Free is a four letter word in the Satellite TV business. You probably
have seen the advertisements for a free satellite TV. Some vendors that
carry the top two satellite TV providers - Direct TV and Dish Network -
even tout free equipment like a satellite TV receiver and TV satellite
dish. The question for many consumers is what really constitutes free
satellite TV.
The definition of free can be paraphrased as something that costs
nothing or is gratis. In other connotations, free can mean not enslaved
or not obstructed. So, if you want to take the meaning of free
literally, in regards to free satellite TV, it could be construed as
not being enslaved by a price tag. Sounds like a winning plan, does it
not? However, the term free can be a bit misleading at first when you
are in the market for satellite TV system.
For the most part, the equipment like the TV satellite dish and the
satellite TV receiver is free. And depending on the marketing
promotions the two major providers have, you may also find that you get
the high definition version of the satellite Dish Network or the
Directv Tivo for free as well. The holidays are the best times to hook
up with one of those sweet deals.
The free part ends with the equipment in many cases. The programming
and other services will cost money. For instance, with Directv, you
have to pay a deposit, depending on what your credit rating holds.
However, that is refunded to you or applied towards the programming
package you choose, whether it is a basic Family package or the
programming package with all the movie channels included.
With the Dish Network, there is usually a charge for activation.
However, as with Direct TV, it is credited towards your desired
programming package. Even though Dish Network may have less programming
choices for the sports fanatic, they more than make up for it with a
free digital recording or high definition satellite TV receiver. They
even have a larger, overall selection of HDTV programming.
Directv HDTV receivers cost extra as does the Directv Tivo option,
unless of course, you hit upon one of those infrequent marketing
promotions offering the option for free, as mentioned previously. With
Direct TV, they offer more for the sports fan as far as play-off
programming package deals. And music lovers can enjoy over twenty music
channels alone!
The bottom line is that the word free basically means the same with
both major satellite TV providers - the Dish Network and Direct TV. You
have got to research the promotions they both have to offer as well as
their programming packages. Just remember, free is a four letter word,
one that is spoken, well freely, in the satellite TV market. Ask your
questions, read the fine print and find out exactly what their 'free'
means to you and your pocketbook.
