But if you want to watch satellite TV in HD (high definition) format you'll need to get an HDTV receiver. The good news is DIRECTV is currently offering their basic HDTV receiver for free.
Here's what you get ...
DIRECTV HDTV Satellite Receiver Features
* Transmits HD broadcasts to your TV giving you the clearest picture available.
* Dolby Digital surround sound for three-dimensional audio.
* Combination tuner lets you watch both satellite and over-the-air HDTV channels.
* DIRECTV Advanced Program Guide lets you access all your HD channels with the touch of a button.
* Universal remote allows you to operate your satellite TV receiver, your television, your VCR, and your DVD player.
* Video and audio connections so you can hook up your satellite system to your stereo or your home theater system.
DIRECTV HDTV Satellite Receiver DVR Combination
The DIRECTV HD/DVR (digital video recorder) receiver lets you watch satellite TV in high definition and lets you record your favorite shows in digital format. This receiver costs $199, and comes with all the features of the HD receiver plus:
* You can pause and replay live TV, and digitally record your favorite programs with a click of your remote.
* A 250 GB hard drive lets you record up to 200 hours of regular programming or 30 hours of HD programming.
* Record two programs while watching a another program or a previously recorded program.
Bottom Line
If you want the most life-like picture and the most realistic sound when you watch DIRECTV, then you need a DIRECTV HDTV receiver. And if you want to record your favorite shows in digital format, and can afford the extra $199, you'll want to purchase the HD/DVR receiver.
Well, you're in luck, because listed in this article I have some superb information about the DreamBox 7020Si (Satellite Reciever) as well as a few other receivers that are available online. All of these receivers are made in China and have incredible quality. They look, act, and feel exactly like the real deal. Remember kids, just because something is cheaper than it is other places, doesn't necessarily mean it's cheaper in quality! Take eBay for example, they have some of the best prices anywhere and it is very rare to go there and find a real junker. Same goes with these receivers! Plus, all the receivers listed below have not only a really nice price tag and some spectacular specs but, they also have been reviewed very highly! Alright, let's get the show on the road. First things first:
DreamBox 7020Si (Satellite Receiver) - The is the Dreambox 7020 Si digital satellite receiver with full Ethernet communication capabilities. Power PC driven with Linux operating system for endless possibilities, 250 MHz PowerPC Processor(350 Mips). Anything with Linux is considered the way to go these days. If it doesn't have a Linux then there is something seriously wrong, and you need to move on and see what else you can find!
Specs- -Linux open source (most parts under the terms of GPL) -Integrated Compact Flash Interface Slot -1 x DVB Common-Interface Slot -2 x Smartcard-Reader -MPEG2 Hardware decoding (fully DVB compliant) -Supports Linux Standard API (Direct-FB, Linux-FB, LIRC) -Big LC-Display -USB Port -10/100 MBit compatible Ethernet Interface -Modem -12V switch cinch -V.24/RS232 Interface -Common NIM DVB-S -32 MByte Flash -Channel-change time 1 second -96 MByte RAM -Unlimited channel lists for TV/Radio -Integrated IDE UDMA66 Interface -Supports directly bouquet-lists -Support for internal HDD in any capacity -Full automatic service scan -Supports EPG (electronic program guide) -Supports multiple LNB-Switching control (supports DiSEqC) -RF modulator -S/PDIF Interface for digital bit stream out (AC-3) -Supports own videotext -Audio/Video cinch out -Fully adaptable OSD in many languages and skin-support -2 x Scart-interfaces -MINI-DIN connector for extern IR (send) -DreamBox DM7020Si Parts
OpenBox 800X Satelite - The OpenBox 800X digital satellite receiver has been tested for over 10 months by hundreds of users and turned out to be one of the most reliable products. The OpenBox 800X digital satellite receiver is a new highly stable and reliable hardware product based on a new thoroughly tested hardware platform which has proved to be extremely safe and efficient even after months of heavy tests under extreme loads.
Specs - -4500 programmable channels -On-screen display in 8 languages -1 x RCA dla AC3 -2 x SCART -DiSEqC 1.0/1.2 -Teletext -EPG support -Symbol Rate 1~45Mbauds -Zoom - 4:3, 16:9 Format -MPEG 2 / DVB compatible -Timer, clock -950-2150 MHz range -Lists of favourite programs -SCPC/MCPC, C/Ku- Band -2 x RCA Audio -1 x CA Slot
Relook 200S - Relook 200S is a very popular receiver and extremely easy to use with lots of features.
Specs - -Set all values for searching programs in one menu page -Satellite List by exclusive RCU button -Subtitle & Teletext (OSD) -Aspect Ratio: 4:3, 16:9 -LINUX open source (some parts under the terms of GPL, accordingly expandable) -4,000 Channels Programmable -Powerful Channel Sorting and Grouping -Favorite Channel Lists for TV -Parental Control & Radio and Video Mode -"ETHERNET SUPPORTED"
All of the products within this article have received highly rated reviews amongst people that have either tested out the products or that have bought the products, so any of these products would be a great thing to look into buying! Good luck in your purchases.
Both Brian Stevens & Kristi Ambrose are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.