Satellite television has grown in popularity since the introduction of the small dishes in the 1990’s, and for good reason. With a multitude of channels to choose from as well as high picture quality, satellite TV is a popular choice. However, purchasing satellite TV is not just a simple matter of getting a dish to receive service, since satellite dishes require satellite TV receivers to work. Knowing what your choices are in satellite TV receivers will allow you to get the most out of your satellite service.

For One TV Only

Most satellite TV receivers are designed for use with one television only, which is unlike cable television where your home can be wired to view a number of different stations at the same time. In contrast, your satellite system will only be able to tune into one channel regardless of how many televisions you have. This is important to keep in mind when purchasing service, because you may wish to request multiple satellite TV receivers to accommodate multiple televisions. Alternately, your provider may have a receiver that can send signals to multiple televisions, allowing you to watch two different channels on two different televisions.

Want a DVR?

Digital video recorders (DVR’s) are a recent invention that can change the way you watch television. Made for recording television for later viewing, they boast higher picture quality than a VCR and more storage space, allowing for more shows to be recorded without having to change tapes. Purchasing a DVR can be expensive, but most satellite providers offer deals on satellite TV receivers with a DVR built in. Since the satellite TV company usually only charges a fee for renting the receiver, this can serve as a great introduction to the convenience of a DVR without the high initial cost.

High Definition

High definition television, or HDTV, is a new technology which allows for higher resolution television images, which means a clearer, more realistic picture for the viewer. Many providers will offer satellite TV receivers that can receive an HDTV signal, allowing you to view programs with a high-definition picture. If you do decide that you want to choose one of the high definition satellite TV receivers however, make sure you have a television that’s HDTV capable or you’ll be wasting extra money. As with the other satellite TV receivers, make sure that it’s the option best for you and you’ll end up getting the most that you can out of your satellite TV experience.

If you’re looking to have satellite TV installed in your home, you don’t have to worry about finding a provider. Satellite TV providers are everywhere, in every state, in every city. Just open the phone book and you’ll likely see a long listing of satellite TV providers. And they all offer the same deal: no installation and a low monthly fee. So, how do you know which one to choose? How do you know which one will actually stand up to the claims they make in their ads. The only way to know for sure which satellite TV providers are worth your time and money is to actually contact them and find out what they’re all about.

Write A Phone Script

The first thing you should do is get out a piece of notebook paper and list on their all the providers in your area. Write down their name and their phone number. Then, make a list of questions that you would like to ask the satellite TV providers when you actually do get one of their representatives on the line. Don’t be nervous. After all, when you finally do choose a company, you will likely sign a contract, which means that you’ll be stuck with that provider for as long as the contract is valid. So, make your questions thorough and make sure you really concentrate on it to make sure it’s complete before you even pick up the phone.

Some Good Questions To Ask

The first question you’ll want to ask the satellite TV providers is if they offer free installation. If a company is going to charge you for installation, hold your money, as there are many satellite TV providers that offer free installation so why spend your money if you don’t have to.

Some other questions you’ll want to ask the satellite TV providers is about their coverage, such as what channels you’ll get, what packages they offer, how much you’ll be paying each month as well as some worse case scenario questions, such as will you lose picture and/or signal in a storm and you’ll also want to know what their policy is regarding coming out to repair any equipment that may malfunction. Again, make your list as thorough as you can. Don’t leave anything out.

Then, get those satellite TV providers on the phone and drill away. Make them work for their money. After all, you’re the customer and you are going to potentially keep them in business. So, don’t feel shy, and ask as many detailed questions as you can. When you are all finished, you should easily be able to pick out the best out of all the satellite TV providers in your area.

All of your satellite TV programming is controlled through that credit-card sized card inserted into your receiver. This card is programmed through the system once you have signed up for satellite TV service. The card controls which channels are unscrambled and transmitted to your television set, according to the satellite TV programming package you have chosen.

Yes, you can purchase cards on the black market that allow you to receive all satellite TV programming being downloaded from the satellite, but the company can also detect this, send out a signal which is does periodically, and essentially wipe every unauthorized card clean, rendering it useless. Since the satellite TV programming card was an unauthorized purchase, you are out the money spent. The company may also seek criminal charges against you that results in a fine and potential jail time.

When you subscribe to satellite TV programming the card number is obtained by the company and, technically no matter which unit it is in, the programming will be viewable. If you have more than one unit it is advised to keep the record straight as to which unit contains which card, for the purpose of service if needed. The card also holds the information for billing purposes, such as any Pay-Per-View movies you chose to purchase during the billing period.

Programming Choices To Meet All Tastes

The many choices available with satellite TV programming are sure to meet the demands of just about anyone. From those on a strict budget or do not watch a lot of television, basic satellite TV programming packages are the least expensive, yet still offer diverse programming choices. Additional channels can be added at any time to vastly improve your selection.

For movies, premium channels such as HBO, Cinemax, Starz and Encore can be included in your satellite TV programming package and Pay-Per-View movies are available through most satellite services for which you pay only when you choose and movie and watch it. There are also many special sports events covered by satellite companies that can be purchased on a per-event basis.

Other special satellite TV programming packages are available as well such as National Football League games which allow access to every pro game played every week, regardless of the broadcast schedule. Packages are also available for baseball, basketball, hockey and other major league sports leagues. These satellite TV programming packs are available at additional charges, regardless of the programming package to which you subscribe.