As satellite TV increasingly gets more and more popular amongst consumer. There are more and more retailers out there providing the service. Before, it was only a service affordable for the rich and famous but times have change for the better where this service is a service affordable for everyone. Up to date, there are already 20 million subscribers of satellite TV in the United States and since then, satellite TV has never look back in becoming the nation’s fastest growing home product.

The intense growth of satellite TV has become a threat to cable TV service because they have much higher expansion rate compared to them. Due to the ability of satellite TV in providing better picture quality, more channels choices and other features, cable TV is really having a hard time to compete with them. The best part is that satellite TV’s price is continuously dropping due the use demand. All these features are making providing satellite TV a huge industry.

When a product is rising immensely, there will be many people trying to make profit from it. It may be legally or even illegally. The so-called scammers will emerge one by one. There is virtually thousands of websites out there claiming that they are providing free satellite service. There are also a lot of websites that mention that they provide the best satellite service. All these deals or promotion are often empty promises to attract you to buy into their packages. How do you scout out these scam dealers.

Well, it is pretty easy because all of these fake providers will provide very low monthly fees, next-day installation, unlimited satellite system for free, and some other promotions. The trap will obviously be revealed once you signed up with their packages. There will be hidden activation fees, high delivery cost and lack of good service in installing the satellite system where they delay over and over again. When you discover that and want to cancel you subscription, you will be handed another bomb because they will demand a huge cancellation fees.

In order to get your satellite TV service, it is strongly recommended that you order it online. By ordering your satellite TV system online, you can start by choosing the number of satellite TV system that you desire. Online retailers are very systematic where you can immediately get up to 4 free satellite systems if you want to when you make your order online. Furthermore, they even include incentive gifts like DVD player, home theatre system and so on along with your subscription.

The best thing about ordering online is it enables you to schedule the installation date immediately after you make your purchase. You can determine when you want their professional technician to come to your home and install the satellite TV system. There is also another good thin about ordering online is that you can choose to have the equipment to be delivered to you house in advance or you can choose an alternate option where the technician can bring the equipment along with him when he makes his visit to your place. Everything is very convenient leaving you in total control.

If you are ordering you with Dish Network, you can have the option to order your satellite TV system but you can decide on the programming that you wish to get at a later time. Your programming can be programmed and activated at a later time after your system is installed completely. All you have to do is to give the customer support a ring and they will activate all your programming selection. This customer support is provided 24 hours daily. So, you don’t have to wait at all when you want get started. You can even activate your satellite TV system during the weekends or holidays

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.

Satellite TV is becoming the main force in TV entertainment in the US. In the satellite TV industry today, there are 3 options for consumers to choose from. Firstly, there is the TVRO satellite system. Secondly, there is the DBS satellite system and lastly, the PC satellite TV system. We will look into what these 3 different systems are all about.

TVRO, DBS, and PC Satellite TV

DBS in the DBS system stands for Direct Broadcast Satellite. This option of satellite TV will give you a low cost for installation. With it, you will not to do any maintenance because it is maintenance free and comes with very stable reception. They operate with the Ku-Band signal which is in a higher frequency that is possible to transmit more powerful signals. Therefore, the DBS satellite system is really a commercial product if you compared it with TVRO system because TVRO system requires a big dish for their system.

The most popular satellite TV system providers out there like DirecTV and Dish Network is currently using the DBS system. Therefore, you can say that the DBS system is the most popular method for satellite TV entertainment. What you need to view channels with this system is a signal decoder, s satellite dish and a TV. You will also need an access card because it acts as a key for you to watch your TV show with permission. With they key, you will be watching your satellite TV legally.

Technology is very advance today and there are even hackers who try to steal TV service. Therefore, the subscription needed for the DBS system could often be a hassle when these hackers hack into your card. When these hackers successfully hack into a card, they can hide away from the subscription fee. However, this act is very dangerous for the hackers because id they get caught, they will have to face legal actions. So, consumers must be careful when they choose their dealers so that their information is safe from these hackers.

