You've seen the online and offline ads -- "Free satellite TV!" "Get a
4-room Satellite TV System Free!" and "Satellite TV Dish and Receivers
Absolutely Free!"
But is satellite TV really free?
The answer to that question is yes ... and no.
Yes, the equipment you get -- the satellite TV dish and satellite TV
receiver -- is free. But no, the programming service will cost you
money.
Let's examine the facts.
Due to the demise of Pegasus and Voom, there are only two major satellite TV providers in the USA -- DISH Network and DIRECTV.
DISH Network Satellite TV Service
When you order a free satellite TV system from DISH Network, you will
be asked to pay a $49.99 activation fee. This fee will be credited to
your programming bill, so in essence, your satellite TV system is free.
Installation of your satellite TV system is also free.
With DISH Network you have the option to upgrade to a DVR (digital
video recording) receiver, or an HDTV (high definition TV) receiver at
no charge.
DISH Network programming starts at $31.99 per month for 60 program
channels, and goes up to $86.00 for 230 channels including Showtime,
Starz!, HBO, Cinemax, and Sirius radio.
DISH Network offers more movies, shows, and HDTV than cable or DIRECTV,
and with one of their free DVR receivers you can record, pause, and
fast forward live TV with a click of your remote. All DISH Network
programs are broadcast in digital format for crystal-clear picture and
sound.
DIRECTV Satellite TV Service
Depending on your credit rating, when you order a free satellite TV
system from DIRECTV you may be required to pay a deposit or prepayment.
Because the deposit is refunded to you and the prepayment goes toward
your programming fees, the DIRECTV satellite dish and receivers are
free. Installation is also free.
If you want a DVR receiver you will be charged an additional $49.99. The charge for HDTV receivers is $299.99.
DIRECTV programming packages start at $41.99 per month for 115 channels
(including 31 music channels), and go up to $93.99 per month for 185
program channels, including Showtime, Starz!, HBO, Cinemax, and 31
music channels.
DIRECTV offers more sports programs than you can get with cable or DISH
Network, including the popular NFL Sunday Ticket, and is broadcast in
all-digital format.
The Bottom Line
Both DISH Network and DIRECTV's basic satellite TV dishes and receivers
are free ... but the service will cost you anywhere from $32 to $94 a
month.
So if you watch just a few television programs a week and have access
to over-the-air TV, or if you have cable TV and are happy with your
service, then satellite TV probably isn't for you.
If, on the other hand, TV is one of your primary forms of entertainment
and you want the biggest variety of shows, movies, sports, and new --
or if your cable bill is beginning to equal your mortgage payment --
then satellite TV may be just the ticket.
