As if things were not bad enough for the FOX News Network now due to the Israeli-Hezbollah war being fought in Southern Lebanon CNN has its ratings soaring like never before. CNN ratings are up nearly 400% since the fighting began 25 days before. It appears that the Arms Trade Business Industry is not the only industry, which makes big bucks off of the tragedy of war as humans slaughter their own kind?

One has to ask in all this one certain question and that is we know it is in the best interest of CNN that the war continue, with no cease-fires as it gives them over a month to talk about it. If further escalation erupts with Syria or Iran, well that is even better for the News Media, as it expands the entire pie or number of viewers as well as the those for record breaking CNN. So, now then isn’t it in CNNs best interest and its shareholders to further help escalate the sound and fury of mankind?

And too that point all this war signifying nothing that we already do not know; that is to say that mankind is a barbarian; it only stands to reason that CNN will report the most horrific scenes to further promote more war in a self-serving cycle of human violence. Interesting philosophical thought on war is it not?

Subscribing to a cable or satellite service can be quite costly lately. With most cable companies having a monopoly over their area they can charge pretty much any price they want. The only other choice is to go with a satellite company. This may allow you a keep it where ever you go but it is still very expensive especially if you want the extra movie, sports, and adult channels (until now).

This means bad news for most of the areas in the United States. As the these greedy cable companies control certain areas the communities people must suffer. If these poor innocent bystanders of corporate greed only knew about a closely guarded secret this would not happen. TV is something that most people just cannot live without, basically everybody in the world watches TV and I am sure they don't want just a few fuzzy channels. After all this is the nations favorite past time.

It almost seems that at times that there is just no other choice. You basically just have to give in and pay the outrageous prices that these companies charge for their services. That is exactly what they want you to think to. These companies simply exist to bully around the little guy. As I see it there are three choices to fight back.

The first thing people could try is to stand up against these greedy corporations is to simply quit paying them for their services. In stead they use something like what Satellite TV Pro offers. These kinds of services allow you to use your computer as your TV. You have to pay only one payment that is less than one month of service with your current provider and you will have access to over 2000 stations. These stations are the same ones that you get on satellites all over the USA and the rest of the world.

The second of these choices is to simply just quit watching TV. Now I know this may seem a little far fetched or even crazy but there are other things out there in the world. We could all go out camping or hiking or something like that. I know we could all go on cross country trips. We could spend an arm and a leg in gas and make the oil barons rich instead. Scratch that. This idea just does not seem to be feasible. I myself couldn't live without seeing the latest episode of Lost. But you will still be stuck paying a monthly fee over and over again.

The third thing we could try is to organize a national TV strike. If for one whole week everybody could just stop watching TV all together. Just unplug your nice big TV set and let it collect dust and put the remote in a safe place so it will be easy to find in one week. This option does seem like it would be fairly difficult though. It would be hard to get everybody to keep off the couch and away from the temptation sitting right there in front of them.

I could see TiVO sales going through the roof as everybody rushes to buy one so they don't miss a whole weeks worth of soaps or their favorite sitcom. This idea would work but it would be near impossible to get a very large quantity of people to follow through.

The service in the first option offers complete digital quality TV directly to your computer. From there you can either watch your favorite shows from the comfort of your office / computer room. If you felt like watching your favorite TV show on your television you can also simply hook your computer up to your television. Almost any computer bought in the last few years should have this feature.

These services not only make it cheap and easy to use they also make it so you can record your favorite programs directly to your hard drive. This is just like having a built in TiVO. In fact this could also be a great alternative to getting an additional TV set and receiver.

The only limitation on this kind of service is that you should have a broadband connection. Most of them say that you can use the software on even a dial up modem but I would not recommend it. It would however be worth just getting a broadband internet connection with all the money you are going to save. The picture and audio quality that you get with broadband is simply superior. I could only see using this on dial-up if you wanted to watch it while you did some offline work.

