Satellite TV For Beginners

DIY Satellite TV is Here !

Setting up and installing your own satellite TV system (whether portable satellite TV for travellers or fixed satellite TV for rural and outback areas) can be very enjoyable, rewarding AND can save you money.

The basic elements that make up a satellite TV system are:-

1- Satellite Dish
2- Satellite Dish Mount (portable or fixed is fine)
3- LNB (low noise block amplifier – goes on the arm of the dish)
4- Satellite Receiver
5- Satellite Finder
6- Satellite Charts

Choosing the right satellite dish for your site is the most important factor. Dishes come in various sizes ranging from very small (in the centimeters) to many meters. In recent times with the increase in satellite transmission power people are able to get away with a much smaller dish then they did in the past. Typical size for coverage in many areas is 78 – 88 cm’s. (for the KU band – if you are a beginner to satellite I recommend KU reception if it is available in your area). The LNB is the part on the end of the arm. It amplifies the very weak signals that are collected and reflected into it by the dish. This signal once amplified, is carried down the satellite cable to the satellite receiver. Here it is converted into a signal that your conventional television can understand. The satellite finder and charts are only used during the initial installation until you have a picture. The finder can then be removed. Your local satellite parts dealer will be best able to advise on the correct equipment and alignment procedures for your area. For people installing to the roof ensure you take all the necessary safety precautions. You are competent right? If you are in Australia consider visiting the aurora satellite tv website http://www.aurorasatellitetv.info where you can find more free information.

About The Author

Richard Banks is the owner of Aardvark Electronics http://www.aardvarkelectronics.com.au and the developer of the Vansat Portable Satellite TV System http://www.vansat.com.au.

Avoiding Undesired Hassles In Satellite TV Offers

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?

The right programming package

If you are going after Dish Network, standard programming packages are American’s Top 60, 120, 180, and Everything Pak, price ranged from around $30 to $90; DirecTV standard programming packages are DirecTV Total Choice standard, Plus, and Premier, price ranged from around $40 to $90. If you are not sure on which programming package to go for, I suggest you to compare them by visiting satellite TV consumer website at http://www.satellitetvissue.com.

What should be in your mind when selecting satellite TV programs is that you should select the programming package that is suitable for you, not the programming packages that given with freebies. Do not blind by retailer's promotional words and order things that you do not need.

Conclusion: Don't get satellite TV!

Yes, don’t get satellite TV, if you do not need TV that much. (Perhaps this is the best way to avoid satellite TV scams.)

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.

About The Author

Teddy Low, expert writter on consumer products reviews. Check out his latest satellite TV related website and get recommendations on free Dish Network deals at http://www.satellitetvissue.com/.

Consumer Facts On Free Satellite TV Deals

Free satellite TV! Get free satellite TV system free for 4-room, get free DVR, free HDTV, free incentive gifts like iPod and home theater system, free installations…… sounds familiar with the slogan? Don’t worry; this is not another free satellite TV promotion advertisement. Instead, we will examine some facts of these satellite TV promotions here: Are these free deals really for free? Are they worth the money? Do such satellite TV deals suit my need?

Are free satellite TV deals for real?

To answer the question, you need to know what are given free in such deals. Free satellite TV means you get the satellite decoder system for free. You will get satellite dish, decoder system (up to 4 rooms), and remote control for free. The free satellite ‘TV’ deals do not include a free television for you. However the satellite systems are compatible with almost any television in the market so if you have one at home, you don’t need to buy extra TV with special features.

So back to the questions - without a doubt, these free deals are for real. But it comes with conditions. You will get the satellite TV system for free, if you are their first time customer and you must be willing commit to a service contract up to 18 months. If you read those free satellite TV ads carefully, you should notice that such free deals are only for first time customer (for Dish Network or DirecTV).

Are the free deals worth the money?

The answer is yes and no.

The Yes:

Free satellite TV deals are lucrative not because they give out free satellite TV system for free. It is good because with a very low monthly subscription fees, you can get hundreds of 100% digital satellite pictures. By paying just little amount of money, you will get premium movie channels like HBO, Starz, ShowTime; you will get your favorite sport actions such as NFL, NHL, or NBA; you will also get lots of news channels like CNN, CNN2, Bloomberg, BBC. As you can see the wide programming selection is why satellite TV deals look attractive. Dish Network or DirecTV, you can now enjoy top class TV entertainment service with satellite TV without paying anything up front (satellite TV system are given for free, remember?). It certainly gives something that cable does not have.

