Satellite TV Information Guide

Are you looking to upgrade from free over-the-air television and add a paid service? What about making a change from cable to Satellite? Are you interested in switching but don't know if it is a good idea or what providers are the best?

If you answered yes to all or any of these questions then you have found the right place. Below you will find our Satellite TV Information section with links to all sorts of various information to help you decide whether it is for you and if so what companies to consider. Satellite TV isn't as complicated as some other choices you will have to make though, since there are only two major providers within the U.S., Dish Network and DirecTV. Before getting to the links it's important to start with a little intro on Satellite TV.
Satellite TV has seen a lot of technological advances over the past few years and as a result the number of subscribers has risen significantly. In a lot of ways satellite and cable are similar but there are also differences that give each one its own advantages. Some advantages of satellite include price, availability, better picture and sound quality, more programming options, and often more HDTV options. Some disadvantages  as compared with cable include less access to local programming, more equipment needed, more complicated installation, and a greater potential for signal interference.

One of the major advantages discussed above is the lower price. The cost for it is between $25-$30 for 100 channels while the average price for a comparable digital cable program is around $50. Besides being cheaper satellite television also provides a better picture and better sound quality because it is all digital while some cable is still being broadcast in analog. It also allows for a consistent set of programming and features no matter where you live in the country since it is all satellite based. In rural areas cable companies often are not able to offer great HDTV lineups, such as where I live, we only get about 15 HDTV channels through Time Warner.

One of the disadvantages of is a lack of local programming. It does provide access to local channels but getting them often requires an extra fee. It also requires a more complicated dish installation process and more equipment. This use to be more of an issue in the past but these days you can get most of the equipment and installation done for free by signing a service contract. Finally, it the potential to go out during bad weather. Technology has limited this greatly but there is still a risk that you will lose your TV during a strong storm while there is virtually no chance of this happening with cable as long as your power doesn't go out.

The two major providers are always  in a fierce battle for market share. You should use this to your advantage when looking to signup. Both companies generally require a two year contract when offering specials. These specials are great though because they allow you to get your first year for as much half often.

If you are considering getting satellite we highly recommend that you check out our guide below and consider your options carefully. As with any decision that requires a two year commitment, you better do you due diligence before committing. Also, feel free to leave comments below if you have any questions or suggestions on more information that we can provide to help you and others make their decision easier.

Satellite vs. Cable Comparison Chart

DirecTV vs. Dish Network Comparison Chart

DirecTV Satellite TV Review

Dish Network Satellite TV Review

Digital TV And HDTV Antenna Information Guide

Are you looking for a digital TV antenna or HDTV antenna since the digital transition? Do you need information about the different types of antennas, which brands are the best, which antenna retailers are the best, and tips about installation?

If you answered yes to any of these questions then you have found the right place. Below you will find several links to our antenna guide section that will provide you with the information that you are looking for. Before seeing our guides we suggest you read below and educate yourself on digital TV and why antennas are so important.

With the recent digital transition the demand for antennas of all kinds has been very high. People have their old rabbit ear antennas that worked with analog but for digital purposes you need something more powerful. Many people purchased converter boxes and are now realizing that these alone are not enough and that without a good digital antenna they are not going to get all of the channels that they should. Digital television signals work a lot like cell signals and often buildings and walls block signals to a large degree. If you are having trouble getting all of the channels then getting an antenna of some sort should go a long way in helping you to recapture some if not all of the missing channels. For some a standard digital antenna will not do the trick and you may be required to get a rooftop antenna or an amplifier of some sort. There have been reports from those that got high power antennas that they were actually able to pick up a bunch of extra free channels. In some ways digital TV may seem like a pain but really it truly is allowing people much better viewing options in the long run, the issues is about being informed and getting to that point where you are setup well.

The nature of digital TV is simply that it's an all or nothing deal. There is no in between like analog TV where you get channels but they are static filled. Some to the point where you are unable to make out what is happening or being said, others just enough static to bother you but you can still enjoy a show and see what is happening. With digital you either get a crisp clear picture or you get nothing at all. That's why an antenna is a must and not an option, there's no option to watch a channel with static or pay for an antenna to make the reception better. You are either in range and get the channel or you don't. Channels can indeed cut out where you get it for a few minutes then not at all for a bit then get it again. But when you're not getting it your getting nothing, not minor interference.

Most of the antennas that we have reviewed will work with all TVs but not all antennas will work with each persons location. There are a bunch of different options regarding antenna strength and how far it can pull signals in from. Some work better in cities while others are made for rural areas. You can also find ones that come with internal amplifiers and ones that do not. You also want to be sure to get one that works with either the UHF or VHF signals you need and HDTV if you want that feature.

There are many different types of antennas and the purchase process can be quite confusing. We highly recommend that you read through our guide below and visit other websites related to antennas in order be sure to educate yourself on exactly what you want/need. If you don't do this you may end up doing several returns or spending extra money on something that you don't need.

If you have questions about the information that we have provided please leave us a comment and we will do our best to get you an answer.

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Antenna Installation Tips

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