Satellite Tv FAQ -
Is Satellite Better Than Cable?

These Answers Will Help You Decide
Which Is Best for You!

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Satellite Tv delivers excitement to millions of families and business patrons everywhere across the country. Whether it's providing action packed sporting events, up to the minute worldwide news or classic movie action, it represents good entertainment value.

Why satellite tv?

Simply because it offers a great combination of quality programming, reliable service, and competitve pricing. Together with solid customer service, satellite tv programming is hard to beat.

DIRECTV®, for example, has consistently ranked high in this category having received the coveted #1 ranking for Customer Satisfaction among satellite/cable subscribers by J.D. Power & Associates for the last 15 years!


In a very competitive environment, satellite tv providers, have gained national recognition and approval by by delivering quality television programming with choice, entertainment value and SAVINGS over comparable cable tv service.

Dish Network system

Satellite Tv delivers 100% digital programming with cd quality picture and sound. Quality programming choices with competitve rates and attentive customer service have made satellite television a popular choice for many households and business establishments.


Both DIRECTV® and Dish Network are offering satellite dish systems with high definition receiver and DVR upgrades Free to first time customers in exchange for a one year service commitment.


The following satellite tv faq will help you to know more about this entertainment service. If you have a question not answered here, feel free to contact me anytime!

Satellite TV equipment
What's included with a free Satellite Tv system?
What is the DIRECTV® Multi Satellite System?
What is a Dish 500 Satellite Tv system?
Are DIRECTV® and Dish Network Satellite Tv dish systems compatible?
Satellite TV programming
Can I get local channels with Satellite Tv systems?
Does Satellite Tv deliver international programming?
Satellite TV Performance
Is the picture and sound quality of satellite tv better than cable tv?
How does satellite tv HD service compare with high definition cable tv?
Does the weather affect the operation of Satellite Tv?
Satellite TV Availability
Is Dish Network or DIRECTV satellite tv service available outside the US?
I live in an apartment. Can I get a satellite dish system?
Satellite TV and Internet service offers
Is Satellite Tv programming cheaper than cable?
Where can I learn more about Satellite Tv equipment and service?
Can I get High Speed Satellite Internet Access via satellite?

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What's included with a free Satellite Tv system?

Whether you sign up for Free DIRECTV® or Free Dish Network system offers, you will receive all the necessary brand new equipment, including a satellite tv dish antenna, digital receiver(s), access card(s), remote control(s) and required cabling with standard professional installation for Free.

Equipment is provided for service in up to 4 rooms Free, installation and equipment charges apply for service in additional rooms. Also, if you desire at sign up, you can upgrade to high definition service equipment at no additional charge from either provider. However, in order to get a free satellite tv system, you must be a first-time customer.


Can I get local channels with Satellite Tv systems?

Yes! local affiliate channels for ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC are available via satellite in most metropolitan areas across the country. many of those areas also now offer high definition local programming. Both Dish Network and DIRECTV® include local program channels at no additional charge with all of their tv subscription packages.

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Is the picture and sound quality of satellite tv better than cable tv?

Yes, satellite tv programming is significantly better. Here's why - satellite tv providers broadcast television programming over multiple satellites. This gives them the advantage of having virtually unlimited bandwidth capacity. As a result, they can transmit program signals at a maximum bitrate. Maximum bitrate transmission produces the best picture resolution and sound quality - 100% digital on every channel.

By comparison, cable tv networks are limited in bandwidth capacity. This limitation gives cable providers little choice but to conserve bandwidth by transmitting broadcast signals at a much lower bitrate. Doing so allows them to compete with satellite tv networks in terms of channel capacity. However, the resulting picture and sound quality is just not as good as satellite tv.


How does satellite tv HD service compare with high definition cable tv?

Once again, satellite tv networks broadcast at a maximum bitrate. This enables them to produce true high definition television programming with the highest available resolution. As a result, HD programs via satellite provide awe inspiring clarity and audio capability. Cable tv, on the otherhand, is limited by available bandwidth, and simply can not deliver the same level of HD performance.