I believe that this will be the wave of the future. A lot of everyday people like you and me used to get there cards programmed to get free satellite TV service. This was and is now still very illegal to do. People have been thrown in jail and charged some very large fines for doing this. A service like what Satellite TV Pro offers is completely legal so I really can't see nothing stopping this from coming the next big thing. I can however see the prices going through the roof once everybody catches on.

Satellite TV Buyer's Guide

The following is a satellite TV buyer's guide that will show you how satellite TV works, the benefits of satellite TV, and where to get the best deal on satellite TV service.

What is satellite TV?

Satellite TV is a television system whereby satellite TV programming is sent from broadcast center to a satellite 22,000 miles above the earth. The signal is then sent back to earth where it is picked up by a satellite TV dish.

A satellite TV dish captures the signal and sends it to an LNB (low-noise block) converter and a receiver where the signal is amplified, decoded, then sent to a TV.

What are the benefits of satellite TV?

The benefits of satellite TV over cable and analog (over-the-air) TV are:

* Bigger variety - Satellite TV currently has over 350 channels of programming as opposed to a handful of channels on analog TV and an average of 179 channels on cable TV. With satellite TV you also get pay-per-view movies and special events, sports programming, commercial-free music channels, HD (high definition) programming, and a host of international channels.

* Better picture - Satellite television is broadcast in digital format so you get a clearer, more lifelike picture than you get with cable or analog TV. There are fewer blackouts than with cable TV, and there's no ghosting or snow like you get with analog TV.

* Cheaper fees - You can get satellite TV service for as little as $19.99. The satellite TV equipment - including a satellite dish, up to four receivers, and installation - is free. Cable fees average $39.99 per month, and installation can run up to $100 or more.

* Better service - DISH Network and DIRECTV have been ranked number one and number two in customer satisfaction among all satellite TV and cable companies by J.D. Power for the last five years. With DISH Network or DIRECTV you get toll-free telephone service or online customer service day and night, seven days a week.

How many satellite TV providers are there?

There are currently three providers for satellite TV:

DISH Network

The fastest-growing and highest rated provider, Dish Network offers four programming packages ranging in price from $19.99 for 40 channels, to $74.99 for 350 channels. DISH Network also offers local channels, pay-per-view movies and events, special sports packages, Sirius satellite radio stations, international channels, HD channels, and even a channel devoted exclusively to babies.

DIRECTV

The largest satellite TV provider, DIRECTV offers three TV packages ranging in price from $41.99 for 155 channels, to $96.99 for 250 channels. They also offer local channels, pay-per-view movies and events, sports packages, XM satellite radio stations, international channels, HD channels, and their exclusive NFL Sunday Ticket package.

Sky Angel

The third-largest satellite TV provider, Sky Angel offers Christian TV shows, special events, conferences, children's shows, inspirational programming, and Christian, radio programs. Their program package is $14.99 per month and includes 20 TV channels and 15 satellite radio channels.

Where can I get satellite TV service?

Due to the popularity of satellite TV, dealers have sprung up all over the place promising the best deals and the best service. But after you sign up for their service they may hit you with hidden service fees, provide you with shoddy installation, and offer zero customer service.

I've checked out a number of satellite TV dealers online and offline. The two dealers I recommend are Allsat (a DISH Network dealer) and Rapid Satellite (a DIRECTV dealer). Both dealers have installed thousands of satellite TV systems across the U.S., and are two of the most respected dealers in the industry. Their prices, reputation, and service are second to none.

The Freeview network has to be one of the major developments within modern TV. The network broadcasts 30 television stations and almost as much radio channels for free.

If you have recently bought a Freeview box or are encountering problems gaining a good signal on your set top box; in my experience most of the times this has been atrributed to a poor signal reception. A common gadget nowadays is the usb dvb-t dongle.

These little gadgets are great and are really good value for money. However a lot do not come supplied with an RF adaptor that is really necessary to help receive a good signal. The small aerial supplied is only really sufficent if you live close the where the satalitee is located or your reception is not interupted by trees, high buildings etc.