The No:

Nevertheless, the free satellite TV deals do not worth the money if you don’t spend time long enough in front of the TV. If you hardly spend an hour in TV within the whole week, that is the point of having 255 TV channels? All you need is some crap TV talk shows to tease you before you get to bed and sleep, why get satellite TV?

Often consumers order satellite TV deals blindly just because the free ads flyers are too attractive. Do not buy and then regret. The conclusion, do not spend money on free satellite TV deals just because their deals are too good to resist. The free deals are worth the money if you watch TV a lot; if you don’t, locals should be good enough.

Consumer facts (in case you are still wondering is the free deals worth the money or not)

Due to the demise of Pegasus and Voom services, there are only two major satellite TV providers in the USA -- Dish Network and DirecTV. Both companies are providing 100% digital satellite pictures; both companies are offering amazing free satellite TV systems; and both companies have the finest sales support team for their customer services.

Since Dish Network and DirecTV were officially launched in 90s, millions had switched from cable TV to Dish Network. J.D. Power and Associates has ranked Dish Network and DirecTV as the top TV broadcasting companies. Both DirecTV and Dish Network are higher in customer satisfaction than any of the cable TV companies for the last five years.

Ordering Dish Network Satellite TV

Dish Network require $49.99 activation fee. The fee will be credited to your programming bill however, so in essence, your satellite TV system is free. With Dish Network you have the option to upgrade to a DVR (digital video recording) receiver, or an HDTV (high definition TV) receiver at no charge. Dish Network services at a monthly cost of $19.99. However, Dish Network standard programming fees start at $31.99 per month (for standard 60 program channels). The monthly subscription fees then goes up to around $86.00 for 230 channels including Showtime, Starz!, HBO, Cinemax, and Sirius radio.

DirecTV Satellite TV Service

Depending on your credit rating, when you order a free satellite TV system from DirecTV you may be required to pay a deposit or prepayment. Because the deposit is refunded to you and the prepayment goes toward your programming fees, the DirecTV satellite dish and receivers are free. Installation is also free. If you want a DVR receiver you will be charged an additional $49.99. The charge for HDTV receivers is $299.99. DirecTV programming packages start at $29.99 per month for 115 channels (including 31 music channels), and go up to more than $90 per month for 185 program channels, including Showtime, Starz!, HBO, Cinemax, and 31 music channels.

Closing things up: Is free satellite TV deal the right thing for you?

The answer is actually lies inside of you. If TV is one of your primary forms of entertainment and you want the biggest variety of shows, movies, sports, and news -- then we satellite TV deals should be something you should seriously consider. Cable TVs nowadays doesn't looks like a good deal to go for as their monthly fees increase a lot every year. For football fans that wish to get every NFL games- DirecTV is what you are looking for; for normal family, Dish Network seems to be a better choice.

However, if you watch just a few television programs a week and have access to over-the-air TV, then satellite TV probably isn't for you.

About The Author

Teddy LC., expert writter on consumer products reviews. Check out his latest satellite TV related website and get more info on http://www.satellitetvissue.com Dish Network deals.

How To Choose Between Cable TV and Satellite TV

First of all, virtually nobody has an antenna anymore to watch TV, not even my grandparents who live literally in the middle of nowhere. It just doesn’t make sense and with the new technologies and broadcast standards coming into play within the next few years, it is a major question mark as to whether or not traditional broadcast TV will even be available. So you have two choices, how do you decide what is best for you?

Cable TV is a good option. Not excellent, perhaps not the best, but good. On the plus side, cable TV provides good picture clarity, good reception, and very few problems. Most cable TV providers can also give you HDTV (High Definition TV), although they will charge you more for it and you will need an enhanced cable box to really take advantage of all that HDTV brings to the table. And of course, the TV that you own must be able to display HDTV, and if your TV was manufactured more than 3-5 years ago, that might be a huge question mark that you should find out before you pay extra money for HDTV capabilities.

On the downside, it is expensive, typically a noticeable amount more expensive than the satellite TV counterpart. The basic cable service gives you a truckload of channels to choose from and you can also opt for (at additional cost) to have a Chinese menu of premium channels available, like sports channels, various movie channels, and more.

One thing to note is that your cable company MAY be willing to cut you a deal if they are also providing you with high-speed cable Internet access. It is worth checking into, but keep the bottom line cost in mind, as it really may not be a deal at all. Your cable company is probably also willing to provide you with a VOIP phone where you can make and receive phone calls over your high-speed Internet connection. Be aware of this because getting VOIP service from your cable provider is very likely your WORST and most cost INEFFECTIVE option! See my other articles on VOIP phone service in this directory for more details on that aspect.