In my opinion, at the present time, DIRECTV® offers the best high definition tv service. This is because it broadcasts all of its HD channels in the 1080p format together with Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. 1080p is the highest video resolution available today. It's also the same format used by Blu-ray disc players to produce cinema quality presentations. More about satellite hdtv systems.

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Does the weather affect the operation of Satellite Tv?

Sometimes, on the occasion of heavy sustained rainfall, you may experience a brief period of "rain fade". It is characterized by the picture freezing momentarily while the receiver re-locates a lost satellite signal.

This phenomenon may also occur after heavy snowfall if the dish LNB becomes covered with a substantial amount of snow. It usally can be rectified by gently brushing away heavy accumulation of snow from the dish arm and LNB unit.

Signal strength is optimized during professional installation to reduce the likelihood of signal loss during severe weather. In addition, new satellite technology has improved signal strength and reception. DIRECTV®, for example, guarantees a 99.9% signal reliability for their service.


Does Satellite Tv deliver international programming?

Both DIRECTV and DishNetwork provide foreign language channels However, Dish Network offers the best international programming in 28 languages on 170 channels. Learn more about Dish Network International programming.

Although it's foreign language tv service is not as extensive as Dish Network's, DIRECTV® does offer international programming in 11 languages, including Spanish and Chinese. More about DIRECTV programming

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Can I watch two different programs on more than one TV in my house?

Yes, however you need separate satellite receivers to accomplish this. The triple-LNB Satellite System or the new multi-satellite system from DIRECTV® allow you to use additional receivers so members of your household can watch different channels in different rooms at the same time.


What is the DIRECTV® Multi Satellite System?

This system features the new Triple LNB (low noise block) satellite dish antenna and digital satellite receiver with remote control. It enables you to receive signals from up to 5 different DIRECTV® satellites simultaneously.

This 18"x20" oval dish gives you multi-room receiving capability of all of DIRECTV® programming and services including local channel, Interactive, High Definition, and foreign programming. High Def receiver equipment is required for HD broadcasts.


What is a Dish 500 Satellite Tv system?

It's Dish Network's counterpart to the DIRECTV® Multi Satellite system. The Dish 500 antenna is an 18" x 20" dual LNB oval satellite dish that gives Dish Network subscribers multi-room receiving capability of up to 500 channel broadcasts (presently 256 channels are available).

Current broadcasting includes international, local, Interactive, high definition and Internet access. Separate specific receiver equipment is required for HD, Interactive and Internet access.

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Are DIRECTV® and Dish Network Satellite Tv dish systems compatible?

No, you cannot use DIRECTV® equipment to receive Dish Network programming or vice versa. Each system is designed to operate exclusively with proprietary satellites hovering above the Earth in geo-stationary orbit. The satellites for these systems are in completely different locations, and their signals can not be decoded by competitor receiver units.


I live in an apartment. Can I get a satellite dish system?

Yes! Many apartment residents install the dish inconspicuously on a south-facing balcony. If your apartment management has concerns about this, visit the FCC web site for information on a rule from the Federal Communications Commission about satellite dish installation on rental and other properties.


Is Dish Network or DIRECTV® satellite tv service available outside the US?

Unfortunately, no. All of the Satellite Tv offers from DIRECTV® and Dish Network are for new subscribers residing in the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii.

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Is Satellite Tv programming cheaper than cable?

DIRECTV® and Dish Network offer more programming packages which mean more viewing choices. Some packages, like Dish Network's Family at $19.99 per month for 50 digital channels, costs less than most comparable cable tv programming. Check out the latest offers for DIRECTV and DishNetwork programming to see exactly how much you can save over your present service.

Where can I learn more about Satellite Tv equipment and service?

There currently are some excellent offers available for Free Satellite Tv systems from DIRECTV® and Dish Network. See our respective pages for Free DIRECTV® and Free Dish Network for more detailed information


Can I get High Speed Satellite Internet Access via satellite?

Yes!, High speed satellite internet, also known as satellite dsl, is available throughout the US, including Alaska and Hawaii. See our Satellite DSL page for details.


DSL internet service is also available from America's leading dsl providers subject to availability. Check DSL service availability for your telephone line instantly and get more information from our DSL Internet page.

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