There is little difference in the satellite tv system offered by different companies, with the exception of customer service. Whichever service you are the happiest with is the one you should choose for you. There are, however specific needs to receive programming on a digital satellite tv.
The first obviously is a satellite dish. These are normally provided by the satellite tv system company, along with a receiver into which to connect the satellite. The typical satellite will have what is called a Dual LNB, which in non-tech speak means there are two coaxial cables connected to the satellite. This is necessary if you plan to watch one program while recording a second one. The satellite also needs to be pointed to the unseen satellite in the sky. The proper direction will depend on your location.
Along with the Dual LNB satellite, you will need a second receiver if you are going to have more than one television on which to watch programs. With the second receiver hooked to your satellite tv system, you can watch separate programs on both television sets. A phone line is also needed to connect to the receivers, to receive programming updates.
A satellite TV system used to be an expensive, truly envisioned luxurious service in the past. Currently it is quite affordable and plenty of consumers prefer it, above the cost of the cable television wish has been steadily rising from some time. The subscribers of satellite television receive high quality, digital signal and some service packages come out with plenty of additional services included in the price (internet access, radio, etc). Some of the prime advantages from a user point of view, of the satellite TV is that it offers additional data about shows, a special feature unavailable in traditional cable television. Many people have significant concerns about the reliability of the satellite signal. Satellite television is very reliable.
Choose Self Or Professional Installation
If you are the handy type and know how to run wires through your house, you can opt to make the wiring installation on your own. If not, you will ask for professional satellite tv system installation. This involves running coaxial cables from the satellite to the receivers. Presuming a two-television set-up, two cables are run from the satellite to a splitter inside the house.
The splitter has room for two inputs from the dish, and four outputs, two to each television. Both cables are then run from the splitter to each respective television. These will connect to the two inputs on satellite tv system receiver. The receiver has one output to the television, but you can watch one channel and record a second at the same time on both televisions.
With the units installed and all the cables and phone lines connected, you must contact the satellite tv system provider and establish an account. Once you choose your programming and your account is activated, you will have access to whatever level programming you selected.
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.
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.
Both Asi Sveinsson & Brian Stevens 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.