October 25, 2007
Satellite TV Shopping
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There are tons of scams in satellite TV online business. To avoid these nightmares, satellite TV shoppers should always order Dish Network or DirecTV deals from the right satellite TV dealers and avoid ordering programming channels that you do not need.
The right satellite TV dealers
A reliable satellite TV dealer is most crucial in getting a good satellite TV deal. Picking up the right dealer can earn you a bargain in the deal; however bumping into an inexperience dealer or scammers will definitely bring nightmares to you.
Often, satellite TV scammers claim that they offer the best satellite dish deals and promotions. They might offer fake promise on their deals, extremely low monthly subscription rates, next-day installation, and unlimited number of free satellite systems to lure satellite TV shoppers. But once customers signed up, they find hidden activation fees, high shipping costs for free extras, installation dates continuously missed or pushed back, as well as outrageous cancellation fees.
In order to avoid such hassles, I suggest shoppers to shop only from reliable satellite TV dealers.
But, how can you know it’s a reliable dealer?
The Internet gives us the convenience to research about the satellite TV dealers. Learn about the background of those dealers before you key in your credit card info: Are they an authorized dealer? Are they in business for long enough? Are they offering secure order page if they offer online purchase? How is the customer feedback on their services? Do they provide customer services via phone calls? Is the order 100% guaranteed with full refunds?
Getting the right programming package
If you are going after Dish Network, standard programming packages are American’s Top 60, 120, 180, and Everything Pak; DirecTV standard programming packages are DirecTV Total Choice standard, Plus, and Premier. I will not get in depths in this discussion as the article is not meant for promoting any one of these packages. If you are not sure on which programming package to go for, I suggest you to compare them side by side. When selecting satellite TV programs, be aware that you should get what is right for you. Avoid getting extra programming package that you have no enough time to enjoy it.
Wrapping things up
Don’t get satellite TV, if you do not need TV that much.
Yes, without a doubt satellite TV deals are quite a bargain when compare to the cables. The free satellite systems sounds very good bargains; the low price 250+ programming packages sounds unbelievable cheap; the live sport events heat up your sport-nerves. But, do you need TV that much? Or you are actually good enough with the local channels? I think satellite TV deals are very good bargains, I recommend you to switch to satellite TV if you have other paid TV services, but I also strongly suggest that you spend wisely and get only what you need.
October 24, 2007
Satellite TV Shopping
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With more than 20 millions subscribers in United States, satellite TV broadcasting surely is a big business. The growth of satellite TV business is so fast and we believe even the big players – Dish Network and DirecTV (Direct TV) did not expect this much at start.
Since satellite TV was invented, there were few types of satellite systems commercialized in the U.S. market. The first type has been around since the late 1970s and early 1980s. These satellite dishes are about six to 12 feet across and require a lot of yard space. These devices are called TVRO satellite systems. These systems are still available today.
People who own TVRO systems are required to have a descrambler. Descramblers are either purchased as separate hardware or they are sometimes inside of the receiver. In addition to having a descrambler, an owner of one of these systems must subscribe to the channels he or she wishes to view. TVRO systems also provide a variety of free channels. These satellites are required to move to locations where various satellites are in space so the signal can be received.
As DirecTV stepped in to the satellite TV business, 18-inch satellite dishes were introduced. DirecTV was the first company to provide 18-inch satellite dishes with all digital quality to their customers. It was also the first company to provide a national system with an interactive on-screen program guide. Later as Dish Network, who also uses the same systems, 18-inch dish became very popular and you can see them everywhere in the country. The 18-inch satellite dishes are operating using DBS, which stands for Direct Broadcast Satellite. Broadcasts are received from high frequency satellites that allow signals to be picked up on small dishes. The dishes used by DirecTV and Dish Network is not required to move.
