Satellite TV has greatly improved the quality of TV entertainment for the homes in the US. With the introduction of High Definition TV (HDTV), TV entertainment has been brought to a new level with crystal clear pictures, wide screen viewing experience and slim TV designs.

With the craze about HDTV, shouldn’t we find out how it really works? How can it provide such clear pictures compared to the traditional TV. The reason that makes HDTV able to provide crystal clear picture is because it is using a TV scanning method called ‘progressive’ scanning. This can produce flicker free pictures.

What makes HDTV so different from traditional TV is because they are not using the analog transmission like the traditional TV is still using. HDTV is using a different method of transmission that provide better picture resolution, motion picture scanning as well as better picture ratio.

The picture resolution that the HDTV can produce is much more superior to the analog TV. It can go up to 1 million active pixels. If you are using a 720p HD, you can get 1280×720 in resolution and if you are using a 1080i HD, you can get resolution up to 1920×1080. This resolution is way better than the ones provided by a normal TV which can usually provide about 480 resolution lines only.

Another feature that makes the HDTV so different from normal analog is the screen ratio. For a satellite TV provider like Dish Network or DirecTV, they have a screen format of 16:9 which is in widescreen. A normal analog TV transmission only provides 4:3 formats.

To fully enjoy the excitement of viewing experience with a HDTV, you need to have HDTV programming as well. Although HDTV is already enough to give you clear pictures of your favourite TV shows, with the HDTV programming, you get even more enjoyment. This type of programming is available with TV providers from cable TV and also satellite TV systems.

Currently, Comcast is the leading provider in providing HDTV programming services. In their cable TV service, they cover most of the main channels with HD programming. Those programs are programs like ABC, FOX, NBC, ESPN HD, HBO HD, Cinemax HD, Discovery HD and so on. As for satellite TV systems, Dish Network provides around 30 HD channels that cover channels like A&E HD, Animania HD, Discovery HD Theatre, Equator HD, ESPN HD, ESPN2 HD, Family Room HD, Film Fest HD, Food Network HD, HBO HD, CInemax HD, HDNet and HDNet Movies. No matter which type TV system you are using, you can enjoy a hand full of HDTV because both types of service provide plenty of HD programming.

Introduction

The next evolution in TV entertainment is considered happening now with increasing popularity of satellite TV.

However, things are about to get even better with satellite TV services providing internet access. Like any other internet connection, there are always good and bad side of things. Therefore, we should what the benefits are and vice versa.

Usage of satellite Internet

With the satellite TV internet access, you can get hi speed internet access even if you are located in a remote area. The only criterion that you have to fulfill is to have a clear view of the skies. With satellite internet access, you can have the internet connection whenever you want and you can basically have it on at all times.

Therefore, not only the satellite TV is able to provide you with excellent TV entertainment, you can also get access of information by going online. This is very beneficial for people who are located in under develop places which are secluded from the main cities.

According to the feedbacks from users, the speed of the internet connection provided by the satellite TV system is similar to broadband connection. Hence, there are more and more people changing to this service. A company called Hughes Net has already installed 800,000 orders and has customers in 85 countries. This number is recorded throughout the last 30 years. Therefore, using the satellite TV system to access internet is no longer a new thing.

Drawbacks with satellite Internet

Although feedbacks from users are good, there are still some drawbacks. The problem that lies with the satellite internet connection is the unstable connection and network latency. This problems effects some of the online applications like network gaming and online conference.

For online network gaming, there will be different players connecting from their own computers from their homes. Therefore, each player has to be able to communicate with another in the best way possible. Therefore, network latency as much as 0.5 seconds may affect the game play at a certain level. So, players using satellite internet connection may have disadvantages.

One more factor that will cause the performance of the internet access provided by satellite internet provider sis the weather element. The transmission used by satellite TV providers is in Ku-Band, it is easily affected by heavy storms and this will definitely cause trouble to the internet connection as well. Internet connection will even come to a complete halt when the weather gets bad.

Bottom line: Is satellite Internet recommended?

Being able to provide internet access definitely added one more feature to the satellite TV service. Although it may not be 100% satisfactory but it is an additional service that may benefit the users and also the satellite provider. The service will need to be improved in many ways before it is able to compete with the internet access provided by DSL or cable internet connection.

