Confused about satellite TV? Here's a satellite TV FAQ that answers the most commonly asked questions about satellite TV.
As the owner of a satellite TV website I get asked a lot of questions,
so I decided to write a satellite TV FAQ (frequently asked questions)
article to answer the most commonly asked questions.
If you have questions I haven't answered in this satellite TV FAQ, you
can visit my website to get more satellite TV information by clicking
on one of the links below this article.
1. What is satellite TV and how does it work?
A satellite TV center broadcasts a TV signal to a satellite in the sky.
The satellite 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.
2. I've heard you can get satellite TV for free. Is this true?
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 a free
system.
3. Where can I get a satellite TV cost comparison?
Programming service from DISH Network starts at $31.99 a month, while
service from DIRECTV starts at $41.99 a month. You can get a complete
cost comparison between DIRECTV and DISH Network by clicking on the
links below.
4. Can I get my local channels on satellite TV?
You can get your local channels in most areas of the USA included at no
charge. In the few areas where you can't get local channels you can
hook up an antenna to your satellite TV receiver to get them.
5. Can I record my favorite programs with satellite TV?
You can record satellite TV programs with the DVR (digital video
recording) receiver you can get from your satellite TV dealer, or with
your VCR. Both DISH Network and DIRECTV offer free DVR receivers when
you order one of their program packages.
6. What's on satellite TV?
Satellite TV providers offer more than 250 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 on what's available,
click on the links below.
7.Can I get a satellite dish for TV and the Internet?
Yes, DIRECTV offers a satellite dish for TV and the Internet through DirecWay. Click on the links below for more information.
8. 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 usually get a satellite TV system installed in
your home within one to five days from the time your order your service.
9. Can I get satellite TV if I live in an apartment or condo?
Yes. Many apartment and condo residents install their satellite TV dish
on their balcony or patio. You can also install your satellite dish on
a movable stand if permanent mounting is not allowed.
10. Does satellite TV offer international programming?
DISH Network offers Armenian, Asian, Chinese, Farsi, French, German,
Greek, Israeli, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian,
South Asian, Spanish, Tagalog, and Urdu program channels.
DIRECTV offers Chinese, Filipino, Italian, South Asian, Spanish, and Vietnamese program channels.
11. Does satellite TV have parental locks?
DISH Network and DIRECTV offer parental locks to block your children from viewing programs you feel are unsuitable for them.
12. Can I get HDTV with satellite TV?
Yes. Both DISH Network and DIRECTV offer HD (high definition) TV. DISH
Network will give you two free HDTV receivers when you order their HDTV
programming. DIRECTV receivers cost $199 per receiver.
13. Does satellite TV have TiVo and DVR (digital video recording)?
DIRECTV offers DVR with TiVo service, while DISH Network offers DVR with Video-On-Demand which is similar to TiVo.
14. 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.