As the technology evolves, programming and equipment continue to improve. Thanks to the ever-improving tech and fierce market competition between Dish Network and DirecTV; new satellite TV customers now receive wide choices of programming selection, topnotch picture quality, and unbelievable free-bargains from satellite service providers. You can compare satellite TV systems and find the one that provides the service you need. DirecTV and Dish Network are both popular services.
If you are interested in finding out what a satellite service provider or retailer has to offer, you can find a lot of satellite TV information online. These companies provide people with the opportunity to explore all of their options. They will be delighted to answer any questions a potential customer may have about satellite dish services.
October 19, 2007
Dish Network
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Dish Network, owned by company Echostar, is the United States second biggest Satellite TV provider. Dish Network provides up to 256 TV channels of 100% digital picture.
Satellite broadcast licensed in 1987, Dish Network currently dish up about 10 million satellite TV customers with their free Dish Network offer in United States. With up to 256 TV channels served in three major packages (Dish Network All American Top 60s, 120s, and 180s) and various free satellite TV equipments, Dish Network is the one of the best TV setup currently in the market. Huge programming choice, crunchy digital image, HDTV-ready with SuperDISH packages, and digital video recording.
A lot of online dealers claim that Dish Network satellite TV systen is for free, is it for real?
Yes, absolutely free IF you are a first time customer! Worth $1500, these satellite equipments is totally free to get when you subscribe to Dish Network. Satellite TV providers are fighting hard to win the fierce competition that they will give you all the equipment free!
So how do they make money?
Pretty simple: the subscription fees. To get your free Dish Network satellite TV, you have to commit to a one-year subscription contract when you get into Dish Network. Infact, this is the current trend of the satellite TV buisness — both Dish Network and DirecTV are making money through the subscription fees in long term.
Why get it online?
Greatest satellite TV bargains are normally found on line. Why? Dish Network online retailers are the most aggressive satellite retailers cause their operating cost is awfully low compared to brick and mortar stores. They are the only one that can afford to bring you the best bargains in Dish Network.
What is the best hardware setup?
2-rooms set up, 3-rooms set up, HDTV set up … getting confused?
The best hardware set up really depends on your visualize and your location. Most people will be perfectly served by the multi-room systems right now. All the necessary equipment for up to 4 rooms, plus the installation, plus Digital Video Recorders are yours for the taking, FREE.
In this package, with just $50 of start up fees (which they will credit back your account for the same amount), you are ready to enjoy your Dish Network. As mention before, these satellite TVs equipments are given life time warranty; you won’t have to worry about receivers or dishes breaking down.
Same thing if you want to receive Dish Network HD programs. Until recently you had to buy special equipment (known as the Superdish) to receive high definition signals. Now you don’t even have to — Regular receivers (those that are freely given) like the HD-811 and the HD-DVR 921, can get all HD content.
If you want to get international programming - the strong set of Dish Network - you will have to buy an additional dish antenna at the cost of $99 (at the time of writing).
Do I need to install the dish my self?
Nope, you don’t need to do that. Dish Network retailer workers will install your satellite system for you and its totally free of charge. Instead of sweating it, just leave the installation works to a pro. You will be getting an access card once your dish system had been installed. The access card is like a license for your satellite system.
October 16, 2007
DirecTV
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Can the DirecTV dish installed by our own?
Yes, you can use the installation manuals but professional installation is especially recommended due to DirecTV critical pointing and complicated wiring requirements. Also, installation for DirecTV is free, why take the hassle?
If I move, can I take the receiving equipment with me?
Yes, you can move the DirecTV systems along with you. It can work properly as long as you are staying within the continental of United States.
Can I hook up multiple TVs to one DirecTV receiver or do I need one receiver for each TV in the house?
Yes. You can watch multiple TVs from a single DirecTV receiver. But you do have to watch the same channel at one time and you will also lose the stereo sound.
Can I get HDTV with any DirecTV system?
