If you’re looking into satellite TV for your business, then you’ll need an overview of the service. There are multiple providers of satellite television and besides the service, suppliers will retail various pieces of equipment needed for broadcasting.

Within the United States, the two top providers of satellite TV services include Dish Network and DirecTV. Both companies not only offer residential and commercial service, but also retail receivers and dishes to enable the broadcast of their channel line up.

1. Determine the satellite TV systems available within your location. Service options may differ depending on your physical location.

2. Look around for satellite TV offers. Many companies will offer promotions to new subscribers, including free equipment when you sign an annual contract.

3. Contact satellite TV companies. Look over channel listings and subscription packages. Receive a bottom line quote in order to choose the satellite TV service provider you want for your company.

Action Steps
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Find satellite TV providers in your area

You should first look at the top service providers in order to see if they offer subscription packages to residents in your area. Besides Dish Network and DirecTV, many potential buyers will also look at Star Choice as a possible satellite TV provider.

I recommend: Get an overview of packages offered by Dish Network on their company website. The satellite television provider also has a prepaid program that allows buyers to not enter into an annual contract. Look at the channel line up and costs offered by Star Choice and DirecTV as well.

Compare satellite TV systems

Use side by side comparisons to determine what channels and prices, each company can offer. Besides basic channels, each company will also have different movie packages that subscribers can choose. Each movie package will include a set number of movie channels and subscription rate.

I recommend: On MyRatePlan, you can make side by side comparisons between DirecTV and Dish Network. You can also look at current promotions available through the companies. On Satellite TV HQ, you can not only compare companies, but also learn the basics of how satellite television works.

Purchase the equipment for satellite television services

In order for satellite TV to operate, you're going to need certain pieces of equipment. Besides satellite TV basics, you will also need a technician to install the cables to hook up service. Some satellite TV system providers will offer free installation to new users.

I recommend: The Satellite Shop retails everything you can need to start viewing satellite television broadcasts. Inventory includes installation packages, receivers, dishes, cables, mounts and antennas. Best Buy Satellites also allows you to order receivers, HD receivers, DVRs and more.

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Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  HD channels will also pay a part in your buying decision when considering satellite TV service. Each company will have different channels broadcast in high definition. Subscribers will need a high definition receiver and television in order to view these channels.

Want satellite TV? Directv and Dish Network are the only satellite television providers competing to wrangle your subscription away from cable companies.

Technically known as direct broadcast satellite (DBS) providers, these companies offer a distinct advantage over cable and TV services offered by your telephone company.

1. Satellite TV providers offer more channels and high definition (HD) broadcasts than the competition.
2. Since there are no wires or cables running from the street to your house, they can be installed in many areas where there is no cable service.
3. They're portable. Satellite TV dishes can be installed on campers, trailers, trucks, recreational vehicles and boats.
4. Every channel is transmitted as a digital signal, giving you superior picture and sound.

Of course all is not perfect and there are a few disadvantages to satellite TV systems. A few of these include:

1. Satellite television providers don't offer real on-demand services.
2. Severe weather can result in loss of signal, because heavy cloud cover is blocking transmission from the DBS provider's satellites.
3. Your "local" stations may not be really local. For example, subscribers in Fairfield County in Connecticut receive New York City local broadcasts.

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Compare satellite television services

Directv and Dish Network offer different programming packages. The basic services are the same, but there are distinct differences when you get to premium and high definition packages. Dish Network has merged with the old Zoom high definition TV service and offers those stations in place of many national HD broadcasts.

I recommend: Checkout the services offered from Directv and Dish Network.

Compare prices on satellite TV service

There's a big difference in what the two major satellite TV providers charge for different services and packages.

I recommend: Compare how much Directv and Dish charge for basic and premium packages.

Look for extra charges from satellite TV companies

Both satellite TV providers charge extra for set-top boxes, DVRs and other hardware, although there may be a new customer deal where you can get some of these free.

I recommend: Compare how much Directv and Dish Network charge for extra set-top boxes, HD boxes and DVRs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Order everything you need when you place your initial call for installation of either satellite TV service, or you could end up paying more for them later.
• •  Be home when the service person arrives to install your satellite tv service. He will have questions as to the location of TVs, set-top boxes and possibly the location of the satellite dish.
• •  Make sure everything is installed to your satisfaction and working properly before the service person leaves. The satellite TV company may charge extra to come back to fix problems.
• •  Don't cancel your cable or other television service until your satellite TV system is installed and working properly.

One of the first steps of securing satellite television for your company involves looking at the pricing and cost of satellite TV. Potential subscribers will want to get the package and equipment that includes the most channels at the lowest monthly price.

