What is Satellite TV and how does it work?

Satellite television is a service that delivers television programs to the viewers by the use of communication satellites. It uses signals, instead of wired transmission, through satellite dishes. Satellite television providers usually provide an enhanced experience however with a lesser flexibility in terms of contracts. Although, Cable TV has been the norm for over a decade, satellite Television is cheaper and has its advantages.

Strengths

  • Accessibility

    Satellite TV is available and accessible in all areas

  • Annual Contracts

    Satellite TV providers offer annual contracts which provide customers with flexibility

  • Economical

    Satellite TV is relatively inexpensive as compared to alternatives

  • Superior quality

    Satellite TV offers customers with a more reliable and steady connection as compared to other connection types

  • Options

    Satellite TV offers customers more choices when it comes to plans and packag

Shortcomings

  • Contract options

    Satellite TV providers have lesser options available for customers in terms of contract options as compared to alternative connection types

  • Increasing price

    High tier plans with more channels mean higher costs for the customer

  • Signal distortion

    Satellite signals are vulnerable to distortion due to unfavorable weather conditions

  • Bundles

    There is a lack of bundled services when it comes to satellite TV as many of those providers do not provide all the basic services customers would expect in a bundle

  • Upfront payment

    There is usually an upfront payment required when it comes to satellite TV

Bottom Line Satellite television is definitely the better option in terms of costs. In addition, it can be installed almost anywhere! If you live away from Cable providers, it will definitely fit your requirement. It is a relatively good option, as long as you are okay with yearly contracts and if your location suffers from bad weather only occasionally.

How is Satellite TV different from Cable TV?

Installation

Cable TV would require a cable box and a cable line connected to your home. In most cases, you would get cable from the same internet service provider. Therefore, it would make installation fairly simple and can be done by yourself.

Satellite TV setup would normally take up more time and be technical. In terms of facing the dish the right way, connecting the needful appropriately, and ensuring the equipment is handled with care. Installation fee varies from provider to provider, however it can be waived if the contract length is long enough.

Reception

Cable TV tends to maintain reception at all times unless major wiring damage is done to the cabling to your home.

Satellite TV may get distorted reception due to a variety of factors such as inclement weather, dish being touched or moved, or sometimes even a flock of birds!

Channel Options

Satellite TV provides on average around 200+ channels on its most basic package. This channel count is the equivalent of the premium offerings of cable TV providers. Therefore, Satellite TV has the better value.

Cable TV has limited channels of international programming which are all US based. Satellite TV has a variety of options, any of which can be chosen. It’s therefore a popular choice amongst non-native Americans who can tune their dish according to their own language and will.

Satellite TV Providers

Dish Network Corporation is a U.S. television provider. Based in Meridian, Colorado, it is the owner of the direct-broadcast satellite provider Dish. As of November 2016, the company provided services to 13.7 million televisions and 580,000 broadband subscribers. In 2016, DISH Network was the fourth largest pay TV provider ranked by the number of subscribers in the U.S. Broadcasting services normally provided by cable and satellite TV companies or internet and digital TV providers, are normally known as Pay TV or subscription television. In 2014, an approximate of 66 percent households received pay TV. DISH Network along with DirecTV are also trying to stay relatively relevant with the introduction of streaming services – such as Netflix.

Why choose DISH Network?

  • Lowest priced

    DISH Network, amongst all other networks, has the lowest priced network on the market. In majority of the markets, savings can be great. The basic packages provide more channels in an inexpensive package

  • Flexibility

    DISH Network provides more packages to choose from, giving the consumer the opportunity and flexibility to fit the satellite in their budget. The new Hopper 3 DVR has 16 tuners, so everyone in a multi-TV family can watch what they want.

  • 4K content

    It offers 4K content (ultra high-definition quality) and the ability to play multiple sports games at once on a 4K TV. You also get access to YouTube and Netflix.

  • excellent DVR

    There are several options available with their excellent DVR which include parental control locks, on-screen caller ID, a program guide with easy access to programs, program-listing and information.

Considerations

  • Additional fee

    Once the consumer gets past the first tier of packages, the more complete packages and options that offer a lot more, channels generally cost slightly more than other providers. There is an additional fee for High-Definition (HD) and receivers. Since each TV in the household requires receiver, cost goes up substantially. Although all providers require the receivers, the cost differs for each. The usual charges are up to $10, however, the number of channels available in HD differ.