Yes, DirecTV offers HDTV services now. In order to receive HDTV broadcasts, you need a slightly larger 18″ x 24″ oval DIRECTV Multi-Satellite dish as well as a special receiver that decodes HDTV signals.
Does DirecTV offer adult programming?
Yes, you can get adult programming from DirecTV. DirecTV currently offers five adult channels: A Taste of Spice, Playboy TV, Spice Platinum, The Hot Network, and The Hot Zone.
Does DirecTV provide interactive services through their TV channels?
Yes, DirecTV provides interactive services through programs or commercials on certain special channels.
How does this interactive service work?
The service works through special programs and commercials on selected DirecTV channels. You’ll know a program is enhanced when you see an “I” symbol on your screen. The program will also deliver additional entertainment and electronic shopping services.
What programming does DirecTV offer and how much does it cost me each month?
The basic package starts at $31.99/mo. It’s more affordable than you might think as DirecTV and Dish Network are fighting hard to win the market segmentation. Get more info about DirecTV programming and pricings at our DirecTV programming section.
How does DirecTV service compare with cable?
DirecTV has created a programming service specifically driven to offer customers more choice and value for their entertainment dollar. The DirecTV service combines America’s favorite network channels, other popular networks not available from many cable services, a pay per view service with up to 55 choices of movies and special events day, local channels in many markets, and an unprecedented sports subscription lineup. No other system offers as many quality program options.
Does DirecTV offer programming in other languages?
Yes. DirecTV offer a Spanish-language programming service and a Chinese-language programming service. The DirecTV PARA TODOS service features more than 45 Spanish-language channels, including sports, movies, news, music and educational networks. DirecTV also offer Phoenix TV, a 24-hour channel distributed in Mandarin.
Is DirecTV service available in Canada or Mexico?
No, DirecTV is only available in United States.
October 15, 2007
Satellite TV Shopping
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When you shop around online for satellite TV, you are most probably end up reading consumer guides or articles recommending their free satellite TV offers or comparing Dish Network with DirecTV deals. True, these aspects are important when shopping for satellite TV, but it does not give the complete picture of a right satellite TV deal. What are left out often are the reviews in satellite TV dealer (or some call it retailer).
It is no secret that there are a lot of dishonest satellite dealers on the Internet. Most dishonest dealers will promise anything in order to get your credit card info and order. Satellite shoppers are often overwhelmed by their lucrative promotions such as free extra incentive gifts, extra cheap monthly costs, as well as fast installation date. The deal looks so good to be true and satellite shoppers always fall for them. However, once the shopper signup with these dealers, the deal often turned out to be nightmare instead of bargains. High hidden cost, late installations, poor customer services, incomplete installation, and shocking cancellation fees; these are some of the hassles that you might need to go through in case you are dealing with dishonest dealers.
Given such situation, a reliable satellite dealer is very important if you wish to seal a good deal when getting your satellite TV system. Why? A reliable satellite dealer might not offer you any extra special gifts but they are there to deliver what they offer. Your money is placed safe with a reliable dealer, no hidden cost, no over promised promotion, and no surprises when it comes to cancelling the order.
If you order from a good satellite dealer, you do not need to worry about where to get help if the system setup went wrong in early stages. A good satellite TV dealer in most of the time will provides good customer service before and after the sales. Phone call and email supports are always there and the helping hands should be just a few calls or clicks away from you.
Also, if you are dealing with the dealer that takes their business seriously, they should be providing a secure online shopping environment, including secure payment as well as hacker free website. All these reduce the risks of being con or money being stolen when you submit your credit card info online.
To filter out the right satellite dealer, some basic questions to ask including:
- Is the dealer in satellite business for long term?
- Do they list their charges clearly before charging your credit card?
- Do they offer money-back policy in case you wish to cancel your order in the first 30 days?
- Do they offer customer supports via Internet live chat or phone call or email?
- Do your friends or neighbors recommend them?
- And of course, is the dealer authorized by the officials for reselling rights?