The TVRO system stands for Television Receive Only. It was the first satellite TV system which was deigned for home viewing. As you may have guess, being the first satellite TV system meant it is older in technology wise. T uses a bigger dish which operates with the C-Band transmission. Although it’s using a big dish, you can still move it to receive TV programs and even independent feeds from other places of the world. It is very good for news because news broadcasting companies will have their crews to broadcast their first hand news with C-Band transmission. Therefore, if you have your dish positioned properly, you can see unedited materials.

The third kind f satellite TV system is the PC satellite system. This system is the direct effect of the improvement of technology. It enables you to watch satellite TV programs with your computer. All you need is software and you are set to go.

There are strong debates going on about PC satellite system because some feel that it is a breakthrough in TV entertainment while some people think that it is full of crap. What we have to know here is that this system is new and it is not like the traditional satellite TV system. This system is also able to provide a huge list of channels but people are questioning about the lack of the favourite channels like HBO. There are also a lot of questions being brought up regarding its reliability and it’s after sales service as well as its legal issues.

Even though many people are questioning its ability to provide true satellite TV service, we think that it has its good side of things. All you have to do is to turn on your PC and you have a list of channels ranging from education, movies, sports, news and weather channels to choose from. You can enjoy those channels with excellent picture quality complete with superb audio. Isn’t that convenient?

With PC satellite TV, you will have access to so many channels and you will never miss your favourite channels like you have to with a cable TV service. You can also enjoy it with privacy if you want to. Imagine that you have your children watching TV programs about Disney and you can enjoy you channels in your study room with your PC.

For any kind of satellite TV system, you will need to set it up before you can enjoy your TV channels. For the TVRO system, you will need to spend quite an amount of money because of the equipments required and the installation fees. You also need to move you dish to receive certain programs that you wan to watch. You need to know the time of the broadcast and this is very troublesome.

For a DBS system, everything is easier. All you need to do is to subscribe to a provider and they will provide you with free installation and that’s it. After the set up, you will be ready to watch the channels that you desire. With the DBS system, you won’t have to move the position of the dish, there is no maintenance needed and it is just very convenient.

The simplest of all the satellite TV system to set up is the PC satellite TV system. One will only need basic computer skills to install the software and change a little setting for the picture size and screen resolution to enjoy the best experience viewing the satellite TV from the PC. It is the cheapest system for a satellite TV. All you need is a one time purchase fee around $100 and it will work with any of the PC that you have at home.

With all these satellite TV technology, people are changing the way they watch TV. If there are people who are contented with normal television channels or cable TV services, they are going to enjoy satellite TV. DBS and PC satellite TV system is the trend to look for in the television entertainment industry. Just look out for good deals and you will surely have a great time anytime in front of your TV at home.

DirecTV users, say ‘bye-bye’ to KJZZ TV as DirecTV has turned KJZZ TV down on a retransmission consent agreement. The TV channel KJZZ-TV, is a local independent TV station that carries the Jazz basketball games, local sports and syndicated programming. Suspension of the TV program started at midnight Dec 31, 2008.

According to Chris Baum, General Manager of KJZZ-TV, “DirecTV has denied KJZZ TV a retransmission consent agreement. They have deemed that the 16 premiere Jazz games produced in High Definition and aired by KJZZ are of no value to their customers. Although DirecTV profits from KJZZ programming by way of monthly satellite fees to their subscribers, it has never paid for programming created or provided by KJZZ. We have established fair and reasonable agreements with the other satellite providers as well as many local cable companies. We are shocked by their decision.”

The news was covered at NBA.com and the officials are actually telling their fans to switch to ComCast or Dish Network for more NBA actions. In full words, here’s what written in NBA.com’s news release:

SALT LAKE CITY (December 31, 2008) -As of midnight, December 31, DirecTV will no longer carry KJZZ TV channel 14. If you are a DirecTV subscriber, you will not longer get any programming that KJZZ airs, including the 12 Utah Jazz games that are scheduled to run between now and April 10. DirecTV subscribers will either need to change to another cable / satellite provider (Dish Network, Comcast or other local cable company), or access the KJZZ signal free via a home TV antenna.

