In the last 10 years more than 27 million people have switched from cable and over-the-air TV to satellite TV. But is satellite TV really that much better?
Satellite TV
Satellite TV is a television system whereby a broadcast center sends a signal containing TV programs to a satellite in orbit above the earth.
The satellite captures the signal and sends it back to earth, where it is picked up by a satellite dish and relayed to a TV set.
In order to receive a satellite TV signal you must have a satellite system - a dish to capture the signal, and a receiver to unscramble the signal and send it to your television.
Satellite TV History
In 1962, the first satellite TV signal was sent from Europe to North America via the Telstar satellite. The first first commercial satellite, Early Bird, was launched in 1965, and Satellite TV reception in the U.S. began in 1980.
Early satellite TV systems were expensive, costing anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000. The dishes were large -- 10 to 12 feet in diameter -- and the receivers and antenna rotators were bulky and complicated.
In 1994 the first DBS (direct broadcast satellite) was put into orbit, issuing in the era of the mini dish and the slim-line receiver, making it possible for anyone, even apartment renters and condo owners, to have satellite TV.
There are two major satellite TV providers in the U.S.A - DIRECTV and DISH Network.
DIRECTV
With 14.5 million customers, DIRECTV is the oldest and largest satellite TV provider in the USA.
DIRECTV is ranked highest in customer satisfaction among all satellite and cable TV companies by J.D. Power and Associates.
DIIRECTV offers the following equipment and services:
* A Free satellite TV system - one dish and four receivers.
* Free installation and instruction on using the system.
* 250 channels with digital-quality picture and sound.
* 500 commercial-free movies per month.
* Up to 67 pay-per-view programs and events daily.
* 67 commercial-free XM radio channels.
* Toll-free, 24/7 customer service.
DIRECTV offers the most sports programming of the two satellite TV providers.
DISH Network
With more than 12.5 million customers, DISH Network is the second-oldest satellite TV provider, and is the fastest-growing provider.
DISH Network is ranked highest in customer satisfaction among all the satellite and cable TV companies by J.D. Power and Associates.
DISH Network offers the following equipment and services:
* A Free satellite TV system - one dish and four receivers.
* Free installation and satellite TV system instruction.
* 350 channels with digital-quality picture and sound.
* 500 commercial-free movies a month.
* Up to 60 pay-per-view programs and events per day.
* 60 commercial-free Sirius radio channels and 52 music channels.
* Toll-free, 24/7 customer service.
DISH Network has the biggest variety of movies, shows, music, and international channels of the two satellite TV providers, and offers the cheapest basic service package.
Satellite TV Dealers
There are more than 80 online dealers and thousands of offline dealers across the U.S.A.
Some dealers are reputable and will give you an honest deal, but a number of dealers will lure you into subscribing to their service, then hit you with hidden fees, provide you with shoddy installation, and give you zero customer service.
Before you subscribe to a satellite TV service, you should read their service agreement carefully and call their customer service to clarify anything that isn't clear to you.
The main benefit of having satellite TV service is you can access up to 375 channels of TV programming. That gives you a lot more viewing options than cable or over-the-air TV.
In addition to regular TV programming, satellite TV allows you to tune into pay-per-view movies and special events, and to listen to more than 100 channels of commercial-free music on satellite radio.
Another benefit of satellite TV is the quality of the TV picture. Satellite TV is broadcast in digital format which produces a super sharp picture. Additionally, you have the option of ordering HD (high definition) TV for an even more lifelike picture.
Another benefit is the ability to record your favorite programs and to pause or fast-forward live TV using a DVR (digital video recorder).
Last, but not least, you get all the equipment you need to view satellite TV, including installation, absolutely free.
Bottom Line
If you have over-the-air TV and don't watch much television then satellite TV probably isn't for you.
If, however, you watch a lot of TV or you have cable TV, then I recommend clicking on the links below to see what satellite TV has to offer.
With over 350 channels to choose from plus satellite radio, pay-per-view, movies, and programming packages starting at less than a dollar a day, you can't go wrong with satellite TV.
Our officially licensed dish covers are made of a patented nylon mesh material that does not interfere with the satellite signal and features a screen printed logo. The mesh material with elastic rim fits easily over all standard satellite dishes 18"-20". Please note: this item may require up to 3 business days for processing before calculating ship times.
Our officially licensed dish covers are made of a patented nylon mesh material that does not interfere with the satellite signal and features a screen printed logo. The mesh material with elastic rim fits easily over all standard satellite dishes 18"-20". Please note: this item may require up to 3 business days for processing before calculating ship times.
