Are you in the market for satellite television entertainment? The two biggest American Satellite TV providers are DirecTV and Dish Network. DirecTV currently has the biggest chunk of the market but we will deal with Dish Network in this article because Dish Network is currently providing better value for money.
Dish Network® (Nasdaq:DISH) has more than 13 million satellite TV customers (April 2009 estimate) and is the second largest provider of advanced digital TV services in the US. DISH Network’s services include hundreds of audio and video channels, DISH On Demand, Pay-Per-View, Interactive TV, HDTV, sports and International programming. They also have free Satellite TV Installation and 24-hour customer service. DISH Network is a Fortune 500 company so it is likely to be around in future.
Dish Network service is available all over the US including Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Alaska. Outside the continental United States a larger satellite dish will normally be required to receive a clear signal. The size of the dish may range from 24-inches to a 1.5 meter dish depending on the area.
Dish Network has a large number of packages matching all kinds of TV viewing requirements. Some examples are:
Standard-Definition Packages:
DishFamily: Over 50 channels of low-priced, family-friendly programming.
Classic Bronze 100: Over 100 channels
Classic Bronze 100+: Over 100 channels. Including Local Channels plus Regional Sports Network(s)
Classic Silver 200: Over 200 channels
DishDVR Advantage: Most popular package! Over 200 channels including SIRIUS music and local channels.
Classic Gold 250: Over 250 channels
America’s Everything Pak: Best value
High-Definition Packages:
TurboHD Bronze: Over 50 channels
TurboHD Silver: Over 60 channels
TurboHD Gold: Over 65 channels
Available Ad-ons: HD local channels, PlatinumHD, DishDVR Advantage
Spanish Programming (Dish Latino):
DishMexico: 55 channels
DishLatino Clasico: 65 channels
DishLatino Plus: 75 channels
DishLatino Dos: Over 200 channels
DishLatino Max: Over 230 channels
Available Ad-ons: HD Essentials, HD Ultimate
International Programming: Over 150 channels in 28 languages
Dish Network offers free Professional Installation by qualified technicians and can be installed within 24 hours. You have the choice of getting up to 4 rooms connected at no extra charge. A DVR box will be installed in each room if you desire, allowing different channels to be viewed simultaneously in different rooms.
Dish Network Pay-Per-View offers movies and events in HD. In order to view high definition programs, you must have an HD TV in addition to an high definition capable satellite receiver box and a DISH 500 antenna. Pay-Per-View movies can be ordered by following means: On the internet, Telephone Automated System, Customer Service and Mobile Service.
The most favorite way to order Pay–Per–View movies and events is ordering online. You do not have to call in like while using Telephone Automated System but it works precisely the same otherwise. The movie or event that you order will be broadcast to all satellite receivers in your house.
For customers who are unable to have their satellite receiver regularly hooked to a telephone line, but do not move around, the Telephone Automated System is best option. With this option, there is an additional charge per transaction which is added on to your bill.
If you call Customer Support Center and speak to a consultant then they can order a Pay–Per–View for you. There is an extra charge for ordering a Pay–Per–View (sports packages are excluded) through a representative.
Mobile Service is for folks on the go, such as truck drivers and RV owners. You get smart card that can be used to order a maximum of nine movies. Once your smart card fills up you will need to connect your digital receiver box to a phone line in order to erase the purchases. This service is only available on one receiver per account and incurs a yearly cost (not available monthly).
The short description outlined above should enable you to select a package with ad-ons in order to satisfy your viewing needs.
