TheSatelliteTVGuide.com
Satellite TV FAQ
We get asked a lot of satellite TV questions, so we've listed the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) with answers, plus other info, below.
Just click on a satellite TV FAQ link below to see the answer.
1. Can I really get satellite TV for free?
Yes, you really can get a satellite TV system for free. However, you do have to pay for satellite TV programming service in order to get the free satellite TV system. Click here for a comparison of DISH Network and DIRECTV programming fees.
2. What is satellite TV and how does satellite TV work?
Satellite TV is a television system whereby a broadcast center broadcasts a digital program signal to a satellite in the sky. The satellite in turn sends the signal back to earth, where it is picked up by a satellite dish, converted to a TV picture by a receiver, and displayed on a TV screen (monitor).
3. Where can I get a satellite TV cost comparison?
You can get a satellite TV cost comparison between DIRECTV and DISH Network by clicking here. Programming service from DISH Network starts at $19.99 a month. Service from DIRECTV also starts at $29.99 a month.
4. Can I get my local channels on satellite TV?
In most areas of the USA you get your local channels for free with any DIRECTV package, while DISH Network charges five dollars. In the few areas where you can't get local stations you can hook up an antenna to your satellite TV receiver.
5. How do I go about recording programs with satellite TV?
You can record satellite TV programs with your VCR, or the DVR (digital video recorder) you can get from your satellite TV dealer. Both DISH Network and DIRECTV will give you free DVR receivers when you order one of their program packages.
6. What's the cheapest satellite TV system?
Thanks to the competition between DIRECTV and DISH Network, satellite TV systems, including installation, are now free. For a comparison of programming rates and options, click here.
7. Where can I compare satellite TV plans from DIRECTV and DISH Network?
Click here to compare satellite TV plans, programming, and options from DIRECTV and DISH Network.
8. What's on satellite TV?
Satellite TV providers offer more than 350 channels of television programming including movie channels, sports packages, pay-per-view movies and events, commercial-free music, adult programming, and international programming. For more information of what's on satellite TV, click here.
9. Can I get a satellite dish for TV and the Internet?
No. Satellite TV/Internet dishes have been discontinued because HughesNet works best when operated on a dedicated satellite dish. You need to get DIRECTV on one dish and HughesNet on the other dish. The cost is the same and the performance is better.
10. How do I set up satellite TV installation?
Satellite TV installation is set up through a satellite TV dealer. For information on satellite TV installation with DIRECTV click here. For DISH Network installation click here.
11. Where can I see a satellite TV cable TV comparison?
To see a satellite TV vs. cable TV comparison, click here.
12. How soon can I get a free satellite TV system installed?
Installation times for DIRECTV and DISH Network vary depending on your location, but you can normally get a satellite TV system installed in your home within one to five days from the time your order your system.
13. Can I get satellite TV if I live in an apartment or condo?
Yes. All you need is an unobstructed view of the southern sky in order to get reception. Many apartment and condo residents install their satellite TV dish on their balcony or patio. You can also install your satellite dish on a moveable stand if permanent mounting is not allowed.
14. Does satellite TV offer international programming?
DIRECTV offers Caribbean, Chinese, Filipino, Korean, Italian, Russian, South Asian, Spanish, Ukranian, and Vietnamese programming. DISH Network offers African, Arabic, Armenian, Asian, Chinese, Farsi, French, German, Greek, Israeli, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, South Asian, Spanish, Tagalog, and Urdu programming.
15. Can I get adult programming?
Yes, both DIRECTV and DISH Network offer adult program channels and adult pay-per-view programs.
16. Does satellite TV have parental locks?
Both DIRECTV and DISH Network offer parental locks to block your children from viewing programs you feel are unsuitable for them.
17. Can I get HD (high definition) programming with satellite TV?
DISH Network and DIRECTV offer more than 120 channels of HD programming. Both DISH Network and DIRECTV will give you a free HD receiver when you sign up for their service.
18. Does satellite TV have TiVo and DVR (digital video recorder)?
DIRECTV offers DVR with DIRECTV DVR service, while DISH Network offers DVR with Video-On-Demand, both of which are similar to TiVo.
19. Do I need a cable-ready TV to get satellite TV?
No. DIRECTV and DISH Network satellite TV systems are compatible with all TVs.
20. Can I get DIRECTV or DISH Network outside the U.S.A.?
Not at this time. Satellite TV service from DIRECTV and DISH Network is only available in the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico.
© 2006 TheSatelliteTVGuide.com
