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The Allure Of Solvents and Chip Shops
I was five when I saw this older kid racing stock cars. Admittedly, he was playing Stock Car Star and it was a Pocketeer ™ game. There were none of the graphics you get with PS2, granted. But that probably has something to do with there having been...
Zest For Action Driving The Animation Market
Nasscom in India puts the animation marketsize at over Rs 2000 crore, the industry is getting bigger, craving for high-quality animation - now even the Indian film makers are following the Hollywood footsteps
With – Hollywood blockbusters like...
High Definition – When?
High definition will inevitably become a widespread if not universal television broadcast format. However, it’s not yet clear when that will happen. So it’s also not yet clear when high definition camcorders will be routinely required for...
Halo 2 Tricks
There are many tips and tricks when it comes to the popular Xbox game Halo 2. You can easily get the upper hand on your friends when playing the game if you know how to utilize these handy tricks, as well as make it through the levels much easier....
Alternative Income Stream For Musicians (And Others)
What happens when you put out music that distribution companies won't touch, radio won't play, and only a small percentage of the population is interested in?
The movie industry has the same problems. The major distributors won't touch a lot of...
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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.
About the Author
Brian Stevens is a professional freelance writer and webmaster who has written extensively on free satellite TV systems. Click the following link for more information on free satellite TV systems and service.
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