Cheap Satellite TV -- Who Has the Best Deals?

Cheap Satellite TV - Who Has the Best Deals?

Just a few years ago there was no such thing as a cheap satellite TV system. A decent system cost anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 for a satellite TV dish and the array of electronic boxes that came with it. Not only that, it cost hundreds of dollars to have a big-dish satellite TV system installed.

Today, because the satellite TV industry has become so competitive, dealers are giving away satellite TV systems to entice people to subscribe to their satellite TV service. Even the installation is free.

So when it comes to finding a cheap TV system, you're in luck. They're not just cheap, they're free.

Satellite TV Systems

Here’s what you get when you subscribe to either DISH Network or DIRECTV's satellite TV service:

* A free satellite TV dish and mounting stand.

* Up to four free satellite TV receivers plus universal remote controls.

* Free professional installation of your system in up to four rooms of your home.

* Free DVR (digital video recorder) receiver so you can record your favorite programs.

* Free HD (high definition) satellite TV receiver (optional) for high definition reception.

Note: DISH Network and DIRECTV offer bonus gifts such as a free DVD player and home theater system when you order their service. Click on the links below to see the latest offers.

Cheap Satellite TV Service

When it comes to satellite TV service, you can pay anywhere from $19.99 a month for 40 channels of programming, on up to $74.99 a month for 350 channels.

Both DISH Network or DIRECTV's satellite TV service includes the following:

* More than 250 program channels with digital-quality picture and sound.

* Up to 500 commercial-free movies per month.

* DVR service so you can bypass commercials and record your favorite programs.

* HD programming.

* Up to 60 pay-per-view programs per day.

* Your local channels with digital picture and sound.

* Satellite TV radio channels with all-digital sound.

* Toll-free and online customer service 24/7.

Note: DISH Network and DIRECTV offer special introductory programming rates for new customers. Click on the links below for current offers.

The Bottom Line

Getting the cheapest price for satellite TV depends on whether you want the cheapest service, or you want the cheapest price per channel.

DISH Network has the cheapest satellite TV service. Their starter package - Dish Family - gives you 40 channels of satellite TV programming, for $19.99 per month.

DISH Network's America's Top 120 package offers the cheapest price per channel at $0.13 per channel ($29.99 ÷ 230 channels). In addition to 230 program channels, you also get 60 Sirius satellite radio channels.

If television is your primary form of entertainment and you want a wide variety of shows, movies, sports, and news ... if you're tired of fuzzy reception and want digital-quality picture and sound ... if your cable bill is beginning to equal your mortgage payment -- then I think you'll find satellite TV is a real bargain.

Visit http://www.TheSatelliteTVGuide.com for more information on free satellite TV systems and service. Click on these links for ordering information and the latest special offers from DISH Network satellite TV or DIRECTV satellite TV.

The author, Brian Stevens, is the senior editor for TheSatelliteTVGuide.com and has written extensively on cheap satellite TV.