Using a signal booster is not actually recommended as all this will end up doing is booting the background noise. There is no substistue for a good out door aerial. I would only recommend the use of a signal booster if you are using a screened maste head.

Wideband aerials

You will need to buy a wideband aerial where the DTT signal is transmitted in a different UHF aerial group, form the existing analogue group. You only need one wideband aerial to access both digital and analogue television services.

The best type of cable you can actually use is the CT100. It is specfically designed for use with digital TV. The extra protrective layer will reduce the pitcure on the screen from freezing and avoid pixilation.

DISH Network currently offers five programming packages:

DishFAMILY

The DishFAMILY programming package is DISH Network's lowest priced package. This family-oriented package is $19.95 per month for 40 channels. Some of the channels in this package are:

Animal Planet, Biography Channel, Bloomberg Television, Boomerang, CNN Headline News, Discovery Kids, DIY, Food Network, FOX News Channel, Hallmark, Nickelodeon, Shop at Home, TBN, The Outdoor Channel, The Science Channel, and The Weather Channel.

America's Top 60

The America's Top 60 programming package is DISH Network's entry-level variety package. This package is $29.99 per month for 75 channels. Some of the channels included are:

ABC Family, Arts & Entertainment, CNN, Cartoon Network, CNBC, Comedy Central, Country Music Television, Court TV, Discovery Channel, Disney Channel, E! Entertainment Television, ESPN, Food Network, Healthy Living Channel, The History Channel, Holistic Television Network, Home & Garden Television, The Home Shopping Network, The Learning Channel, Lifetime, Men's Channel, MTV, Nickelodeon, QVC Shopping Network, The Sci-Fi Channel, The Travel Channel, TBS, and TV Games Network.

America's Top 120

The America's Top 120 package is DISH Network's most popular package. This package is *$29.99 per month for 230 channels, and includes all of the America's Top 60 channels plus:

AMC, Animal Planet, BBC America, Black Entertainment Television, Bravo, College Sports Television, Discovery Health, ESPN, FOX News Channel, FOX Sports Galavison, Game Show Network, Independent Film Channel, MSNBC, NFL Network, Soap Net, The Speed Channel, Sports Alternate, Sports, Telefutura, Disney, Turner Classic Movies, Women's Entertainment, WGN Superstation, plus 60 Sirius satellite radio channels.

* Note: This DISH Network programming package is $29.99 for the first ten months, then $39.99 thereafter.

America's Top 180

The America's Top 180 package is $39.99 per month for 318 channels, and includes all the America's Top 120 channels plus:

Biography, Bloomberg Television, Boomerang, CNBC World, Discovery Health, Discovery Home, Discovery Kids, Discovery Times Channel, Dish Music - 50's & 60's Hits, Dish Music - 70's, Hits, Dish Music - 80's Hits, Dish Music- All That Jazz, Dish Music - Beach, Party, Dish Music - Classic Soul, Dish Music - Country Music One, Encore, Fine Living, FOX Movie Channel, FOX Reality TV, The Golf Channel, GOL TV, Lifetime Movie Network, The Movie Channel, National Geographic Channel, The Outdoor Channel, VH1, Wisdom Television.

America's Everything Pak

The America's Everything Pak is DISH Network's top-of-the-line package. This package is $74.99 per month for 350 channels, and includes all the channels in the America's Top 180 package plus 31 movie channels from Showtime, Starz!, HBO and Cinemax. You also receive DISH Network HD (high definition) programming.

Additional Dish Network Satellite TV Programming

In addition to the above packages, DISH Network also offers HBO, Cinemax, Showtime, and Starz movie channel packages, plus sports packages, international channels, adult channels, HD TV programming channels, and more than 1,600 pay-per-view programs per month.

Local channels are $5 per month.

Are you thinking about getting Dish Network or another satellite TV provider but are unsure how a satellite dish works? Here's your answer.

