The following is a satellite TV buyer's guide that will show you how satellite TV works, the benefits of satellite TV, and where to get the best deal on satellite TV service.
What is satellite TV?
Satellite TV is a television system whereby satellite TV programming is sent from broadcast center to a satellite 22,000 miles above the earth. The signal is then sent back to earth where it is picked up by a satellite TV dish.
A satellite TV dish captures the signal and sends it to an LNB (low-noise block) converter and a receiver where the signal is amplified, decoded, then sent to a TV.
What are the benefits of satellite TV?
The benefits of satellite TV over cable and analog (over-the-air) TV are:
* Bigger variety - Satellite TV currently has over 350 channels of programming as opposed to a handful of channels on analog TV and an average of 179 channels on cable TV. With satellite TV you also get pay-per-view movies and special events, sports programming, commercial-free music channels, HD (high definition) programming, and a host of international channels.
* Better picture - Satellite television is broadcast in digital format so you get a clearer, more lifelike picture than you get with cable or analog TV. There are fewer blackouts than with cable TV, and there's no ghosting or snow like you get with analog TV.
* Cheaper fees - You can get satellite TV service for as little as $19.99. The satellite TV equipment - including a satellite dish, up to four receivers, and installation - is free. Cable fees average $39.99 per month, and installation can run up to $100 or more.
* Better service - DISH Network and DIRECTV have been ranked number one and number two in customer satisfaction among all satellite TV and cable companies by J.D. Power for the last five years. With DISH Network or DIRECTV you get toll-free telephone service or online customer service day and night, seven days a week.
How many satellite TV providers are there?
There are currently three providers for satellite TV:
DISH Network
The fastest-growing and highest rated provider, Dish Network offers four programming packages ranging in price from $19.99 for 40 channels, to $74.99 for 350 channels. DISH Network also offers local channels, pay-per-view movies and events, special sports packages, Sirius satellite radio stations, international channels, HD channels, and even a channel devoted exclusively to babies.
DIRECTV
The largest satellite TV provider, DIRECTV offers three TV packages ranging in price from $41.99 for 155 channels, to $96.99 for 250 channels. They also offer local channels, pay-per-view movies and events, sports packages, XM satellite radio stations, international channels, HD channels, and their exclusive NFL Sunday Ticket package.
Sky Angel
The third-largest satellite TV provider, Sky Angel offers Christian TV shows, special events, conferences, children's shows, inspirational programming, and Christian, radio programs. Their program package is $14.99 per month and includes 20 TV channels and 15 satellite radio channels.
Where can I get satellite TV service?
Due to the popularity of satellite TV, dealers have sprung up all over the place promising the best deals and the best service. But after you sign up for their service they may hit you with hidden service fees, provide you with shoddy installation, and offer zero customer service.
I've checked out a number of satellite TV dealers online and offline. The two dealers I recommend are Allsat (a DISH Network dealer) and Rapid Satellite (a DIRECTV dealer). Both dealers have installed thousands of satellite TV systems across the U.S., and are two of the most respected dealers in the industry. Their prices, reputation, and service are second to none.
You can check current information on their services and prices by clicking on the links below.
Visit http://www.thesatellitetvguide.com for more information, ordering information, plus the latest special offers and free bonuses from and
The average consumer is often at a loss about what television packages to choose, particularly since it is pretty difficult to decide among the satellite and cable providers. Despite of our efforts of coming up with the best ideas for the cable or satellite systems in our homes, limitations are present with both Direct TV satellite and cable companies offers. In terms of technical match, any user can have a Direct TV satellite dish on the condition that there be a clear view of the southern sky for the dish. All advertising campaigns clearly state this, therefore consider the aspect carefully before signing a contract for any kind of television programming.
People living in downtown areas where there are lots of tall buildings blocking the view of the sky could not be able to get Direct TV satellite signal, and would have to go for the cable option. Run some pre-subscription evaluation checks in collaboration with the service provider to see whether the location is adequate or not for the installation of a dish. If the home meets the technical requirements you can proceed with paper signing: you should know that the use of the Direct TV satellite network implies a contract between twelve and twenty four months. Should you end the contract before the term date you will be charged with penalties or cancellation fees.
The direct TV satellite offer comes with two kinds of packages; first there is the basic family programming and then the complex variant that gives access to premium options for an extra monthly fee. Furthermore, new subscribers are offered no-charge programming for about four months, after which the monthly price stipulated in the contract enters the regular payment scheme. The initial package comes with a free receiver, but in case you want to use a multiple receiver system for an average house, then, around $15 will be added to the monthly bill.
The difference between Direct TV satellite provider and its competitor DISH Network is that the former has a more advantageous offer in terms of the equivalence between fees charged and programs offered as part of the package. Other comparison issues cover the discussion of the equipment necessary, the possible upgrades and the troubles of signal reception during storms or on rainy days. The loss of signal is one of the most upsetting things users have to reproach to TV satellite providers, and most often all sorts of improvised solutions are applied in order to get a stable service.
Both Brian Stevens & Nathan Knightley 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.
Brian Stevens has sinced written about articles on various topics from Satellite, Information Technology and Satellite. The author, Brian Stevens, is the senior editor for TheSatelliteTVGuide.com and has written a number of online satellite TV buyer's guides.. Brian Stevens's top article generates over 33100 views. to your Favourites.
Nathan Knightley has sinced written about articles on various topics from Children, Football and Hair Care. Read more great articles from this well known expert about Direct Digital TV Vs PC Satellite TV and