Jun 17 2009
Satellite Television Service - Digital Satellite TV Purchasing Guide
Before you shop for satellite television service, there are a couple key factors that could save you time, and a whole lot of money. If you are looking for the best satellite TV
service deal, you could narrow your search down to only two providers which are DirecTV and Dish Network.
I know there are many satellite TV retailers you could shop from online, but one thing many people tend to overlook is the fact that direct deals of either Dish Network or DirecTV would always be the same, while special incentives or promotional offers may vary between retailers.
You could think of DirecTV or Dish Network as satellite TV service providers, while those companies who sell Dish Network and DirecTV as satellite TV retailers. Not many
retailers offer additional satellite TV deals other than what is offered by the satellite providers themselves.
Unless you are looking for an extra freebie offered by a retailer, that isn’t offered by Dish Network or DirecTV, you are pretty much wasting your time. Only a couple of
satellite TV retailers offer such extras like a free iPod or home theater system. These days, those additional offers are rare.
The main thing to keep in mind when shopping for satellite TV is the bottom line package deal and promotions offered directly from the source or satellite television
provider. Promotional offers for satellite TV are nice, but you may prefer to consider the cost of service after the promotional period is up.
The cheapest satellite TV service by far is Dish Network. Dish Network’s current promotional offer, which is subject to change at anytime, allows you to purchase a programming package for the price of the next lowest package price for ten months, and packages like America’s top 60 only go up ten dollars after the promotion.
DirecTV’s cheapest programming package is more than double the price of Dish Network’s America’s top 60 at the promotional rate, and about fifteen dollars more at regular price, but also offers more than double the channels. Adding more channels to your lineup tends to be slightly cheaper with Dish Network too.
Another factor to consider when ordering satellite TV service is the hardware or satellite TV equipment. While both DirecTV and Dish Network offer free DVR and HDTV
receiver upgrades, most Dish Network retailers bring the equipment with them at the scheduled installation time, while most DirecTV retailers ship the equipment and the
installer shows up later.
Some DirecTV retailers offer free shipping after a mail-in rebate, but Dish Network retailers frequently have no shipping charge at all. Ordering from DirecTV could sometimes lead to shipping fees and possible complications during installation, which most Dish Network retailers seem to avoid by bringing the equipment with them.
You would need to have good credit to acquire free receivers from both DirecTV and Dish Network; However those with bad credit can still acquire satellite television service with Dish Network by paying 150 dollars for a receiver which powers two rooms or 200 dollars for two satellite TV receivers which is normally refunded in increments of 5 dollars.
Both Dish Network and DirecTV offer local channels for an additional 3 to 5 dollars plus pay per view or premium movie packages as add ons to your basic satellite TV programming package. While HDTV receivers are furnished by both companies as a free upgrade, both charge extra for HD programming.
In closing, just remember there is no difference in satellite TV deals from the providers themselves, only the retailers. Save yourself some time and a headache by checking
out what the Dish Network and DirecTV bottom line deals are, then go ahead and look for extra freebies from other satellite TV retailers.