Cable and satellite providers normally pay TV stations for their programming content. DirecTV has not been compensating KJZZ for any of its programming and yet they are paying other local TV stations for their signals. KJZZ has requested that DirecTV pay a similar and fair fee to what they pay to other Salt Lake stations, but they have refused to do so. KJZZ TV has had a long standing agreement with Dish Network, Comcast and many other local cable companies, who do compensate KJZZ for carrying its signal.

If you are a DirecTV subscriber and want to complain to DirecTV, their number is: 1-800-531-5000

Jazz fans, I think you guys know what to do if you wish to stay close with your favorite basketball team.

It’s awful to tell but it’s true that I am seeing more and more DirecTV complaints filed online.

Unprofessional customer supports, hidden charges on installations, suspension on various sports programming, and billing mistakes – some DirecTV users are getting loads of trouble with their satellite TV deals.

Dimitriy’s case: Free DirecTV installation’s not free

A recent post by Alex Jarvis at Consumerist.com revealed one of these nightmare stories with DirecTV. Dimitriy, an ex-DirecTV customer, claims that he was charged extra fees for a ‘free DirecTV installation’. What’s worse – his phone call to customer supports was hung up!

Quoting in his full words at Consumerists, here’s what happened:

DirecTV complaint by Dimitriy

After purchasing HDTV this Black Friday, I have been looking for a good TV service and frankly there is no company with deals such as DirecTV’s. As much as I look, I can’t find another company that would offer over 40 HD channels, plus 5 Russian channels for under $100. So, of course, when I saw the current promotions you’re running, I jumped on the it and signed up momentarily. During online sign up process I was promised “No equipment to buy or startup costs” and “Professional installation included — free”, however when installers arrived, they wanted me to pay additional fees of at least $250.

They explained that additional equipment is required for installation on our apartment building roof (“flat roof”) and that DirecTV was not going to cover it. So I canceled that order and went on to try to find another deal with another company. Well, as I wrote earlier, there are no other companies that offer any deals even remotely similar to DirectTV’s, so I signed up again and decided to call customer service and explain my situation. When I called, I was met with a wall of misunderstanding. I was told that the “Professional installation included — free” was really just a standard installation, and that there were, possibly, many more charges I’ll have to pay in order to get my service installed and whenever I asked the representative to transfer me to their supervisor, they simply hung up on me.

Sure enough, the blog post sparks heated discussion. More than 63 comments had been added since the post was published, revealing more dissatisfying experience with DirecTV. There are, nevertheless, some who defend for the satellite TV company and one of the best I read would be the one by Kevin:

Comment by Kevin

I don’t want to but I feel like I have to somewhat side with DirecTV on this one. There is standard installation and there is extra installation. Working within the confines of a single-family home is pretty standard. Working within the expansive space of an apartment building is more involved.
If you live on the north side of a mountain and the only way to get direcTV signal is to route a line all the way to the top of the mountain and then erect a 40′ pole to get your dish above the treeline would you expect that to be included too?

Sometimes your life just isn’t standard. Unfortunately thats why fine-print exists. At least they didn’t hold you to the contract you committed to.

Sorry, I’m “that guy” today.

Bottom line: Pick the right satellite TV retailer

Well, it’s true that sometimes Americans just like to complain too much but for this case, I believe Dimitriy has his point to be frustrated.

A free installation should be a *free installation*. Don’t get ripped of by unethical retailers “clever” wordplay and fine-print-mining on the part of the CSR. Clever until they hung up on our tipster. Satellite TV shoppers, Dish Network or DirecTV, should always make sure you get what you are paying.

For DirecTV, I suggest my readers to order directly from the officials; and for Dish Network, AllSat is the one I trusted the most. In case online purchase is not for you, call 1-800-680-8671.