The basic definition of a satellite dish is a system consisting of an antenna that is used to receive audio and video signals required by satellite TV systems like dish TV networks, for high quality broadcast channels, many of which are not available through cable TV companies.

The standard dish used by dish TV networks consists of a concave shaped “dish” with a small pole aimed at its center [extending to the focal length]. A controller sends the signal via the pole [feed horn] that emits the signal [wave] from the end of the pole onto the concave surface, which then reflects the waves in a narrow beam to a selected audience.

The other part of this system consists of a “receiving dish” which has a bowl shaped dish with a pole [feed horn] similar to that of the broadcasting antenna but works in the opposite manner. The beam, which is sent by the broadcasting antenna, is received by the dish FIRST and then reflected to the pole, which then interprets the wave and displays the signal as the various channels we see on TV.

The Dish network satellite system also provides multiple satellite transmitting so that the receiving end can receive signals from more than one satellite. After this, the beam is transmitted via the feed horn on the receiving end side to the low noise block-down center [LNB] which primarily amplifies the signal received and reduces noise disturbances (other radio signals) that have been picked up by the wave while passing through the system. Then, the “filtered” wave signal is passed into the TV receiver for viewing. To complete the connection, the TV receiver has a black box that is connected to the receiving dish set-up.

Dish Network is the best way to go if you are switching to satellite TV. The set-up for Dish Network satellite TV is very easy and there are no installation charges for the equipment required. With Dish Network, you will have absolutely no budget problems. With a provider like this, you will have the receiving satellite dish installed at your home quickly and easily.

Satellite dish receivers have to be mounted in a high place away from obstructions. The ideal place is on top of the roof or outside a second floor or higher window. If you live in an apartment or rented house, you may need to get permission in writing from your landlord and submit a copy to Dish Network before installation to avoid future problems.

Do you have more than one TV set at home? Not a problem! With Dish Network's digital tuner you will need only one satellite dish for ALL TV SETS! There is no loss in quality when more than one TV is connected to the satellite dish.

Contrary to the popular belief that bad weather and rain storms will be a problem in receiving signal from satellite, the truth is that it will hardly affect the powerful satellite system and, at the most, might have a lapse for just a few seconds.

Dish Network also offers HDTV programming that requires end user to have a High Definition Television Set to receive the HDTV program. In addition, it also offers a vast range of international channel packages like Dish Latino and the Great wall, which require an extra operating dish called the super dish, to which users must subscribe.

Satellite TV for Less

There's a war going on between the two major satellite TV providers - DISH Network and DIRECTV. They're offering hundreds of dollars worth of free satellite TV equipment, cheap programming, and even free gifts to get you to subscribe to their services.

Here's what they're giving away, and here's where to get the best deals on what they're not giving away ...

Free Satellite TV System

Both DISH Network and DIRECTV will give you all the equipment you need for satellite TV viewing - a satellite dish and up to four receivers - absolutely free.

They'll also give you a free DVR (digital video recorder) so you can record your favorite programs, or a free HD (high definition) receiver so you can watch your shows in high def format.

Installation of the entire system in up to four rooms of your home is also free, and your installer will even show you how to operate your system.

So what's the catch? In order to get a free satellite TV system from DISH Network or DIRECTV you have to subscribe to their programming service.

Best Satellite TV Programming Deals

DISH Network

DISH Network programming starts at $19.99 per month for their 40-channel DishFamily Pak, and goes up to $74.99 for their “Everything” Pak which has 350 channels.

DISH Network has the biggest variety of movies, music, international programs, HD programming, and pay-per-view movies and events of the two satellite TV providers.

DIRECTV

DIRECTV programming starts at $41.99 for their 155 channel Total Choice package, and goes up to $96.99 for their Total Choice Premier package which has 250 program channels.

DIRECTV offers the most sports programming of the two providers.