  • 2-year commitment

    DISH Network may require a 2-year commitment for the best prices

Should you get DISH Network?

DISH Network is, without a doubt, one of the cheapest options in the market. Although, there may be add-on costs, associated it is still relatively low priced. The distortion of signals is not widely reported. However, there may not be too many choices in terms of TV channels and that may be a drawback. For the best prices, a 2-year plan is also the best option. Ultimately, it depends on your requirements.

All Dish TV plans can be viewed here

DirecTV is an American direct broadcast satellite service provider based and is a subsidiary of AT&T. DirecTV’s satellite service transmits digital satellite television and audio to households in the United States. DirecTV Now greatly increased its subscriber numbers from 200 thousand at the end of 2016 to an approximate of 18 million in 2019. As of the first quarter of 2019, DirecTV had 18.69 million pay TV subscribers in the United States

Why choose DirecTV?

  • Free week long trial

    The service offers the promise of a free week-long trial, a large variety of channels which have a relatively huge traffic in a relatively inexpensive package.

  • Free 4K Apple TV

    The biggest selling point, perhaps, is the free 4K Apple TV. Although DirecTV requires you to repay for 3 months of its streaming service to obtain the setup box, it is, nonetheless, a great deal. Technically, Apple’s 5th Gen Apple TV with a storage of 32GB is priced at $180, however, by selecting DirecTV Now’s cheapest package at $35, you get the 4K Apple TV for just $105.

  • Standard parental control features

    In addition, DirecTV has standard parental control features in every subscription. This lets parents block specific channels, as well as unblock them later with a special code as per requirement. Also, It is possible to stop, pause, or rewind live TV if you have subscribed to DirecTV. Any interference will not mean you miss out on anything

Considerations

  • Signal Distortion

    DIRECTV does suffer from environmental conditions like heavy snow or rain, reception may get fuzzy, or disappear altogether.  These conditions are usually not often a problem, but may occur when you’re trapped indoors by a blizzard, which is extremely inconvenient.

  • Unreliability in streaming

    There is also unreliability in streaming – often giving streaming server message. The issue is related to the service and not related to the internet connection

Is DirecTV right for you?

There has been a steady decline in subscriber numbers which began in early 2017 due to the emergence of a number of streaming services such as Netflix. An approximate of 28% of surveyed U.S. and Canadian adults deemed satellite TV to be an essential service, thereby, pushing it close to the bottom of the list of priorities. Nonetheless, DirecTV is a great cost saving option with no compromise on TV channels. Although storms may cause a distortion in signals, the quality, otherwise, is premium. There are numerous packages available and a number of promotions. The support is also responsive in order to assist your queries. There has been a steady decline in subscriber numbers which began in early 2017 due to the emergence of a number of streaming services such as Netflix. An approximate of 28% of surveyed U.S. and Canadian adults deemed satellite TV to be an essential service, thereby, pushing it close to the bottom of the list of priorities below rental shows and movies, Amazon Prime Video and even cable TV. All DirecTV plans can be viewed here

All DirecTV plans can be viewed here

Frequently Asked Questions

Satellite TV delivers content to the viewers by the use of communication satellites. It uses signals, instead of wired transmission, through satellite dishes.

Prices for satellite TV vary based on which provider you choose. However, plans start from $59/month.

A satellite dish focuses on specific broadcast source. Satellite TV works by broadcasting signals from satellites to satellite dishes on the top of your house!

DirecTV offers a range of different satellite plans available for consumers. Plans start from $59.99*/month.

*for 12 months plus taxes & RSN fee w/24-mo. agmt& other qualifying AT&T svc (min. $30/mo. for new internet). Autopay& Paperless bill req’d. Prices higher in 2nd year.*w/ 24-mo. TV & 12-mo. Internet agmts & combined bill. Autopay & Paperless bill req’d. Pay $114.99/mo plus taxes until discounts start. Prices higher in 2nd year.* Incl Unlimited data allowance ($30 value) at no add’l charge. Prices accurate as of 7/20/2020. Service may not be available in your specific area.

The two prominent satellite TV providers are DIRECTV and DISH network.

Since no wiring is involved with satellite TV, you can get it anywhere! As long as you have an open space for the satellite dish to be placed, you can get a signal wherever you may be.

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