The Management Consulting Group

Feeding your HDTV video system an actual HDTV signal makes a world of difference. I recently worked on the installation of a very high-end home theater system (six figure price tag on this job) and when the time came to test it, it was hard to watch anything but a true HDTV channel on the big 20 foot projection screen.

A high definition television system has a native resolution and every signal is either scaled up or scaled down until it matches this native resolution. The optimum situation is to feed it a signal that matches the native resolution so no scaling is required.

When a standard definition tv signal is displayed on an HDTV, the result is like looking at a low quality JPEG photo. All of the artifacts in the image are magnified. When you switch to a true HDTV image it’s like someone cleaned a layer of dirt off of the tv. Everything becomes much clearer and more vivid. So, how do you get a true HDTV signal into your new home theater system?

Tuning in to HDTV Channels

The three primary ways of getting an HDTV signal into your home theater system are: over-the-air, cable, and satellite broadcasts. Let’s take a closer look at these options.

Getting HDTV Over-The-Air

It might come as a surprise, but over 99% of US homes have at least one television station with a digital broadcast and 85% of all US homes have 5 or more stations broadcasting digitally. These are the major networks that you watch every day. Many of them have HDTV broadcasts. Before you go any further, look for local HDTV signals available in your area (www.hdtvpub.com.)

If you are planning to get most of your HDTV programming over-the-air, it makes sense to shop around for an HDTV with a built-in (ATSC) tuner. Many HDTVs (and almost all video projectors) do not have a built-in tuner. If you are building your home theater around a video projector, or plan to buy an HDTV without a built in tuner, you will have to invest in an HDTV (ATSC) tuner (like the Samsung SIR-T451) to access over-the-air broadcasts.

Once you have worked out the tuner issues, you need an antenna to get the broadcast out of the air and into your HDTV. The distance between your house and your local TV stations broadcast transmitter, and the power of the transmission they send out, will determine whether an old fashioned pair of ‘rabbit ears’ will work or whether you need a more robust antenna up on the roof. AntennaWeb’s antenna mapping program (www.antennaweb.org/aw/welcome.asp) is a resource that will help you find where the local broadcast transmitters are in your area and point you to the type of antenna you’ll need to put on the roof.

Check with your local tv stations to determine what over-the-air HDTV programming they offer. This will vary station by station and market by market, but the number of channels available is steadily growing. You may get a better mix of network HD broadcasts over-the-air than through your cable or satellite provider - and they’re free!

Getting HDTV Through Cable

To get HDTV programming from your local cable company you will need an HD compatible cable box (usually your cable provider will provide this for a small monthly fee) and a subscription to HD programming.

The amount of HDTV content broadcast over cable channels is growing every day. Check with your local cable company to determine what channels they offer in HD. They will likely have several different packages available.

Most HDTV cable service will provide excellent results. But, the quality of the signal that arrives at your home depends on the quality of the wiring network that your cable company maintains. In some instances this can lead to lower picture quality. If you plan to go with a cable solution, ask around and find out if others in your area are happy with the service.

Special Note: Digital Cable Service is not the same as HD Cable Service. Most digital service is still standard definition. You must purchase service that is specifically marketed as HDTV to get HDTV programming.

Getting HDTV Through Satellite

If you have an unobstructed view of the southern sky, you can get your HDTV programming from one of the major satellite systems. DISH Networks, DirecTV, and VOOM are the major players in this market. Each offers a growing collection of HD channels and, if you live in a remote area, they may be your only option.

To get satellite programming you need to get an HD compatible satellite dish, an HD compatible receiver, and subscribe to an HDTV satellite programming service. Usually you can get all three as part of a package. If you have existing satellite service you may need to upgrade your hardware to become HD compatible. Check with your service provider to determine what upgrades you’ll need and if they are offering any special incentives to upgrade to HD.

Enjoy Your New View

Once you’ve got true HDTV running through your digital home theater, you’ll be amazed at the difference it makes in your entertainment experience. You may find yourself skipping your favorite standard definition program just to watch anything in HD - it’s that beautiful.

Andrew Seltz is a Go-To Guy. His love of technology and movies has led him to work installing high definition video theaters in private homes and commercial venues. His articles appear on http://www.ColossalTV.com - the place to get answers for your digital home theater questions.