Freebies and Special Offers

DISH Network

DISH Network is currently offering three free months of their Starz Movie Pak, which includes seven movie channels, when you sign up for any of their program packages. In addition, one DISH Network retailer is offering a free DVD Home Theater System, a free MP3 Player, or a free DVD Player if you subscribe through them (click on the DISH Network link below for more information).

DIRECTV currently offers three different program packages:

Total Choice

Total Choice is DIRECTV's cheapest satellite TV program package. This entry-level variety package is $29.99 per month for 155 program channels. Some of the channels included in this package are:

A&E Network, ABC Family, American Movie Classics, Animal Planet, Black Entertainment Television, Bloomberg Television, Bravo, Cartoon Network, The Church Channel, CNBC, CNN, Comedy Central, Country Music Television, Court TV, Discovery Channel, Discovery Health Channel, Disney Channel, E! Entertainment Television, ESPN, Fine Living, Food Network, Fox News Channel, FX, G4 Videogame TV, Galavisión, Game Show Network, Hallmark Channel, Headline News, Home & Garden Television, Lifetime, MSNBC, MTV, National Geographic Channel, NFL Network, Nickelodeon, Outdoor Life Network, PBS, QVC, SCI FI Channel, Shop At Home, SOAPnet, Superstation WGN, TBS Superstation, The Church Channel, The History Channel, The Learning Channel, The Weather Channel, Travel Channel, plus 50 XM satellite radio channels.

Note: Total Choice programming is $29.99 for the first three months, then $41.99 thereafter.

Total Choice Plus

Total Choice Plus is DIRECTV's mid-size program package. This package is $41.99 per month for 185 program channels. It includes all the channels in the Total Choice package plus the following:

Boomerang, Discovery Home, Discovery Kids, Discovery Times Channel, DIY Network, Fuel TV, Great American Country, History International, Lifetime Real Women, Military Channel, Nicktoons Network, PBS Kids, The Biography Channel, The Golf Channel, The Science Channel, VH!, plus 67 XM radio channels.

Total Choice Premier

The Total Choice Premier package is DIRECTV's largest program package. This package is $96.99 per month for 250 channels. It includes all the channels in the Total Choice Plus package, plus the following:

HBO, HBO HD, HBO Signature, HBO Family, HBO2, Starz, Starz Edge, Starz InBlack, Encore, Starz Encore Action, Starz Encore Drama, Starz Encore Love, Starz Encore Mystery, Starz Encore Wam, Starz Encore Westerns, SHOWTIME , SHOWTIME HD, SHOWTIME TOO, SHOWTIME Showcase, SHOWTIME Extreme, The Movie Channel , FLIX, Sundance Channel, Cinemax, MoreMAX, Altitude Sports & Entertainment, Comcast, SportsNet (Chicago),, Comcast SportsNet (Mid-Atlantic), Comcast SportsNet (West), FSN ARIZONA, FSN BAY AREA, FSN CINCINNATI, FSN DETROIT, FSN FLORIDA, FSN MIDWEST, FSN NEW ENGLAND, FSN NEW YORK, FSN NORTH, FSN NORTHWEST, FSN OHIO, FSN PITTSBURGH, FSN ROCKY MOUNTAIN, FSN SOUTH, FSN SOUTHWEST, FSN WEST, Madison Square Garden, New England Sports Net, Sun Sports , YES Network, plus 67 XM radio stations.

Additional Packages

In addition to the above program packages, DIRECTV also offers HBO, Cinemax, Showtime, and Starz movie packages, plus sports packages (including NFL Sunday Ticket), international channels, adult channels, HDTV programming, and pay-per-view programs.

Video on Demand (VOD) systems are revolutionizing home television viewing for consumers. Such systems personalize the viewing experience by allowing users to create their own schedule of their favorite movies and programming, freeing them from schedules created by networks and channels. The most recent JD Power & Associates survey however, indicates that consumer use of VOD has not yet reached its current capacity, as only 21% of viewers indicated that they had ordered a VOD service in 2005. Lack of awareness about the benefits and availability of Video on Demand and perhaps consumer comfort with the concept are possible factors in the limited use of this technology.