Satellite TV is typically a better choice, and almost always more cost effective. Yes, you can still get HDTV with a satellite TV connection. The picture quality will be equal to or better than what you get with cable. Your satellite dish will need to be mounted on the outside of your house and will require a clear and unobstructed view of the southern sky (in the US). The only real detriment to satellite TV is the fact that the picture quality can degrade during times of heavy rain or heavy snow. If you live in an area where this might be a frequent occurrence, this problem can be resolved for the most part by opting for a larger satellite dish, which will be more efficient at capturing the signals.

If you live in a rental house or an apartment, you will likely need to get permission from your landlord to mount your satellite dish on the building. If your particular neighborhood is big on aesthetics, they may not allow this, so be sure you have permission before placing your order.

The major satellite TV providers today, Dish Networks and DirecTV, typically offer free installation in up to 4 rooms of your home, and also provide free equipment, sometimes also including a DVR (Digital Video Recorder). During promos, you can sometimes also get about 3 free months of movie channels and sports channels to see if you like them. The provider is of course hoping you will like them and upgrade your account to include those channels.

From a picture quality perspective, both options are good. From a cost perspective, satellite wins almost every time.Understand the pros and cons of each choice so you can make the decision that is best for your particular situation.

About The Author

Jon Arnold is a computer engineer who maintains many websites to pass along his knowledge and findings. You can read more about satellite TV details, tips, and promos at his web site at http://www.satellite-tv-inside-info.com/

Broadband Satellite Tv

Quite a few satellites orbit above the earths surface, over 50. These are spaced out two to three degrees apart. The satellites orbit at exactly the same speed and direction as the earth itself so that they remain in a fixed position above a particular area, which helps to make it easy for you to receive a signal.

Each satellite only covers around 1/3 of the world's surface, this is because it is the only area that is visible from the satellite's position. For certain broadband satellite tv to receive signals, what are known as "spot beams", are pointed directly down at certain times.

Massive multi national companies own the satellites used for brodband satellite tv. Newskies, Eutelsat, and Intelsat are three of these companies. Some national companies and regional operators are also available for you to subscribe to.

There are many features of a Broadband Satellite TV.

Internet service providers offer broadband satellite tv, these ISPs sell their services to consumers. Many of them provide free equipment to get you started and offer monthly subscriptions, each of which depends on the capacity you require (what channels).

When you subscribe to a broadband satellite TV provider, you will get a small satellite dish, which could be 60cm all the way through to 3.7m in diameter, and you'll get a receiver module, and a suitable transmit module. This equipment is vital to you being able to receive signals from the satellite broadband, and extracting data from your computer or network. If you have this equipment inside your home it can prepare your system for data transmission, whenever you click the mouse over the internet.

When you subscribe for broadband satellite tv, you will be paying for an amount of data, or a specific bit rate, such as 512k down. This means that when you download a file, the highest speed will be 512k bits. Most broadband satellite tv providers offer "shared bit rates", these will be limited or lower bit rates that offer a specified capacity that you will be sharing.

Its good to be aware that if you choose to use the sharing arrangements, you will be given a monthly upload and download limit. This is done to ensure that other users can block you from receiving broadcasts. The policies surrounding the 'fairness' can be complicated and will vary from one broadband satellite tv provider to the next.

If having limits puts you off, then you can subscribe with a CIR (continuous information rate) service that lets you upload and download unlimited data to your hearts content. Just expect a more expensive subscruption rate if you decide to go down this route, as they are generally used for commercial purposes, like internet cafes and other businesses that require large bit rates.

About The Author

Andy Manifield is te owner of http://www.on-satellite-tv.com, THE best source for all the information you might require on the subject.

How to Get Satellite TV for Free Instantly

Get satellite TV for free instantly is a dream come true for many satellite TV fans. The whole idea of having to make monthly payments to the satellite TV service providers has been so entrenched in the minds of satellite TV users that it takes a bit of adjustment to having free access to satellite TV. This article will tell you more about how to get satellite TV for free from home.

What does it take to watch satellite TV for free?

I am not going to talk about setting up a satellite dish TV system. Yes, you can set up a satellite dish system to get free channels from satellite TV stations. But it will take more than just a few hundred words to explain the entire set-up. What I will be sharing is using a simple PC satellite TV software or PCTV cards to get satellite TV for free. And the TV you watch will be from your PC and not your TV set though you can still wire the satellite TV to a TV set.