However, to those living in a remote area, the satellite internet access will definitely be useful because they can get internet access. Even if it does have drawbacks, it is better to have some internet than no internet at all.

Introduction

In 1994, a subsidiary of Hughes Electronic, General Motors launched DirecTV. Currently, it is the tv provider for 15 million customers in the U.S plus another 2 million from Latin America making its revenue achieving $ 3.15 billion in the year 2005. They have maintained as the biggest satelite TV provider in the U.S. even with the competition of other companies like Dish Network. The competition in the industry did not make them slack in their business at all.

The reason DirecTV became the top provider for satellite TV is because they are the first to provide Direct Broadband Satellite System (DBS). It is the first high-powered broadcast system in the world where they use Ku-Band for their transmission. This enables the use of smaller dish for receiving the TV service. The size for the dish set used by DirecTV is only 18” x 24”, very convenient.

DirecTV Programming

One of the best things about DirecTV is its programming.

Subscribers can enjoy up to 225 channels. They also provide exclusive sports channels like NHL Center Ice, MLB Extra Innings, NY Yankee Games, NFL Sunday and NBA League Passes. Basically, you can choose your selection of channels and it would be like having exclusive passes to all the huge games that you desire to watch. It is perfect for sports fanatic.

If you like international channels, you can get Chinese language and Spanish language channels with DirectTV. This is all available with their PARA TODOS service. There are 45 channels in Spanish for you to choose from which covers movies, news, music and education. As for Chinese language programs, you can get 24 hours programming with Phoenix TV.

DirecTV Pricing

As for the price, DirecTV offers very affordable packages. Their basic package is only $31.99 per month. They provide up to 4 satellite dishes for first time subscribers which the customer can choose to be installed in four different rooms. If you purchase through dealers, you might want to look for those who provide free gifts like DVD player, home theatre system, digital camera, mobile phones or even free movie channels. However, you must read through the terms and condition first because most free gifts will only come if you subscribe with a minimum one year contract of your subscription with them.

Comparing DirecTV with other TV companies

Compared to their closest competition Dish Network, DirecTV and Dish Network both provide identical services. Both companies provide almost the same features like the program selection, DVR (DIGITAL VIDEO RECORDING) function, High Definition TV and so on. The only thing that differentiates the two companies is their prices. Price comparison proves that DirecTV’s packages are slightly more expensive compared to Dish Network’s packages. However, the higher price comes with more channels. So, it really isn’t a big difference in the price between these 2 companies. To learn more, read Dish Network vs DirecTV.

If you compare DirecTV with the cable TV service, it is a totally different story because the service that DirecTV provides is much more superior compared to the service provided by a cable TV service. Cable TV can not provide the 100% digital picture and audio quality that DirecTV can. It also could not give you a huge selection of channels and HDTV at a low cost. The only thing that they can provide that the satellite TV could not provide is the ability to surf the internet. Ir ca provide stable internet conection to its users but it will depend on the weather. If you experience bad weather in your area, you cable TV service will most likely to expereince error.

Another added value for choosing DirecTV is their easy installation system where you can basically do it by referring to the manual guides. However, there is a little complication involve with the wiring. Therefore, it will still be wiser to hire a professional installer to install your dish. Most of the dealers will provide installation in their packages leaving you absolutely no worries regarding this issue.

Ordering DirecTV deals

To get you DirecTV packages, there is two wasy to do it. You ca either order it online or just but the package from dealers in their shops. Ordering online actually gives you advantages because it provides concise information regarding what you are paying for. You can compare and compare over an over again until you reach your ideal selection. By ordering online, you also get better deals. You have more chances of getting free gifts because online retailers have a lower cost in their business making them possible to offer you more great gifts.

This will lead the ultimate question of how to find legitimate online retailer. You should know how their system works before you eventually make your choice. T is actually simple. Most of the online retailer has tools on their web page that provide you help in choosing your order. You can even schedule the installation date for the company to come and install the dish. All the equipment can also be choose to be shipped to your house or alternatively, the technician brings it along with him during his visit. All these can be arrange. Everything is so simple. The only thing you need to make sure is there is someone at home when the technician comes to your place to do installation.