Archive for January, 2010

8 January

Satellite TV – Yes or No?

While almost all households are set up for cable TV, there is a technologically advanced phenomenon – Direct Broadcaste Satellite TV (DBS) that is growing daily.

DBS is more simply referred to as Satellite TV these days, and is proving to be the biggest television breakthrough since Cable.

With newer technologies in satellite broadcast being developed, it may very well be cable’s top future competitor.

There are two sides to satellite TV that you should consider before cutting your ties with your cable provider.

Here are some advantages and disadvantages of satellite TV:

Advantages of Satellite TV

* High-quality audio and picture display. Satellite TV transmits high-quality digital data with the use of MPEG-2 or MPEG-4 compression. MPEG-4 is also known for providing high-definition video streams to computers, cellular phones and PDAs or personal digital assistants. Think crisp and clear and you have Satellite TV.

* Access to hundreds of channels worldwide. Satellite TV providers obtain their line-up of shows from both turnaround channels like HBO, ESPN and CNN as well as from numerous local channels like ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and PBS.

The ability to receive and send broadcast signals using satellite technology increases the possibilities of gaining access to channels from other countries that utilize similar technology for broadcasting. Thus, one is not confined to the usual channels found in cable networks.

* Choice of programs. A number of unique channel packages are there for the choosing by satellite TV subscribers. You may effectively weed out the channels you don’t need and pick out only the ones that you like.

* Wider geographical coverage. Because of the wider reach of satellite technology, Satellite TV is readily available in far flung areas where cable operators can’t reach.

* Parental lock-out options. Parents need not worry about their children watching programs with objectionable content while they are not around. Most Satellite TV receivers are now able to block certain channels from a television set.

* WebTV option. Because Internet data can also be transmitted wirelessly, your Satellite TV can also receive Internet service from your TV set. If you want an integrated set-up for television and Internet access, then Satellite TV is the solution. A fast internet connection can be combined with your satellite TV service.

* Digital video recorders. With some satellite TV receivers, you can record shows directly to a hard drive for play back later.

Disadvantages of Satellite TV

* Initial investment. The satellite dish and receiver comes with a high price tag. You’ll want to compare prices of various sources before you settle with the right one.

* Multiple TV sets require multiple receivers. Since one will need a separate receiver for each TV set, a homeowner will have to spend more money just to have Satellite TV in every room around the house.

* Can malfunction in bad weather. Since the satellite dish is usually located outdoors, it becomes susceptible to malfunction as a result of weather conditions like snow, very strong winds and lightning. This can be prevented by making sure you get a quality product to begin with.

* Installation required. While one can try installing the Satellite TV equipment by himself, a competent member of the provider’s technical support team can do the job quickly with very little room for error but at an additional service fee.

Janelle Elizabeth
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/satellite-tv-yes-or-no-749136.html

8 January

How To Pick A PC Satellite TV Vendor

PC satellite TV is coming of age! There was a time when the only choices we had for media content were television, cable, and radio. Well, that is no longer the case. With the advent of high-tech software and faster Internet connections, we can now enjoy PC satellite TV from anywhere in the world. The only requirements are that we have the proper software installed, a reliable computer, and a fast Internet connection.

Many people assume that PC satellite TV requires big, bulky dishes that are nailed to the rooftops. This is not true. It is also not true that you need additional hardware or additional cards for your computer. In fact, all you really need is the proper software and this can be found from many online suppliers.

However, before you sign up with a supplier make sure you do some research first. You will want to know exactly what the total cost will be for the service. Some vendors will want some type of monthly fee in order to use their software. Do not fall for that. There are vendors that offer high quality software for a single, one-time fee, and those are the ones you should be shopping with.

You also want to get a sense of how much content you will be able to access. Some vendors offer literally thousands of channels for you to view at no additional charge.

If you love sports, make sure the vendor that you are considering offers the sports access that you will want. PC satellite TV that offers great sports and plenty of them is a huge benefit in that you will not have to go through the pay-per-view scheme anymore. You will be able to watch most of the big games and events for no additional charges. This can often lead to savings that actually pay for the membership fee with the vendor and then some!