Video on Demand systems can be offered via "streaming" or download to a digital video recorder. Streaming takes up a tremendous amount of bandwidth and is most often used by cable companies. Downloading to DVR is more commonly offered via satellite television. Both systems allow users to choose when to watch selected programming so that a racing fan in Illinois for instance, doesn't have to get up at 4:00 a.m. to view a race being broadcast from Japan.

A digital video recorder (DVR) may also be referred to as personal video recorder (PVR). These devices encode video data in MPEG format and store the data on hard drive. A digital video recorder offers a number of advantages to the consumer giving them greater control over their television viewing. First and foremost, it allows users to record live TV shows to hard disk in digital format; no tapes required. The DVR offered by Dish Network, for instance has a 120 gigabyte hard drive capable of recording 100 hours of programming in digital quality. It allows users to tape shows/movies even while watching another pre-recorded show. Recorded content of course, can be copied onto videotape or DVD for archiving if desired. Other features include the ability to pause, rewind, and fast forward live TV programming. The Dish Network DVR allows the viewer to skip commercials by selecting a 30 second "skip" option or to instantly replay scenes by selecting a 10 second "skip back" option. In addition, the DVR gives viewers an on screen program guide complete with program descriptions, times, and titles. DVR equipment is approximately the size of a VHS recorder and prices average from $450-$750 although some cable and satellite companies offer the equipment at no additional charge when initiating services. The Dish Network service, for instance, offers their DVR free with their programming packages and offer the DVR/VOD type service free with their America's Everything Package. Other Dish Network packages offer the DVR/VOD service for $5.98 per month.

Clearly the necessary technology and equipment for video on demand is readily available in the US and the benefits for home viewers seem impressive, however, are all viewers ready for this service? Perhaps not quite yet for some but that is expected to change quickly. For younger consumers who grew up playing videogames and attaching mobile devices to their bodies, the concept of pushing buttons and taking control over their entertainment, their interactions, and so forth is an expectation not just an option. As all Americans become more technologically savvy VOD services will begin to realize their full potential.

Satellite television is already delivered at a very high quality from the digital broadcasts they deliver but the addition of high definition, or HD, takes the quality of the image to the optimum level.

The detail is so good that you might be very surprised to see what the major movie stars actually look like when seen in this light. The definition shows up every little blemish. It can be compared with a person who has had impaired vision for some time and then starts looking through a new pair of spectacles.

Combined with the best quality sound from the Dolby Digital 5.1 channel you can be assured you are getting the ultimate entertainment package with spectacular images and surround sound that is second to none.

This is a viewing experience that is light years away from the old analog televisions and is the cutting edge of today’s technology.

This is the same technology that delivers digital programming from the satellite to your television in the same manner as DVD passes its signal to your television.

The leader in this type of technology is Dish Network. They have made it easy for people to upgrade to the HD satellite television with the aid of an antenna pointed at the Dish Network satellite and a receiver that transmits the information to a HD compatible television.

There is a minimal amount of equipment required to start viewing HD satellite television and with this you will have access to all of the Dish Networks HD programming.

This allows you to view images have ten times the number of pixels of the old style broadcast televisions. These additional pixels work on the same principles as the mega pixel digital cameras by delivering a sharper image with better colors.

Digital sound is also delivered at a higher level than the sound that was available in the older style televisions.

Another benefit of using the Dish Network HD programs is the fact that they are delivered in wide screen format with no image reduction in the middle of the screen as can be experienced with the smaller formats.

This is viewing as the directors of the movies have planned and this format applies to everything from your favorite movies to sports, news and other forms on screen entertainment.

A Freeview recorder is actually a means to store the actual signal received from the Freeview box. The signal is actually broadcast in digital, so the data playback is very clear, unlike the quality normally associated with a video player.

