which prides itself on HD service and sneaks in some other channels and a free local pickup.

The deals out there include, for Direct TV: a wide selection of channels, free equipment, free HD upgrade, and often free installation even with their basic $39.95 package. Then there's Dish TV, which offers: (see above) plus a smaller dish. VOOM piggy backs on Dish TV equipment, and seems to be leaning toward being offered by the other companies as an option.

In case you hadn't noticed, the TV satellite dish is evolving faster than laptop computers! Now there is even a Toshiba Satellite laptop. Has nothing to do with TV, but they call it a satellite!

For the growing Christian TV viewing public, there is a network called Sky Angel, which provides family friendly and Christian broadcasting only. Sort of a "Heavenly" satellite TV. Even the news is offered from the Christian perspective. Can it compete with Direct TV?

It doesn't even try. It can, however, use the same receiver as Dish TV, so if you grow tired of the standard packages, you can often just switch services to Sky Angel. It's priced a lot less, too. Of course Dish Network TV would prefer you didn't leave them.

All of these offer one thing in common: if you don't aim right, you don't get nothin'. After all, it IS Satellite TV! That's where satellitefinder.com comes in. It is a care ware, and therefore free, finder service which tells you, depending on your city and zip code, where to aim your dish for your particular satellite TV service.

But don't think you won't have to do the math! It tells you in azimuth, latitude, and longitude where to aim. Then you have to look at your star chart, site through the fifth north stone of Stonehenge on the third full moon of the Celtic new year while standing in one of the holes dug outside of Stonehenge by the Satellite TV installer who was there before you. Or, sometimes, the equipment package you receive will tell you directly how to translate and aim. But that's not as fun.

Now you know more than I do about Direct TV, Dish TV, VOOM, and even Sky Angel. Don't you wish a vacuum cleaner salesman would knock right about now? It all comes down to the type of programming you like to watch, which deals are being offered by whom, and just how much you are willing to pay. But face it. Satellite TV is here to stay!

For More information click on the links below:
The Best Online Resource For Satellite TV
The Best Deals Of The Day