What DirecTV Packages Are All About

If you are currently a cable TV customer, maybe you have been tempted to switch over to a satellite TV provider like DirecTV. Maybe you have hesitated though, thinking that satellite service is unreliable, or that the packages available don't stack up with your cable bundle. What exactly can you expect from DirecTV packages?

You might be surprised to find out that DirecTV generally offers more programming when comparing packages with cable. A base package like the Choice package will give you 150 plus channels right off the bat. This package is comparably prices with a basic cable package that you might buy from Time Warner or Comcast. You will find over 100 video channels, and around 50 audio channels here and the regular price is around $55 per month.

Now if you have an everything-is-included package with your cable company, you know how expensive that can be. Generally, regular pricing on these packages with you cable company usually run about $150 per month. DirecTV offers a bundle called the Premier package which has basically everything for around $110 a month. You do have to pay $10 extra for HD, but you are still looking at about a $30 savings over cable TV.

One thing to remember if you are a sports fan, you won't find more premium sports programming than on DirecTV. That being said, packages like the NFL Ticket don't come cheap. Current pricing on this package is nearing $300 per season, plus another $100 for the Red Zone channel. Other offers like the NBA League pass and the NHL Center Ice package run about $200 per season.

Whatever your programming requirements are, evaluating satellite TV bundles is a smart thing to do in today's economy, especially when cable TV prices keep on increasing.

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The Different Choices of Motorizing a Satellite Dish

Satellite systems for many of us have become a way to watch analogue, digital and High Definition TV. You most likely have a small dish because that's all that's needed to catch channels from the provider in your country. The reason for this is the footprint is centered at its targeted location. The thing is that if you tried turning the dish you might be able to scan in channels from different satellite positions. The sky is full of satellites and free channels that most of the time don't require huge dishes. The most popular satellites in Europe are Astra 19E and Hotbird 13E which sends out many FTA channels in different languages, like Italian, Spanish and Arabic.

There are different motor types, like DiSEqC, 36v Horizon to Horizon and actuators. DiSEqC motors are the most common and these work perfect for dishes up to 100 cm. With this kind of motor it uses your satellite receivers power that runs 12v/17v. Receivers have limited power available for the motor as it combines it with the LNB (Low Noise Block). This means they are slow and not as powerful as 36v H to H motors. Still its a convenient upgrade because it uses the existing coax cable that already goes to the LNB. 36v actuators and H to H motors can handle higher wind loads and move larger dishes and these use their own dedicated source of power via a receivers built-in 36v positioner. Most newer receivers don't have this positioner built-in but don't worry, in this situation you could use a thing called a V-Box. The advantage of the V-Box is satellite positions are programmed inside it, rather than inside the receivers software. So all the motors are designed to do the same thing, to track the geostationary satellite arc within 180 degrees radius. It is not possible to see beyond this range as all the remaining satellites are under the horizon, like from your location no visible. Its a good idea to figure out where to place a dish so trees and buildings are not obstructing view to the satellites you want to watch.

If you have everything aligned correctly the dish will rotate to the satellites location as you hop channel. As you can imagine, this will open up for a much broader choice of TV viewing. Visit Lyngsat to find out which dish diameter you need in your location for any selected satellite. The larger size dish you have, the more channels you would be able to receive. There is also the option of subscribing to packages from other satellites and providers. You will find out many channels have English audio tracks. There are a variety to choose from such as Documentary, Nature and Movie channels. For example if you are located in Finland you don't have to choose Viasat or Canal Digital.

On satellites there exists multiple bands that each operate in different frequencies. C-Band is low frequency and generally requires large dishes. Ku-Band which is the most used and operates in higher frequencies. Both of these bands have Left and Right (Circular), Vertical and Horizontal (Linear) polarization. LNB's are either Circular or Linear. Its possible to combine both of these LNB's on a dish if you install them next to each other. If you choose to do this you should use a 2/1 DiSEqC switch. To sum it all up: There are endless combination's of dishes, motors and receivers but don't give up its not as complicated as you may think. The sky contains loads of satellites and channels that anyone can catch with the equipment that's available on the market.

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Is a Dish Network Package Right For You?

You have probably become a bit comfortable with your local cable TV company over the years. Sure the costs keep increasing and the channel selection isn't always what you want. On the other hand, they are always there for you, ready to connect your service at your home or apartment.

It could be time though to consider satellite TV. While the installation is a little more involved because of the satellite dish, the programming choices and costs can't be beat. So is a Dish Network package right for you?

One thing to consider right off the bat is that when you are starting up with Dish Network or Direct TV, they expect you to commit to a two year service agreement. With the agreement, free installation is included in up to four rooms, and a discount is also given. If you do not think you can agree to a two year contract, then satellite television might not be right for you at this time.

If a contract is workable in your situation, you can then move on and compare the various packages with your current cable TV provider. If you have basic cable, compare the Turbo HD packages or the Classic Bronze bundle with your current channel lineup. If you have digital cable, remember that all of the programming available through satellite TV is also in 100% digital audio and video quality. This means you won't be sacrificing quality for price if you end of trying out satellite TV.

A final option if you have an all inclusive cable package is to compare it with the like package from Dish Network. At around $100 a month, it contains dozens of movie channels and is competitively priced with similar packages available through your cable provider.

Switching pay television providers can be a difficult decision, but by doing a few hours of research ahead of time, you might be able to save some money and get better programming for your family.

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FAQ's on Direct TV Packages

So you have just moved into your first home after apartment living for several years. A whole new world has opened up to you as far as your entertainment choices. While in the past, you were stuck with the local cable TV company, now you can go with satellite TV, either Dish Network or Direct TV. So what can you expect if you decide to go with a new Direct TV package. Lets consider a few of the frequently asked questions when it comes to this subject.

Is it expensive to set up satellite service and get a Direct TV package?

Not at all. Standard installation is free, only if you have some special circumstances or labor intensive requirements at your home will any charges apply. Generally, an HD DVR is included as well as standard receivers. Only if you want additional DVR devices will you have to pay up front for service.

What can I expect as far as monthly charges?

Direct TV packages start as low as $30 per month, but that only provides a limited channel lineup. Bundles which include 150+ channels begin in the $40 a month area for the first year. After the promotional price period, these bundles run about $60 per month before taxes and fees.

How about the NFL Sunday Ticket package? Can I get a low price on that?

It depends on the time of year you call, and on what promotional offers are being offered. Generally, in the months right before the start of the NFL season there are great Direct TV deals offered in conjunction with the Sunday Ticket package. If you are considering satellite service, the best time to call for this kind of deal is in the months right around the start of football season.

Can I change packages once I have started service?

Yes. If you want to move into a new bundle, you can do so by simply calling Direct TV or by using their interactive website. Generally, the only requirement for new customers is that you maintain service for two years after your installation date.

With a Direct TV package, you will enjoy great programming at a competitive price when compared to cable television.

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