But you also want to know about other content as well. What about movies and news? Does the vendor you are looking at offer access to children’s programming? Do they offer access to major channels such as HBO, Discovery, or the National Geographic Channel? Do they offer international channels from several countries or do they limit themselves to only a few? All of these are important questions.

By doing a little research you can find the vendor that best suits your needs. A good place to begin is with the people at PCTV. This is a branch of the well-known company, http://Pacific-Servers.com, and PCTV is currently offering a membership package that cannot be beat. The software is top-of-the-line and the service is fantastic. Best of all, prices are extremely affordable. In addition, PCTV offers some wonderful bonus gifts for those who sign up. Visit http://www.pctv.pacific-servers.com to learn more.

Iprwire Staff Writer
http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/how-to-pick-a-pc-satellite-tv-vendor-95221.html

8 January

Satellite TV Hdtv – Who’s Got the Best?

Satellite TV HDTV (high definition TV) opens up a whole new world of entertainment. When you watch satellite TV in high definition, the picture and sound are so realistic you feel like you’re part of the action.

HDTV is a must have if you want the best picture and sound when you watch satellite TV, but which satellite TV provider has the best free HDTV receiver and the best deal on HD programming?

Let’s find out …

Free Satellite TV HDTV Receivers

When you order DISH Network service you’ll get a free satellite TV system consisting of a satellite dish and a four-room satellite receiver system. You also have the option of getting a free HDTV receiver. Their HDTV receiver lets you watch satellite TV programs in high definition format, giving you the clearest most lifelike picture available. This receiver also has Dolby Digital Surround Sound so you get a three-dimensional listening experience.

DIRECTV’S HDTV receiver has the same features as DISH Network’s HDTV receiver, but you’ll have to send them a $99 mail-in rebate to get their receiver.

Pay-For Satellite TV HDTV Receivers

DISH Network and DIRECTV also offer a combination HDTV DVR (digital video recorder) receiver for $199. With this receiver you can watch HDTV broadcasts and digitally record up to 200 hours of your favorite shows. You can also pause the show your watching to answer the phone or get a snack, then resume watching when you’re ready.

Satellite TV HDTV Programming

DISH Network offers 30 channels broadcast in high definition format that are bundled with their standard broadcast channels. Prices start at $29.99 per month for their Bronze package which includes 30 HD channels and 75 standard broadcast channels.

DISH Network HD channels include Animania HD, Discovery HD, ESPN HD, ESPN2 HD, Equator HD, Film Fest, Food Network HD, FU, Gallery HD, Gameplay, Guy TV HD, HD News, HDNet, HDNet Movies, HGTV, Majestic HD, Monsters HD, National Geographic, Rave HD, Rush HD, TNT in HD, Treasure HD, Ultra HD, Universal HD, and World Cinema.

DIRECTV offers an eight-channel HD Package that includes ESPN HD, ESPN2 HD, Discovery HD Theater, HD Pay-Per-view, HDNet, HDNet Movies, TNT HD, and Universal HD for $9.99 per month. In order to get these HD channels you must subscribe to one of their standard broadcast packages with prices starting at $41.99 per month.

Bottom Line

When it comes right down to it DISH Network and DIRECTV’s HDTV receivers are so similar there’s hardly any difference between them. Both receivers are state of the art and provide the highest quality picture and sound available.

When it comes to programming, however, DISH Network is the clear winner with 30 HD channels as opposed to DIRECTV’s 8 HD channels.

Visit http://www.TheSatelliteTVGuide.com for DISH Network HDTV programming information. Click on the following link for ordering information plus the latest special offers from DISH Network satellite TV.

ryan@thesatellitetvguide.com
http://www.articlesbase.com/cable-and-satellite-tv-articles/satellite-tv-hdtv-whos-got-the-best-81858.html

Cheaper Than Cable