November 7, 2007
Satellite TV Shopping
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Without doubt every shopper would like to have the best bargain in everything. The same go with those who are looking for paid TV entertainment. As most satellite TV deals offer great bargains, I am not surprise that those little satellite dish turned out to be one of the fastest growing household product in United States. Some rush to satellite TV providers for superior programming quality in better variety; while some, are tired of the constantly increasing cable bills.
However, while satellite TV deals are the latest hype in paid TV business, many are not sure about the details. Who’re giving the best satellite TV deals? Which satellite company is giving the best? What are the initial startup costs for satellite TV subscription? Answering questions above, this article tends to guide you thru the satellite TV shopping process.
Satellite TV offers, to get online or offline?
Unless your wife’s brother (or any close relatives) is running a brick and mortal satellite TV retailer shop, else by all means get satellite TV deals online.
While more and more shopping are done online, this includes satellite TV. The shopping environment is much convenient and comfortable and the payment process is secured. Shoppers are often equipped with great tools (such like dish system build up) as well as dealer reviews where purchase order are always made after detail market studies to know your needs. No rush, no hassles, just some smart consuming online.
More over, online satellite TV retailers are running their business on a lower operation cost (compare to brick and mortal) and are able to afford to survive in a steeper price-war. It doesn’t take great imagination to understand why online dealers are capable to give out more luxurious freebies and better pricing to their customers. At the time of writing, online satellite TV deals offer free satellite systems up to four rooms, free incentive gifts (iPods, home theater systems, flight tickets), as well as free shipping and free professional installations.
Satellite TV online deals Catch-22
While online satellite TV deals sound great, there’s a catch-22 (as usual). You have to commit to a 12 – 18 months bond on satellite TV service (both Dish Network and DirecTV) if you wish to receive all the freebies.
Cancellation within this subscription period is almost impossible and you just have to pay for the monthly fees even if you’re not watching the TV at all. Thus, in case you might be shifting home in recent time, the best advice for you is to get satellite deals after you’re settled down. Dish Network, or even DirecTV staffs might try to close sales by stating that they have ‘Home protection’ sort of plan where the dish re-installation is free when you move – however, be aware that these plan charge you extra on monthly bills and there are tons of complaints on the re-installation process.
Internet Scams
There are always scams with any hot products online.
We cannot deny that there might be scams and fraud deals in satellite TV online business. As a matter of facts, there are crooks that cheat money or often over-promise on their services. Fake or over-promised deals, lack of customer supports, late installation, and hidden fees – yes, there might be ambush waiting ahead.
However, it’s not tough to avoid them. Just be caution on the retailer you are dealing with – make sure you are very comfortable with the merchant websites and had done well research on the dealer before handing your credit card information.
November 5, 2007
Satellite TV Shopping
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We all knew cables and satellites are the main paid TV services in United States. Dish Network and DirecTV are the major two players on the satellite TV side; while Time Warner, Comcast, Adelphia, Cable Vision, Charter Communication are some of the well known names on cables.
So how does satellite TV match up to cables? Is satellite TV better, or it’s the old school cables? Let’s check out some of the facts on satellite TV vs cable TV here.
Popularity
Although both Dish Network and DirecTV is growing their business fast, cable TV is still much popular than satellites at nowadays.
At the time of writing, DirecTV claims that they own up to 18 millions subscribers; while Dish Network 15 millions. On the other hand according to market survey, major cable TV provider Comcast cable TV take up over 20 million subscribers in many states; while Time Warner 10 millions, Adelphia 5 millions, Cable Vision 3 millions and Charter Communication 6 millions in United States.
Programming quality and variety
Cable TV uses TV cables; while satellite TV uses satellite and dish for the signal transmission. Cable TV programs normal come in analog or partly, digital signals – the picture quality are generally good, but not as good as satellite TV that offers 100% digital picture in their broadcast.
In most situation, cable TV offers up to 150 channels. In contrast, both main satellite TV providers (Dish and DirecTV) offer up to 255 programming choices. On top of that, DISH Network and DirecTV offer plenty of HDTV programming, which it’s hardly found on major conventional cables. What amazed me a lot is that Dish Network had just throw out another upgrading campaign that raises their HD channels to more than 30! (Compare to others who are less then 20).
Bundle services
Cable TV services normally come along with cable phone and cable broadband services – which is good for most new home buyers. With cable TV bundle package (Comcast for example), you’ll get entertainment, communication, and even high speed Internet services. The service provide much convenience to the users (imagine settling all your home bills with just one company) and also, they (the cable TV) are able to pull down the selling price (due to better mass selling), which in turns create a better value for cable user’s services.
Satellite TV on the other hand has less to offer. Satellite Internet was once offered along side with satellite TV deals. However the latency problem and constant disconnection during storms had fail satellite TV company in offering bundle services (satellite Internet) to their clients. Thus
Pricing
Satellite TV wins cables a lot when it comes to pricing.
Cable TV costs you $37.30 a month for 64 channels, plus $10.95 a month to add a few digital channels. Installation in one room is $39.95, plus $9.95 for each additional room. While Dish Network basic package starts at $19.99 and DirecTV package starts at $29.99, it is without doubt that satellite TV are much better bargains when compare with cable TV.
Conclusion
So Cable TV and satellite TV, who has the best? There is no absolute right answer.
Both services have their own weakness - Cable TV are a lot more expensive and poor programming quality/variety. Dish Network and DirecTV, on the other hand are just TV companies and cannot supply you good additional services (in general). Both services have their advantages – cable TV bundle services offer you great savings in overall home expenses; satellite TV offer better programming quality in a much cheaper price.
The best I can advise is that reviews both services carefully and decide the one that suits your needs the best.