Component Shelf
Six different designs are available in this 2008/09 Holiday Spice Series. Search the product ID to view each:
A complete digital entertainment center designed with the same sleek finish as the Xbox 360 video game console; the HTS-GS1 delivers a lot of power and sound processing without taking up a lot of space. By placing the amplifier and electronics in the base of the subwoofer, this system delivers all of the power and features of a traditional surround sound system - without cluttering your space. And, all of the connections you'll need are integrated into the subwoofer and color-coded , allowing quick and easy installation and set-up. With three digital inputs, this system is ready for DTS and Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound audio tracks found in games, video and music. Using the Front Stage Surround Sound option, you can get a realistic surround sound experience even though all of the speakers are placed in the front of the room. Through sophisticated digital sound processing and directional speakers, the HTS-Gs1 delivers room-filling surround sound without the hassle of running wires to additional rear speakers. Just place the ultra high-end calibration microphone in your favorie gaming position and the system will automatically adjust the sound for distance, volume, speakers size and equalization. It actaually listens to how the sound responds to elements in the room and alters it for maximum reporduction accuracy. Once you hear balanced and precise sound, you'll have a whole new listening experience for all your games, videos and music. And speakeing of music, the HTS-GS1 has new Sound Retriever DSP technology designed to replace lost information and dynamics in compressed music fles like MP3, WMA, AAC. The universal remote is Xbox 360 compatible and allows the flexibility to switch between gaming and the extensive Xbox 360 mulitmedia capabilities. With its Windows® Media Center* and powerful Xbox Guide Buttons, the universal remote provides easy and intuitive control of your complete system - all at your fingertips.
Features: Extension unit.Works with D916 wireless phone jack system.Converts electrical outlet to phone jack.Genuine RCA quality phone accessory.
Tired of playing scheduling games with the phone company? Install another phone jack as easily as plugging in a toaster. RCA Wireless Phone Jacks transform any power outlet into a phone jack. All you need to do is plug the base unit in next to the existing phone jack and place the extension anywhere you want another line. All phone jack systems have built in Surge Suppression and are expandable to as many extensions as you need. These phone jacks work with corded phones, cordless phones, answering machines and fax machines. Contains: base unit, extension unit, and 6 ft. phone cord.
Will fit Toshiba PA3468U-1ACA; Toshiba A135 A135-S4407 A135-S4417 A135-S4427 A135-S4437 A135-S4447 A135-S4457 A135-S4467 A135-S4477 A135-S4478 A135-S4487 A135-S4488 A135-S4499 A135-S4517 A135-S4527 A135-S4656 A135-S4677 A135-S4827; Dynabook AX
VMAVB Finish: Black This universal component shelf is perfect for mounting a VCR, DVD player, Cable box, satellite receiver or stereo component to any wall. Features: -Rugged engineering provides safe, solid support -Available in black or silver powder-coated finish -Can be used independently or in conjunction with other Sanus products to create your own custom AV wall system -Holds up to 45 lbs. Assembly Instructions![Sports Satellite TV [VHS]](/21EBW9GK5BLSL500.jpg)
VMAVB Finish: Black This universal component shelf is perfect for mounting a VCR, DVD player, Cable box, satellite receiver or stereo component to any wall. Features: -Rugged engineering provides safe, solid support -Available in black or silver powder-coated finish -Can be used independently or in conjunction with other Sanus products to create your own custom AV wall system -Holds up to 45 lbs. Assembly Instructions
This previously unreleased concept album, a 2-CD set from the Follow That Dream Collector Series, features the Las Vegas masters from February 1972 and the masters and outtakes from the March 1972 sessions at RCA.
The Tek Pal is the easiest to see and easiest to USE large-button available. With only 6 large, lighted buttons, the Tek Pal only does what you need with your television. Lost remotes, frustrating setup instructions and hard-to-read buttons are a thing of the past. Tek Pal boils TV remote control technology down to be as simple as possible. The Tek Partner and Big Button universal remote controls are the largest remotes on the market. The large, lit-up buttons allow those with vision impairments to easily control their televisions, VCRs, DVD players as well as satellite and cable boxes. The size of the remotes also ensure that they will not get lost between the couch cushions! These universal remote controls were designed specifically for people who may be visually impaired, allowing them to operate their home entertainment devices all from one large, lighted-button universal remote control.
The Wonder Of You features the complete concert performance from The International Hotel in Las Vegas on August 13, 1970, mixed in its entirety for the first time by Vic Anesini.![TV Satellite File No. 074, 1984 [French]](/51Yaap7mzSLSL500.jpg)
Experience the American Journey through our country's visual heritage in this historical recording provided by the National Archives of the United States. orical recording provided by the National Archives of the United States. This TV Satellite File program was designed for international distribution and contains a mix of both silent and sound news feeds, B-roll, and footage clips. Segments: Former Prime Minister of India Indira Ghandi Obituary; Ethiopian Drought; Booker T. Whatley; Macho Camacho; Black TV; Baby Fae; Urban Man; Phobias; Wild Horse Birth Control; Mississippi River Boat. From the U.S. Information Agency. This historical recording from the National Archives may contain variations in audio and video quality based on the limitations of the original source material. The content summary for this DVD is adapted from an historical description provided by the government agency or donor at the time of production release.
A cable operator stumbles into Videodrome, a project using television to cause brain damage and thereby control people.
A cable TV executive discovers an underground TV show called Videodrome, a hyperviolent torture show. His quest to find the origin of the show may res
This converter box comes with an on screen program guide that provides show times and descriptions. This TV converter box also comes with scan for all channel tuning and adjustable closed captioning. Te key feature on this digital TV converter box is that it does come with analog pass-through. This means that you will still be able to pick up lower power analog television stations.