Enable to record your favourite TV shows, you will need to buy a Freeview set top box that comes complete with a hard drive built in. This is actually readily available. A 160GB hard drive will allow over 100 hours recording so should be more than sufficient for most peoples needs. This technology is commonly referred to as digital video recorder, abbreviated to (DVR).

The great thing about a (DVR) is you do not need to worry about extra storage and the unit can easily be used as an archive system. Also, not forgetting that the recording itself will not decay overtime.

A Freeview recorder with a twin tuner will allow you to record one channel whilst at the same time watch another channel. Also worth looking into is an option called 'series link', this allows you to record your favourite TV show in sequence, without the need to set your Freeview recorder each time to do so.

The Freeview service also allows you to pay for subscription channels. The service is called 'top up tv' and is definitely worth looking into, if you would like to from time to time take advantage of sporting events, movies etc.

A couple of weeks ago I purchased a Freeview set top box. It is a really handy little device, that allows you to receive the complete range of Freeview services, that includes 30 odd channels and almost as much radio channels. The key thing here is, there are no subscriptions costs, i.e, it is FREE!!!! Although, you should already have a TV license, as the Freeview set top box allows you to pick up BB3 etc, which most hopes have anyway.

I am writing this article to hopefully educate you with your purchase. For the record, you can easily pick up a quite adequate Freeview box from most retailers for around £30. However, some companies, like Sony and Humax have some really net kit, allowing you to pause and record live tv, similar to the functionality provided by Skyplus. The Humax PVR-9200T also has a duel receiver, which basically means you can record one channel while viewing another.

Please do make sure your TV set comes complete with a SCART adaptor, otherwise you will need to but a Freeview box with an inbuilt modulator, allowing you to view the signal through the tv aerial. This is definitely the right time to buy a Freeview set top box, as more and more channels will be joining the Freeview network.

For example, this autumn will see Five US and Five life added to the existing channels. Five US will be launched as a "peak-time channel" and is expected to broadcast shows from the USA, including CSI and Everybody hates Chris. Five life will be aimed at the younger audience, and will feature an extended version of the popular 'milkshake' program.

I actually bought my Freeview console from a the Internet and in the process saved 15% of the RRP. There are many online shopping sites worth looking into, and please don't worry about buying off the Internet, as it is actually very safe!

Satellite and cable each have their advantages and their drawbacks. Put simply, you can pick up satellite signals from anywhere on the Earth, but they’re subject to all sorts of interference, especially weather, and the picture isn’t always that great. Cable, on the other hand, offers a very good quality picture, but if where you live doesn’t have a high enough population to justify the cost of laying the cables, then you just can’t get it.

Of course, there’s more to it than that. Vain as it might seem, many people’s biggest objection to satellite is that it involves the installation of a honking great satellite dish on the side of their house – not always the greatest thing to look at. Plus, if you buy the dish yourself, it will be quite expensive.

On the other hand, satellite still has many free channels broadcast in the clear. Many of them are a little odd and foreign, granted, but there are literally thousands of channels out there for the taking. To see anything on cable, you have to pay a monthly subscription – although, in practice, you’ll have to subscribe to a decoder card before you’ll see anything worthwhile on satellite either, unless you speak an awful lot of obscure languages.

Satellite subscriptions are often slightly cheaper than cable ones, as cable is a natural monopoly – it’s only economic to have one provider in any one area. 95% of the UK, for example, now gets its cable from the merged ntl-Telewest company, which means that they’re pretty much free to set their prices as high as they like, with people’s only recourse being to move to satellite instead. Of course, satellite isn’t immune from monopolies either, but it at least uses open standards, allowing the hobbyist to buy and operate their own dish if they want to.

Key strong points of Dish Network Satellite TV service are customer service, Dish satellite TV system equipment such as the TV satellite dish, DVR and HD, or HDTV equipment and of course Dish Network programming packages which can include basic, and add ons like locals, premium movie channels, and HD programming.

You may have noticed first to be mentioned was customer service. Customer service can be thought of as the Dish key network attraction. Dish Network has been ranked number one in customer satisfaction two years and running according to J.D. Power and Associates. Happy customers simply converts to new customers.