If most of the answers for questions above are no, then it is clear that the dealer’s reliability is very questionable and you should beware of who you are dealing with. Don’t be afraid to be harsh and cancel the order in case you found your dealer being dishonest. It is your rights to protect yourself from fraudulent deals.
October 14, 2007
High Definition
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I am sure you’re well aware of the appearance of High Definition Television (HDTV) in electronics retail stores. Wide screen, slim TV size, and crystal clear picture quality – these conclude the public’s general impression on the new technology.
How HDTV really works?
HDTV is so clear because of its flicker free picture quality, produced via a TV scanning method named ‘progressive’.
The ‘progressive scan’ is capable to refresh all 1 million pixels on the TV screen simultaneously, which thus, produce a flicker free picture. Flicker-free image makes text easier to read with human eyes and fast-motion video appears smoother than televisions that use interlaced scanning.
What is the difference between HDTV and analog TV?
HDTV is quite different from the normal analog TV – picture resolutions, motion pictures scanning, as well as the picture ratio.
TV picture resolution is what differentiates HDTV and normal analog TV the most. HDTV pictures quality can be easily goes up to 1 million active pixels – for instant 720p HD resolution is 1280 x 720, while the 1080i HD resolution is 1920 x 1080. The resolution on normal TV is much smaller where it normally takes about 480 resolution lines.
Screen ration is another key comparison point between HDTV and analog TV. Take example on Dish Network HD, Dish broadcasts all HD programs in widescreen (16:9) format. While for standard analog TV, the screen ratio is at (4:3) format. Also, as said earlier, HDTV uses “progressive scanning” method to produce the flicker-free image for smoother motion picture; while analog TV uses “interlaced” scan .
HDTV and HD programming
One must know that owning HDTV system itself is not sufficient to provide the ultimate HD experience.
In order to fully utilize HD features on the TV, you will need High Definition programming as well. Currently both cable (Comcast for example) and satellite TV (namely Dish Network and DirecTV) providers are providing high definition programming.
Comcast, at the time of writing, is the leading cable company that provides the most HD programming. In fact they have cover most of the HD channels from the major networks in their cable TV services, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN HD, HBO HD, Showtime HD, Cinemax HD, Discovery HD, and TNT HD. On the other hand, Dish Network as the leading satellite HD provider has about 30 HD channels in their package. Some of the examples of Dish HD programs include A&E HD, Animania HD, Discovery HD Theater, Equator HD, ESPN HD, ESPN2 HD, Family Room HD, Film Fest HD, Food Network HD, HBO HD, Cinemax HD, HDNet, and HDNet Movies.
October 13, 2007
Satellite TV Shopping
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Often when people are shopping for TV entertainment services, they stuck choosing the right deals between satellite TV and cable TV. Most feels the ‘old-school’ cable TV is more reliable; while at the same time get much attracted by the lucrative offers by satellite TV companies.
Indeed, there’s a battle going on between cable TV and satellite TV. If you are consumers looking for the right choice, the following case study on satellite TV and cable TV comparisons is definitely worth reading.
Comparing the popularity
Cable TV is the pioneer in paid TV services; while satellite TV considered relative new in the business as Dish Network and DirecTV came in to the market during early 90s. Cable TVs are still a head of satellite TVs in term of popularity.
Comparing the equipments requirements
Cable TV systems require a cable to be installed from the network to your house. If your street has no cable you may need to wait a while before it is available in your area. Besides the cable you need a receiver. With digital services you need an additional digital decoder box.
Satellite TV requires a satellite dish, a receiver and a cable from the dish to your TV. Installation is easy and most dealers are capable to set up the system within three days from order date.
Comparing the reception quality
Cable TV has analog channels and even though you can upgrade to digital services, analog channels will still be analog, meaning an often-fuzzy picture. Satellite TV signals are fully digitize, which gives you all the advantages of digital systems. Very heavy rain or snow can obstruct reception briefly, but generally this happens very rarely. Reception quality is much better with Satellite TV.