Satellite Radio – Its here! Satellite radio is a new service being offered by two companies, XM Satellite Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio. Both companies are offering over 100 channels of streaming music and entertainment. High quality sound is achieved through the use of satellites orbiting high above. Satellite radio has been commercial free and free from regulations by federal committees. The impossible, is now possible, hearing the same radio station across north America and from coast to coast. All made possible by XM satellite radio and Sirius satellite radio. Find more at: www.TopSatelliteRadio.com

XM Satellite Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio have designed satellite broadcast systems that differ but they achieve the same high quality of satellite radio. A milestone of this success is the fact that satellite radio signals that are available across the United States and into Mexico and Canada. Rock and Roll – No its not a genre any more! XM Satellite Radio has two satellites named Rock and Roll which remain in parallel geostationary orbit to provide radio coverage throughout the United States. Sirius Satellite Radio has chose to use three satellites in an inclined elliptical orbit. This configuration provides 16 hours per satellite of signal, which gives a great redundancy if any satellite were to fail. Playing it smart, Sirius and XM both have spare satellites, which can be called on in a moments notice if needed.

XM satellite radio and sirius satellite radio have Earth based broadcast stations that are used to send up information to the satellites, which is then dispersed through out the globe. Sirius and XM both have disk jockeys that manage, create and program music which is then sent up to the satellites. The information is then taken in by the satellites and sent through a rebroadcast of the streams to earth. The Major advantage of this is that, unlike earth-based radio stations whose signals reach listeners 150 miles away, satellite radio signals have a huge reach, and are receivable anywhere within the continental United States and hundreds of miles in each direction of the borders. Satellite Radio is growing to become a world wide network and offerings are growing throughout the world. XM satellite radio and Sirius satellite radio are making it happen!

So How Does Satellite Radio Work: First, a receiver decodes and plays the received signals through an antenna. In the beginning, some cars have used a tuner that accepts the antenna signals and then passes them to a satellite radio-ready radio for playing. Ad the concept has grown out of the car and into the home, home kits for satellite radio use direct RCA inputs for home theater and traditional stereo systems. A Growing number of choices is occurring and each company is developing a broad scope of products for consumers. Already we are seeing receivers for car-only, boom boxes, computer-only, and portables for use in car and home configurations. The companies making these products are, Audiovox, Delphi Skyfi, Terk, and plenty others are jumping on board. Both XM satellite radio and Sirius satellite radio have licensed recievers and other products for consumers use.

Scott fish is the Owner of http://www.TopSatelliteRadio.com.

Top Satellite Radio is a resource for consumers seeking the history and facts about satellite radio. We also sell electronics related to Satellite Radio. Quick Access: http://www.TopSatRadio.com

sf@topsatelliteradio.com

Launched in 1994 by General Motors, Direct TV is the largest satellite TV provider in the world, with 14.5 million subscribers and 15 satellites.

Direct TV is ranked #2 in customer satisfaction among satellite TV and cable companies by J.D. Power and Associates.

Direct TV Satellite TV System

To receive Direct TV programming you need a Direct TV satellite TV system to capture the satellite signal and transmit it to your TV.

Thanks to the competition between Direct TV dealers, you can now get a free Direct TV satellite TV system when you subscribe to their service.

Here’s what you get when you order Direct TV satellite TV service

* A free direct TV satellite TV dish.

* Up to four free receivers and universal remotes.

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

* Direct TV HD (high definition) satellite TV receivers (optional).

* Free bonus gifts such as a free DVD player and home theater system.

Direct TV Satellite TV Service

Here’s what you get with Direct TV service:

* More than 225 program channels to choose from.

* All-digital picture and sound.

* Up to 500 commercial-free movies per month.

* DVR (digital video recording) so you can record your favorite programs.

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

* Your local channels with digital picture and sound.

* Thirty-one commercial-free music channels with digital sound.

* Toll-free, 24/7 customer service.

Direct TV Satellite TV Programming

Direct TV programming packages, which include your local channels, start at $41.99 per month.

Here are the Direct TV programming packages currently available:

* Total Choice—135 program channels (includes 31 music channels) for $41.99 per month.

* Total Choice Plus—155 program channels (includes 31 music channels) for $45.99 per month.

* Total Choice Premier—215 program channels (includes 31 music channels), $93.99 per month.
In addition to the above programming packages you can also get sports packages, international packages, and HD (high definition) packages.

Note: To see all the Direct TV programming packages, current special offers, and free bonuses, click on the links at the bottom of this article.

Ordering Direct TV Satellite TV Service

After you decide on which system and which program package you want, you can place your order online, or you can call a toll-free number to order through a Direct TV representative.