Next would be the popular Dish satellite TV system and equipment which includes a TV satellite dish, satellite receiver, DVR, and HDTV receiver. The Dish DVR and HDTV receivers are add ons but are normally included free with programming. The satellite dish and satellite dish receivers are standard and included free.

The standard TV satellite dish is the Dish 500 DishPro LNBF designed for a multi-TV, multi-satellite household, and comes with a 20" dish antenna, plus two standard dual-tuner receivers. Each tuner powers two rooms. In all, the standard Dish satellite TV system allows for viewing in up to four rooms.

A more advanced dish satellite TV system may include DVR, HDTV receivers, or both. A Dish DVR allows you record up to 100 hours of television digitally, auto record your favorite shows, skip commercials, plus pause, fast forward, and rewind live TV. Dish HDTV allows you to view available high definition programming.

Digital satellite TV programming includes all channels, making everything 100% digital quality. Available programming packages start with 40 channels of DishFamily, and all the way through to over 245 channels with America's Everything Pack. Programming add ons include locals, HDTV programming, and Dish on Demand and premium movie channel packages.

This Dish digital satellite TV system guide should clear up the majority of questions most consumers may have about Dish Network satellite TV service since most Dish key network strong points have been outlined. Keep in mind, this guide did not outline any promotional offers provided by any Dish Network retailer.

Are you thinking about getting Dish Network or another satellite TV provider but are unsure how a satellite dish works? Here's your answer.

The basic definition of a satellite dish is a system consisting of an antenna that is used to receive audio and video signals required by satellite TV systems like dish TV networks, for high quality broadcast channels, many of which are not available through cable TV companies.

The standard dish used by dish TV networks consists of a concave shaped “dish” with a small pole aimed at its center [extending to the focal length]. A controller sends the signal via the pole [feed horn] that emits the signal [wave] from the end of the pole onto the concave surface, which then reflects the waves in a narrow beam to a selected audience.

The other part of this system consists of a “receiving dish” which has a bowl shaped dish with a pole [feed horn] similar to that of the broadcasting antenna but works in the opposite manner. The beam, which is sent by the broadcasting antenna, is received by the dish FIRST and then reflected to the pole, which then interprets the wave and displays the signal as the various channels we see on TV.

The Dish network satellite system also provides multiple satellite transmitting so that the receiving end can receive signals from more than one satellite. After this, the beam is transmitted via the feed horn on the receiving end side to the low noise block-down center [LNB] which primarily amplifies the signal received and reduces noise disturbances (other radio signals) that have been picked up by the wave while passing through the system. Then, the “filtered” wave signal is passed into the TV receiver for viewing. To complete the connection, the TV receiver has a black box that is connected to the receiving dish set-up.

Dish Network is the best way to go if you are switching to satellite TV. The set-up for Dish Network satellite TV is very easy and there are no installation charges for the equipment required. With Dish Network, you will have absolutely no budget problems. With a provider like this, you will have the receiving satellite dish installed at your home quickly and easily.

Satellite dish receivers have to be mounted in a high place away from obstructions. The ideal place is on top of the roof or outside a second floor or higher window. If you live in an apartment or rented house, you may need to get permission in writing from your landlord and submit a copy to Dish Network before installation to avoid future problems.

Do you have more than one TV set at home? Not a problem! With Dish Network's digital tuner you will need only one satellite dish for ALL TV SETS! There is no loss in quality when more than one TV is connected to the satellite dish.

Contrary to the popular belief that bad weather and rain storms will be a problem in receiving signal from satellite, the truth is that it will hardly affect the powerful satellite system and, at the most, might have a lapse for just a few seconds.

Dish Network also offers HDTV programming that requires end user to have a High Definition Television Set to receive the HDTV program. In addition, it also offers a vast range of international channel packages like Dish Latino and the Great wall, which require an extra operating dish called the super dish, to which users must subscribe.