Comparing the programming choices
Here it gets really interesting. Cable TV can handle up to 260 channels. Satellite TV can handle more channels. Also, Satellite TV is more advanced in HDTV (High Definition Television) services.
Cost comparison
In most of the case, satellite TV deals are less expensive than Cable TV due to many additional costs that are related to Cable TV: franchise fees, taxes, plus costs for any pay per view services, and equipment costs. Dish Network Programming Package starts at only $29.99 per month.
Comparing the interactive services
In general Satellite TV has more interactive services than Cable TV. Digital services like Dish Network’s DVR (Digital Video Recorder) which gives the option to rewind while recording even in live broadcasts, EPG (Electronic Program Guide), Instant Weather, video on demand, etc. are all available on Satellite TV, but not all are available on Cable TV.
Additional services
Besides TV entertainment, you can get other additional services from the cable and satellite companies. Cable has high-speed broadband Internet services. With subscribing to cable TV services, you can get high-speed Internet access with additional service charges.
You can get satellite Internet service with Dish Network or DirecTV as well. However the internet speeds are slightly slower and the stability of the services is still a major issue yet to be solved by satellite companies.
Overall conclusion
From the popularity angle, we can see that cable TV is having a bigger market segments. However, satellite TV services are less expensive, provide better picture quality (digital signal) and give more programming choices to their users. Perhaps this is the reason why satellite TV had been listed as one of the fastest growing products in United States. We predict that this rapid growing trend will remain the same pace for the next 5 years. As for consumer’s view of angle, satellite TV deals seems to be the better deal to go for.
October 3, 2007
High Definition
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As U.S. living standards are climbing high and higher, the requirement on better TV entertainment follows. Without doubt TV picture quality is one of the most highly concerned issues. The statement is well proven as we are seeing that high definition television (HDTV) popped up the hottest home electronics appliances for the past two years.
What’s the difference of HDTV and normal TV?
The technical answer is greater TV picture resolution. HDTV pictures are showed with up to 1080 lines of detail; while normal TV takes about 480 in total. In general, we can expect that the HDTV picture quality is about 10 times clearer and more life-alike than the conventional TVs.
So how fast have the paid TV services catch up on such consumer trends in United States? Well, you probably already cleared that both satellite and cable TV had stepped into the high definition world and offering various TV programming in HD quality. The money question is…
Who has the best HDTV service?
With the much trumpeted DirecTV HD system, rumors said that DirecTV can support up to 150 HD channels on each customers. This, however, has yet to be proven as the number of DirecTV HD channels released is quite limited.
Comcast, on the other hand, covers pretty much HD channels with their cable TV service. For instant, their HD channels include major networks ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS, ESPN HD, HBO HD, Showtime HD, Cinemax HD, Discovery HD, TNT HD, as well as tons of on demand HD movies.
So, how about Dish Network?
Although Dish Network came late in the paid TV business, they so far have the most HD channels offered nation wide in the past. What’s even better is that on July 11, Dish Network just launched another eight Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) with high definition (HD) and planned to launch seven new national HD channels in August and September. The HD RSN channels include Fox Sports Network Arizona (Ch. 365), Fox Sports Network Northwest (Ch. 376), Fox Sports Network Cincinnati (Ch. 377), Fox Sports Network Pittsburgh (Ch. 378), Fox Sports Network Detroit (Ch. 380), SportsTime Ohio (Ch. 381), Fox Sports Network North (Ch. 386), and SportsNet New York (DISH Network Ch. 388).
Wrapping things up…
With this, I believe that Dish has the best at current time. This, of course, is subject to their rivals who are always eager to gain back their position in the business.
Need help in ordering your DirecTV or Dish Network deals? Learn more at Satellite TV Issue - the one stop unbias guide for satellite shoppers.
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