Brian Stevens

Satellite TV Buyer's Guide - Your Online Guide to Satellite TV

How does satellite TV work? What are the benefits of having satellite TV? And where can you get the best deal on satellite TV service? This satellite TV buyer's guide tells you what you need to know.

Satellite TV Buyer's Guide

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 out current information on their services and prices by clicking on the links below.

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