Sunday 6 December 2009

Introduction To Satellite TV Providers

By Mel Loewe

Using C band, KU band, and KA band digitalized frequencies, satellite TV providers are located throughout the world. The signals sent by geostationary satellites that orbit earth provide clear signals to almost every country and there are satellite receivers located in many areas where normal television viewing is not possible.

There are many similarities in the services that the providers give. They all provide numerous packages that are available at different rates on a monthly basis. Some of the providers require that a satellite dish and receiver be purchased while other provide the dish and receiver.

The type of provider and service that is selected will be based on a person's personal needs and requirements. The basic packages that are offered all contain a broad spectrum of programming from various countries around the world. In most cases, local channels that are not broadcast via the satellite require an additional charge to be added to a basic package.

A person who wants to watch one genre of programs such as sports, will find that some providers offer packages that are only sports related. These packages are more affordable than the basic package which include up to 50 movie channels.

The same controls, features, and functions are available through all of the providers. Parents are able to restrict the viewing channels of their children on each dish that they have in their home. When a person wants to record programs, the DVR is an additional charge through most of the providers.

There are many discounts and rebates available to provide incentives for people to get satellite. The discounts for monthly charges is usually for the first six months to a year of service. You will want to find out what the cost of the service will be after the discount has expired. Some of the providers offer free dish and receiver installation when the purchase of services is made while other require the purchase of equipment.

When contracting with a satellite provider it will be important to consider that the dish that is being installed on a home or apartment cannot be removed. It become part of the fixtures on the home and when you move a new system must be installed.

There is twenty four hour technical support and customer service available through all of the providers. Some providers have automated systems which reduce a person's ability to get immediate assistance. Finding out the length of time it will take to get a service person to your residence will be important before selecting a provider.

When the dish has been attached to the home it will provide information to the billing department of the provider. The dish receives all of the channels sent by the satellite and sends only those paid for by your subscription to your receiver. When pay-per-view is used, the dish transmits the fee to the billing department so that it is instantly added to your bill. The dish also provides the on-screen guide that you will use with your remote control.

Selecting packages based on genre or theme can save a person money when adding options to their basic package. An individual who does not watch broad spectrum programming will find that by reducing the types of programs that are received, the costs can be greatly reduced for the satellite programming.

When comparing satellite TV providers, you will want to find out what type of programming they offer. Some providers offer multiple channels, however most of the channels are duplicates that are showing in different time zones. By finding the most diversity at an affordable price you will be much happier with your satellite provider.

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