Satellite TV has emerged in becoming a more popular choice amongst consumer in these few years. It has becoming the choice that most people will go for instead of getting a cable TV service.

Why is this happening?

According the surveys that were carried out, a large number of consumers gave feedback that they were able to enjoy better picture quality, more choices in channels selection and better value for money. One of the most popular providers in satellite TV, Dish Network has been getting more and more customers their way because of their fantastic deals.

A brief on Dish Network

If you are wondering about the background of the company, Dish Network was founded and owned by Echostar Communication Cooperation which got their license for Dish Network in the year 1996. Currently, they already have 11 million customers. This is due their ability to over hundreds channels in their all famous packages. They are the Dish Network All American top 100s, 200 and 250. All 3 have their qualities and preferences where customers can easily find what they like. (More about Dish Network programming.)

Free satellite TV system with Dish Network?

Yes, Dish Network provides free satellite TV systems for first time subscribers.

This is a great strategy taken by them to encourage customers to try out satellite TV. As long as you are a first time customer that chooses a 12 months contract, you can get your free satellite system that provides you up to 4 receivers, remote controls, access cards and a satellite dish. In addition to that, some of the dealers out there also throw in free gifts like DVD players, DVR system and so on. Therefore, you want to make sure you are choosing the right dealer before you make your purchase. Getting you Dish Network packages online is a very good option. This is because online retailers are able to provide you with better bargains.

We strongly recommend online dealers because they have a relatively low operating cost for their business. This is why they can provide low prices compared to real shops. They also provide great customer support to assess to any problems that you may face with your satellite TV system. All you need is to do a little search on Dish Network’s online dealers and you will have a big list of dealers.

Ordering Dish Network system

To get your Dish Network satellite TV system efficiently, you need to visit a dealer so that you can choose the number of programming packages, upgrading options, HDTV upgrading and other options that you need to decide on. Then, you need to set the schedule for the shipping and installation after you place your order. Bear in mind that there will be a $50 deposit when you place your order. Fear not, this deposit will be credited back to your month bills. So, starting your package with them is actually free.

There are many ways you can set up your Dish Network your house. You can choose to be set up in 2 rooms or 3 rooms and so on. There is also the HDTV set up that you need to think of. However, you don’t have to crack your brain for this matter because all this depends on the location. In his case, we are referring to your house. Most people will go for the 4 room set up and get the Digital Video Recording for free.

All their equipment comes with a lifetime guarantee. Therefore, you can have 100% assurance that everything you pay for is worth the money. When they break down, you won’t have anything to worry about. With Dish Network, you can enjoy HDTV with their normal receivers which you get for free. You don’t have to upgrade to special receivers to get HDTV. This is absolutely superb for costumers.

The only thing that you need to more for is the additional dish antenna if you want to enjoy international programming. It will cost $99 and it will provide you with the ability to receive international channels if you choose to. Other than that, all the other things we mention do not need you to come out with any extras cost at all.

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.