There are a large number of TV receivers on the market today that are vastly different from the standard TV antenna receiver or the rabbit ears of yesteryear. From digital antennas to satellite receivers and computer TV cards, you are sure to find TV receivers that are exactly what you need for your business.

Whatever TV receivers you choose for your business, they should meet your requirements. Depending on the type you choose, you may purchase the TV receivers or lease them on a monthly or yearly plan. Like all technology products, TV receivers see updates and improvements all the time. You’re never able to always have the best product on hand at all times.

As you prepare to purchase TV receivers, keep the following in mind:

1. Determine how many TV receivers you need and what you want them to do.

2. Set the budget you’re willing to spend for TV receivers, leases and upgrades.

3. Purchase the best models you can find for the money you’re willing to spend.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find basic TV receivers

More and more TV receivers offer a variety of connections and programs you may not need. It is still possible to find basic TV receivers that use a satellite feed to pull down TV shows. Depending on the company you purchase the receiver from, you may or may not have to pay a lease fee. In some cases, you may find the receiver and lease fee are part of a package.

I recommend: MCM Electronics offers a basic DirecTV receiver along with an access card. The package does include a remote control to operate the unit. The price on the basic TV receiver at Best Buy includes the remote control. The receiver has one composite video, one stereo audio, one A/V, one S-video for output and one RF input. The monthly lease fee is an additional cost to the TV receiver package.

Lease high-definition TV receivers

Many of the TV networks and cable networks are going to HD programming to provide a high-quality picture. It also requires special televisions and special TV receivers. If you want your customers to enjoy top-quality television while they're in your establishment, this is a good choice for you.

I recommend: Circuit City offers TV receivers from DirecTV that meet high-definition quality standards. DISH Network, a subsidiary of Echo Star, is a TV receivers provider that specializes in satellite television. Its TV receivers list is quite extensive and you can get a package configured to your exact specifications. Many of its models have digital video recording (DVR) capabilities.

Buy TV receivers for your PC

You can convert TV signals and watch TV shows on your computer. Most PC TV receivers come with a small antenna to pick up local broadcast channels. Most PC TV receivers come with a remote control as well. Some PC TV receivers have DVR capabilities. These gadgets are handy for video presentations as well.

I recommend: Newegg.com offers TV receivers for your PC. You can also find sever models at Hauppauge Computer Works. Each offers a variety of special features. Whether you want a USB connection or a TV PCI card for your receiver, you can find it in its PC TV receivers directory. Hauppauge even offers a line of products for Macs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you choose TV receivers from a satellite system such as DISH Network or DirecTV, you must also install a dish-shaped antenna. The dish must have a clear view of the southern sky to pick up the TV signal. Inquire whether the dish is part of the TV receivers price or if it's a separate item. In many cases, the two are a package.