The representative will take your order, schedule your installation, and answer any questions you may have. Installation time is usually one to five days after you order.

At the scheduled installation time a certified Direct TV installer will install your system, test it to make sure it works, then show you how to use all the functions and controls.

Operating the Direct TV satellite system may seem a little tricky at first, so I suggest you ask all the questions you need to while your installer is there, so you’ll feel comfortable with your new system.

Click on the following links for more information on free satellite TV systems and service, plus the latest special offers and free bonuses from DIRECTV satellite TV

Who Should Read This Article?

Anyone nursing a new (especially untested and unproven) - idea for a business, and/or who is at a loss as to whether or not it will be beneficial to undertake a formal business plan preparation process. The ideas presented in this article are just that - ideas. You are expected — and strongly encouraged - to apply your discretion in assessing their usefulness or relevance to your situation.

“Market research does not work. One cannot do market research on something that does not exist.” - Peter Drucker

Entrepreneurs are often dreamers

They are typically people who start businesses in new areas, that previously did not exist. Their ideas can therefore sometimes be met with resistance especially from people called “experts” who are famous for challenging the practicality or logic (from the expert’s perspectives) of any new, unproven or unusual idea.

Business Plans Versus New/Uncharted Markets

Most of us have heard or read about the importance of going through the motions of preparing business plans before starting a new business. However, what few people take note of is the fact that some of those who have succeeded in business did not have business plans when they started their FIRST businesses - even though, they probably never intended for it to be so.

This is especially true for those entrepreneurs who had to enter an uncharted market i.e. who set out to do what had not been done before. Their new product or service could therefore not be compared with any known standard, since nothing like it existed at the time. If that sounds anything like the kind of business idea you have in mind as a first-time startup, you may have to contend with at least two challenges.

Two Challenges:

1. A business plan might not be as good an instrument to convince your potential investors(banks, venture capitalists etc), as the personal conviction, enthusiasm, charisma and passion you demonstrate for what you want to do! For instance, the “experts” among them, who the rest might look up to for assessment of the viability of your proposed venture, may not reckon with your idea if it is new or unusual. David Sarnoff certainly would have understood this point!

Sarnoff, who invented the radio, had to endure what must have been heart-breaking rejection from those he approached to invest in it’s production. Among other things they could not see THE radio(!) as commercially viable, arguing that no one would pay to have a message sent to no specific recipient!

If only they could see us use that same radio now! Sarnoff’s associates could not - at the time - see what he was seeing! And that’s what a first-time startup with a new idea needs to keep in mind. People may not see what you see - at first. That will not mean you are wrong, and they are right - no matter how many they are! If it was so obvious in the first place, you probably would not have been the first to discover it!

2. You might just find that the market is not exactly ready for what you have - even if the idea is quite sound. Again it would be up to you, to “create the demand” for your new product or service idea in the market.

For instance, incredible as it might sound, the telephone that is such an essential requirement for our existence today, was described as having “too many shortcomings to be considered as a means of communication” in a Western Union Internal Memo.The memo concluded that the telephone was of no value to the organisation. But that was way back in 1876! We all know that no business that desires to succeed today will operate without a telephone number.

It’s all about vision. Entrepreneurs are people who apply their creative thinking skills to explore what can be, instead of dwelling on what is, as most others do. That tends to make them see far beyond what people around them can - sometimes causing them problems with others. I believe it was Robert Schuller who said “If you want to be a pace setting thinker, you can expect problems with people - especially those trapped by tradition.” A first-time startup with an unproven business idea is most likely to experience this.

“If fifty million people say a foolish thing, it is still a foolish thing.”
- Anatole France

Two Case Studies

Below is a description of two first-time startups who were so closely driven by their circumstances, that they could find no use for a business plan in starting up what eventually turned out to be successful ground-breaking ventures.

a). Henry Ford’s “Horseless Carriage”

When Henry Ford conceived the idea of a “horseless carriage”, people told him pointedly it would not work. Those capable of providing the money for production of the automobile refused to even consider it a commercial possibility for one moment! A business plan would have done Ford little good back then! So he and his wife put all their savings together and went ahead alone. But think for a minute - AFTER Ford had succeeded with the automobile, how the same people would have reacted if he had offered them a business plan for a similar kind of notion? By then, he would no longer be a first time startup, nor would his idea be new or unproven!

b).The Train Chartering Company

Simon Pielow (Founder, the Train Chartering Company, USA) didn’t use a business plan when he started off. In a report published at Allbusiness.com he admitted that his decision to proceed without a formal plan was probably not a wise one. However, as the report writer rightly observed, Pielow had no choice but to do this because he was breaking new ground, and had nothing to work with in the way of existing competitors, models or market analysis.