PC satellite TV software is a new discovery as a result of years of research findings and development. Software developers realized that one can actually make use of internet bandwidth to transmit and receive free to air satellite TV signals from worldwide satellite TV stations. These programs are entirely free and so anyone at home with an internet connection to their PC can get satellite TV for free instantly. The software experts then came up with an application which allows us to watch satellite TV on PC for free. Well, even though the software is not free, the developers have decided to make it readily available at affordable prices so that more people get to enjoy free satellite TV. It also means greater profits to them. These software can be downloaded online.

Another method to get satellite TV for free is to make use of PCTV cards. These cards are hardware that configures our computer to receive satellite TV feeds. You can find both external and internal PCTV cards. Application is similar to other PC peripherals and they can be connected externally through a USB port. If you do not have a spare USB port, you can always buy an adapter off the rack from computer stores.

The computer system requirements for both are generally the same, but I would advise that you check with the PC hardware salesperson if the PCTV card is compatible with the TV. Other than that, here is a list of standard requirements:

1. Pentium III CPU

The minimum requirement is a Pentium III CPU. Anything higher than that would be even better.

2. Operating System

The software and card works well with almost all Windows OS versions such as Win 98, 2000, ME or XP. Even Mac users do not have a problem.

3. Other Peripherals

Peripherals like USB port, sound card, graphics card and CD ROM drive are essential. Other non-essentials like a speaker system or a larger monitor can enhance your viewing experience greatly.

These are the ways to get satellite TV for free. The main differences between the two are the pricing and installation method. TV viewers tend to prefer using PC satellite TV software because of the convenience of download, its ease of setup and cheaper pricing. If you want to display the channels on your TV, just purchase and fix a video card with S-video output on your computer and connect it to the TV.

Find out more at my blog about where you can download this special satellite TV software for a reasonable price.

About The Author

Davion Wong is a successful webmaster, author and fan of TV shows. Discover how you can instantly watch satellite TV on PC, tuning into hundreds of LIVE world channels of news, movies, music and kids program at http://Watch-Satellite-TV-On-PC.blogspot.com.

Watch Satellite TV On Computer – Why Restrict To the TV?

It is possible and practical to watch satellite TV on computer with a fine quality PC and internet connection nowadays. There are literally thousands of satellite TV channels available to anyone through the computer and all one needs is the right piece of software to achieve that. Since this is so, everyone really does not need to restrict watching of satellite TV only to the TV set.

What PC satellite TV software can do is amazing as technology once again break new barriers. With the proper TV software package, it allows your computer to receive thousands of worldwide channels so that you can watch satellite TV on computer instead of the TV. In other words, you no longer are restricted and confined to the channels that your local satellite TV service provider gives to you in your TV package. Every satellite TV program you watch on your computer is delivered directly through your internet connection. As such, the number of channels available perpetually grows all the time.

But you may be interested to know what kind of satellite TV programs one can watch on their PCs should they choose to watch satellite TV on computer using PC satellite TV software. Since the exposure is worldwide, a person can be watching movies, news, LIVE games, sports events, music videos, TV series, educational and other entertainment programs from satellite TV stations in different countries like Australia, US, UK, Canada, Hong Kong, France, etc. Kids would be busy watching interesting discovery channels and kids’ cartoons especially during the holidays.

There are however things you need to prepare concerning your PC requirements in order for you to watch satellite TV on computer. For a start, you should ensure that your internet connection runs at 56k minimum. Anything lower than this means that you would not get maximum enjoyment out of your satellite TV viewing. TV picture and sound quality would be compromised. So go for broadband connection if you can afford to as you can then watch satellite TV on computer and really have a pleasurable experience.

Besides being able to watch numerous programs, the one major benefit to any satellite TV viewer is the cost savings. Compared to traditional satellite TV packages, the only cost involved to watch satellite TV on computer is the cost of the software. It is a one-time affair and you need not fork out any monthly fees to continue using it, unlike using conventional satellite TV providers. Once you pay and download the software, you can watch satellite TV on computer for free as long as you wish. Also, even if you want to watch some special channels like LIVE soccer or F1 sports, you need not pay any additional fee. So really, cost savings is one big factor that is driving more people to use PC satellite TV to watch satellite TV on PC.

