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
Here’s 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 ÷ 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.
In the world of satellite TV there are satellite TV providers -- the companies who provide satellite TV programming, and satellite TV dealers -- the companies who sell the programming and the equipment you need to watch it.
In the U.S.A. there are currently two major satellite TV providers -- DISH Network and DIRECTV -- and hundreds of satellite TV dealers who sell their services and systems.
Due to the recent rise in popularity of satellite TV, satellite TV dealers have sprung up all over the Internet promising the best deals, the best service, and everything else under the sun. But after you sign up for their service they sock you with hidden service fees, provide you with shoddy installation, and offer zero customer service.
So how do you know which satellite TV dealers are the most reputable, will give you the best service, and will sell you DISH Network or DIRECTV's services at the best possible price?
I've spent hundreds of hours researching online satellite TV dealers. Here's a rundown on the top four dealers -- the cream of the crop:
DISH Network Satellite TV Dealers
**** Allsat (Highly Recommended)
Established in 1995, when DISH Network first started broadcasting, Allsat is one of the oldest and most reputable online satellite TV dealers. Allsat began as an offline satellite TV store, then went online in 1997.
Their prices, reputation, and service are second to none.
Allsat currently offers:
* A free DISH Network satellite TV dish * Up to four free receivers plus remotes * Free professional installation * Free DVR (digital video recording) receivers * Free HD (high definition) receivers * Free 25 movie channels * 24/7 customer service * Lifetime equipment warranty * Free bonus gifts (click on the link below to view current offers).
*** VMC (Recommended)
VMC is one of the largest and most well known satellite TV dealers in the U.S. They installed the satellite TV system in the U.S. Capitol building.
VMC currently offers:
* A free 4-room satellite TV system * Free professional installation * Free digital video recorders * Free HDTV receivers * Free 25 movie channels * 24/7 customer service * Lifetime equipment warranty
DIRECTV Satellite TV Dealers
*** Rapid Satellite (Highly Recommended)
In business since 1999, Rapid Satellite is one of DIRECTV's highest rated satellite TV dealers. They have thousands of customers in hundreds of cities across the U.S.A.
Rapid Satellite currently offers:
* Free 4-room system * Free installation * Free DIRECTV DVR (after $99 rebate) * Free HDTV receiver (after $99 rebate) * Free premium movie packages * 24-hour customer service * One-year equipment warranty * Special offers (click on link below to view current offers).
**** iSatellite (Recommended)
iSatellite is one of DIRECTV's top satellite TV dealers. Though relatively new to the satellite TV scene, they are one of the fastest growing, most respected online dealers in the U.S.
iSatellite currently offers:
* A free satellite TV dish * Up to four free receivers plus remotes * Free professional installation * Free DIRECTV DVR receiver (after $99 mail-in rebate) * Free HDTV receiver (after $99 mail-in rebate) * Free premium movie packages * 24/7 customer service * One-year equipment warranty * Special offers (click on link below to view current offers).
Note: For more information on current DISH Network or 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 satellite TV dealers and , or these links for ordering information, plus the latest offers and free bonuses from or
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