Pricing satellite TV systems involves looking at three factors: equipment, installation and subscriptions. Top satellite TV providers will have different offers available to new subscribers throughout the year.

1. Compare providers of satellite TV services. In the United States, most buyers select either DirecTV or Dish Network as their satellite TV company.

2. Check out current offers from satellite TV companies. New users may get free equipment, installation or a low introductory subscription rate.

3. Purchase low cost satellite TV receivers, mounts and dishes. You can also consider saving by opting for used and refurbished satellite television equipment.

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Work out costs of satellite TV service

Potential buyers will want to look at everything involved with satellite TV service in order to get an idea on how to better price it out. You can also look at comparison sites to see breakdowns of costs from satellite TV companies.

I recommend: The Satellite TV Guide helps you make a price comparison between major providers of satellite TV, including Dish Network, DirecTV and Sky Angel as well as giving you information on the different pieces of equipment that you need for service. The Satellite TV Guru’s Buying Guide can also help determine everything you need for a system while it compares pricing and packages between providers.

Look at subscription packages from satellite TV providers

One of the main costs involved with satellite TV involves how much a company charges per month to view their broadcasts. Prices differ depending on the subscription package you choose and the movie and specialty channels included in that package. Most packages will start as low as $40 per month.

I recommend: Get an overview of packages, ranging from about $30 to $100, offered by Dish Network on their company website. The satellite television provider also has a prepaid program that allows buyers to not enter into an annual contract. Look at the channel line up and costs (packages range from about $30 to around $105) offered by DirecTV as well, along with their current promotions.

Purchase the equipment for satellite television services

On the most basic level, subscribers will need a receiver and satellite dish to receive satellite television as well as the cables, mounts and tools needed for installation. Users can choose either to install the satellite TV system on their own or hire a technician to do it. You can usually get a complete system, one dish and one receiver, for under $200. Some satellite TV system providers will offer free installation to new users.

I recommend: The Satellite Shop retails everything you can need to start viewing satellite television broadcasts. Inventory includes installation packages, receivers, dishes, cables, mounts and antennas. To install, you'll need a mount, bracket, grounding hardware and installation hardware. Each piece of equipment will cost between $3 to $25. The Satellite Mart also allows you to order receivers, HD receivers, DVRs and more. Most dishes and receivers cost less than $100 on the site.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  After a promotional period, subscription prices may change for your satellite TV system. This price change usually occurs at the end of a six or twelve month time frame dictated in your contract.

Satellite T.V. is popular in homes and businesses around the world. Satellite technology makes this medium available everywhere, even in rural areas. All you need is a satellite dish and an unobstructed view from the dish to the satellite. Satellite T.V. offerings are vast, with everything from mainstream television networks to specialized niche channels. When it comes to satellite T.V., there are certain key terms you should understand when selecting your provider and plan.

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Programming

All of the channels available through satellite make up satellite programming offerings. All of the major satellite dish providers offer programming packages so viewers can pick channels that closely fit their interests.

I recommend: HowStuffWorks explains the ins and outs of satellite television programming. You can see programming packages at the DISH Network website.

Local channels

Local channels include your local CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX and PBS stations, as well as other stations in your area.

I recommend: DIRECTV explains the programming available on local channels and lists the markets where local channels are available through satellite TV.

Premium channels

Premium channels are available through satellite and cable. These channels offer movies, sports and other specialty programming at a higher price than other programming packages.

I recommend: View the premium channels offered by DISH Network. You can also see some of the most common premium channels on the Optimum website.

Pay Per View (PPV), Video On Demand (VOD)

Pay Per View and Video On Demand work in similar ways. With both features, you can select a program to watch that's not on the regular schedule. Pay Per View costs money; Video On Demand is usually included in the subscriber's programming package or with a premium channel.

I recommend: The Pay-Per-View through DISH Network includes movies, sports and special events. Sky Angel offers family-friendly VOD.

DVR

DVR stands for digital video recording. It's a way to digitally record programs that are on T.V. so you can pause, rewind and fast forward live television, or you can save them to watch at a different time.

I recommend: The Tech Terms Dictionary explains how a DVR works. DIRECTV DVR Features explains what you can do with a DVR and satellite T.V. programming.

High definition, HDTV

HDTV, also known as high definition, is the newest wave in television technology. Instead of a standard definition screen, which has an aspect ratio of 4x3, viewers can enjoy high definition programming on a widescreen that has a 16x9 aspect ratio.

I recommend: Electronic Pictures Corporation devotes a page of its website to explaining HDTV. The DIRECTV HD Overview features HD programming on satellite TV.