Here is a quick tip for you if you intend to watch satellite TV on computer. Perhaps you are thinking of making an investment in this PC satellite TV software, but before that, please check if you have an existing contract with your service provider. Make sure that the termination does not carry any penalty so that you can have a peace of mind. Read more about this PC satellite TV software, its functions, etc at my TV blog before you make the choice to watch satellite TV on computer.

About The Author

Davion Wong is a successful webmaster, author and fan of TV shows. Discover how you can instantly watch satellite TV on PC, tuning into hundreds of LIVE world channels of news, movies, music and kids program at http://Watch-Satellite-TV-On-PC.blogspot.com.

Satellite TV: More Channels Than Cable And Less Expensive, Too!

Many people have satellite TV and there’s a very good reason for it: you get almost unlimited channels and it’s a price that most anyone can afford. When you compare satellite TV to its cable counterpart, you will automatically notice a difference in the amount of channels you get to choose from. With a cable package, you get to choose from different packages, and you have to pay more for premium channels, such as HBO or Cinemax.

More Channels Than You Can Handle

With satellite TV, you get all the channels in one package. That’s because the satellite dish that you have installed on or near your home is able to pick up many channels that your cable TV provider can’t offer you.

Free Installation With Some Carriers!

The best part about satellite TV is that most carriers will offer free installation. You simply pay a small monthly fee, such as ten dollars a month, and you get a technician to come out to your house to install your satellite dish. You can have all those channels at your fingertips in the same day as you pick up the phone and call the satellite TV carrier of your choice.

A Few Drawbacks

There are some drawbacks to satellite TV that should be noted before a person commits to a contract. For one, satellite, unlike cable, can be affected by the weather. If the conditions are hostile, such as a bad thunderstorm, your satellite TV may not work as well or the picture won’t come in as clear.

Another drawback is that you may have to adjust your dish, depending on which channels you want. Most satellite TV carriers offer a remote that allows you to change the position of your dish, but many see this as a hassle. With cable, you simply choose a channel and you don’t have to worry that your cable box is pointed a certain way.

Satellite TV owners obviously don’t mind the drawbacks, as they are quite minute, and there are many satellite TV owners today. So, if you’re looking for an almost unlimited choice of channels at a price you can easily afford, call your local satellite TV provider today. A technician will soon visit your house and, in minutes, you’ll be able to surf the many channels that you wouldn’t be able to see if you had chosen cable TV.

About The Author

Simon Peters is the owner of http://on-satellite-tv.com, it is THE best source for advice on the subject of satellite TV, nothing to sell, just information . . .

Essential Satellite TV Equipment

If you’re planning on subscribing to a satellite TV provider, you need to understand that most companies will offer you packages that include important satellite TV equipment, such as the dish and receiver that are compatible with your television set.

Although many people will receive installation of this essential satellite TV equipment without charge or additional costs when they subscribe to a satellite provider, keep in mind that these deals state that you cannot cancel your satellite TV subscription any time you feel like it. At the end of your required one-year contract, you can pretty much count on the fact that you have already paid for this so-called “free” satellite TV equipment.

The Economical Way of Buying Satellite TV Equipment

If you’re not sure that the bundled packaged that a satellite TV provider offers is a practical choice, then your next best option is to look for cheaper satellite TV equipment and install it yourself or hire an affordable installation service provider.

The good thing about buying your own satellite TV equipment is that you can choose from a complete system that is compatible with your television and subscription, or you can purchase mix and match equipment and build your system yourself. However, choosing between these two options will depend on your budget as well as your expertise in installing hardware.

Regardless of which option you choose, the most important thing you should remember is to ensure that all satellite TV equipment that you buy should be compatible with each other, with your television and with your satellite TV subscription provider. This means that if you have found an affordable 5-year old model of a satellite dish that can still work well with your receiver and television, then the only reason not to buy this item would be the age of the equipment in question.

Be aware that the most difficult satellite TV equipment to buy at a bargain price is the satellite dish. Although there are some dishes with an affordable tag price, you should also consider that not all low-priced dishes could work effectively. For this reason, it is best to find at least six to ten-foot dishes to ensure you will not experience disruptions from your reception.

If you’re on a budget but you still wish to enjoy watching hundreds of worldwide channels daily, then looking for affordable satellite TV equipment should be your task. Since it can be hard for first-timers to negotiate with sellers of satellite equipment, it is best for you to understand how each piece of equipment works to prevent becoming scammed by equipment distributors and satellite TV enthusiasts.

About The Author

Simon Peters is the owner of http://on-satellite-tv.com, it is THE best source for advice on the subject of satellite TV, nothing to sell, just information . . .