Free Satellite TV -- Is It Really Free?
You've seen the online and offline ads -- "Free satellite TV!" "Get a 4-room Satellite TV System Free!" and "Satellite TV Dish and Receivers Absolutely Free!"
But is satellite TV really free?
The answer to that question is yes ... and no.
Yes, the equipment you get -- the satellite TV dish and satellite TV receiver -- is free. But no, the programming service will cost you money.
Let's examine the facts.
Due to the demise of Pegasus and Voom, there are only two major satellite TV providers in the USA -- Dish Network and DirecTV.
Dish Network Satellite TV Service
When you order a free satellite TV system from Dish Network, you will be asked to pay a $49.99 activation fee. This fee will be credited to your programming bill, so in essence, your satellite TV system is free. Installation of your satellite TV system is also 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 programming starts at $31.99 per month for 60 program channels, and goes up to $86.00 for 230 channels including Showtime, Starz!, HBO, Cinemax, and Sirius radio.
Dish Network offers more movies, shows, and HDTV than cable or DirecTV, and with one of their free DVR receivers you can record, pause, and fast forward live TV with a click of your remote.
All Dish Network programs are broadcast in digital format for crystal-clear picture and sound.
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 $41.99 per month for 115 channels (including 31 music channels), and go up to $93.99 per month for 185 program channels, including Showtime, Starz!, HBO, Cinemax, and 31 music channels.
DirecTV offers more sports programs than you can get with cable or Dish Network, including the popular NFL Sunday Ticket, and is broadcast in all-digital format.
The Bottom Line
Both Dish Network and DirecTV's basic satellite TV dishes and receivers are free ... but the service will cost you anywhere from $32 to $94 a month.
So if you watch just a few television programs a week and have access to over-the-air TV, or if you have cable TV and are happy with your service, then satellite TV probably isn't for you.
If, on the other hand, TV is one of your primary forms of entertainment and you want the biggest variety of shows, movies, sports, and new -- or if your cable bill is beginning to equal your mortgage payment -- then satellite TV may be just the ticket..
HDTV Antennas
HDTV televisions need special antennas to be able to catch the frequency. These televisions cannot receive the transmission from normal antennas used by any other brand of color television. Selecting the right HDTV antenna system is critical, and one should make use of a highly directional antenna designed for "Fringe Area" reception.? One objective that should be kept in mind while installing the antenna is that it should accept signals directly from the transmitting tower.
Some of the other considerations that one should keep in mind before buying the antenna is that one should check with the local homeowner's association, seeking permission to put up an antenna on the roof or any other exterior location.
One would also need to determine whether local channels are VHF, UHF, or both.
This would determine the type of antenna to buy.
The owner would also need to determine whether there is a clear line of sight to the station antenna.
Hdtv > HDTV Antennas
Solid Signal now carries Terrestrial Digital and Antennas Direct HDTV Antennas
ST. LOUIS, MO (ContentDesk) November 12, 2005 -- Satellite and antenna retailer Solid Signal has added Terrestrial Digital HDTV antennas to their virtual shelves at www.solidsignal.com.
Were excited about the future of Terrestrial Digital with Solid Signal, Terrestrial Digital President Richard Schneider said.
This new relationship gives us the opportunity to make our products available to a wider audience of consumers who may not have otherwise found out about us. Schneider explains that while the Terrestrial Digital brand name may not be familiar, most HDTV enthusiasts are familiar with their product line. Terrestrial Digital antennas are widely known by the brand name Antennas Direct, said Schneider.
Antennas Direct was the first place where the antennas were made available online, so it is the name that consumers have come to associate with the product.
As...
Solid Signal now carries Terrestrial Digital and Antennas Direct HDTV Antennas
Hdtv > Solid Signal now carries Terrestrial Digital and Antennas Direct HDTV Antennas
Hdtv Free Satellite TV -- Is It Really Free? socks
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Hdtv > Children's Discount Clothing Boutique Offers Girls Christmas Dresses, Clothing and Apparel with the Latest Fashion Trends in Children's Retail, at Affordable Prices.
Has the Party Poker fish pool dried up?
Party Poker has long been known as the place to go to catch unsuspecting poker "fish". What are fish? Well they are the players who are just starting to learn to play poker or who have been around for a while but just aren't very good. They are the prey of the poker "sharks" and the traditional hunting ground for the last while has been Party Poker.Well the bad news for the sharks is that the fish pool seems to have dried up! It just isn't as easy as it used to be to clean up at Party Poker.There...
Hdtv Has the Party Poker fish pool dried up? Free Satellite TV -- Is It Really Free? pool table
Hdtv > Has the Party Poker fish pool dried up?