Pielow himself added that he believed a business plan becomes critical to starting up a business when you’re in a competitive market in which many people are offering products or services similar to what you intend to offer. He ended the interview on a humorous note by saying that had he chosen to do a formal plan, he would probably have been too scared to go ahead, and as such never have achieved the success he eventually did!(Good one to keep in mind, this).

Crucial Considerations For A First Time Startup With A New Business Idea

Bill Byrne in his book “111 Proven Strategies That Will Change The Way You Do Business Forever” explains that if you have a business idea that may be ahead of it’s time, you might have to consider these issues:

1. Can you time your entry into the marketplace perfectly to ensure success?

2. If not, would it be better for you to start up too early or too late?

You need to give these queries deep thought, and possibly engage a trusted associate with genuine understanding of, and empathy for your unproven business idea, to help you through the process. Byrne’s queries are based on the need for a person with a business idea that is ahead of it’s time to increase her chances of success by tempering the aggressive drive to enter into the market, with realism of the dangers inherent in arriving there too early - or earlier than others.

“Do not fear to be eccentric in opinion, for every opinion now accepted was once eccentric.” — Bertrand Russell

What You Can Do

1. Be Patient and Painstaking:

Take your time to develop and refine your concept or idea to the point you can be certain it will work as you intend to tell your target audience it will. This warning should be particularly instructive if you do not have the capital to :

a. recover quickly and fully enough if anything goes wrong after you enter the market(because you failed to correct any outstanding defects or problems).

b. wait for the market to build up adequate demand for your product or service, to keep you going till you break even or start recording profits.

If you fail to manage this properly, you could suffer fatal setbacks from lack of sustained initial patronage. What could then happen is that others, learning from your mistakes, would polish up your idea and re-present it to the same market, which, by your pioneering efforts have become more receptive, and THEY would have a “profits-fest”!

2. Use Intelligent Niched Marketing:

You will need a well conceived niched marketing campaign, taking advantage of today’s powerful yet highly cost-effective business marketing tools(automated email and website marketing/surveys etc) and strategies, in order to maximise the chances of success while minimising operating expenses.

3. Don’t let experts “confuse” or “scare” you!

Cynthia Kersey(Author of “UNSTOPPABLE: 45 Powerful Stories of Perseverance and Triumph from People Just Like You”), described experts as having an “ego investment” in the very thing that they are considered “expert”. Note that an expert could even be someone who once had to struggle - in the past - to secure marketplace acceptance(for what was then an unproven idea), and is now successful, plus a respected authority in his/her field. The irony is however that such a person may not always maintain an entrepreneurial mode of thinking or could develop what I call an “expert’s mindset”. A good example of this is probably seen in the quote below:

“640K ought to be enough for anybody” – Bill Gates, 1981

4. Draw Courage From Your Convictions!

Each of us probably has a tendency to become an “expert “ in one-way or the other. The best way to guard against falling into this mindset is to always ask “Why not?” when confronted with the possibility, or suggestion, of a new idea or new way of doing things. For the new idea start-up, you will need to keep in mind that others who were told by “experts” that their business ideas had no merit, drew courage from their convictions and forged ahead in the face of great discouragement/rejection, and suffering. In the end, they proved the “experts” wrong and got more people to believe in their dreams.

You can do the same - even if you do not have a business plan. I know this because I passed through the same road in starting up my own business as a Multipreneur in a society where it was frowned on.

Final Word: Note that I have NOT said business plans are unnecessary - only that they may not always be relevant to a startup’s needs, in which case their absence would not be a fatal handicap.

Tayo Solagbade devotes his time to exploring new frontiers of Self-Development Education, especially as it relates to showing people what they can do by themselves for themselves to achieve their set goals at work and/or in life - despite the limitations of their circumstances or environment. In a previous life, Tayo worked for over seven years as a manager in Guinness Nigeria Plc during which time he successfully employed Self-Development techniques to give himself a consistent edge as Brewer, and later Technical Training and Development Manger. To play this role effectively, Tayo functions as a multipreneur to explore, discover and document best practice ways of successfully venturing into various areas of endeavour.

Visit http://www.lulu.com/sdaproducts to download a FREE Chapter Preview of his NEW book “Ten Ways You Can Use Self-Development To Become A High Flyer At Work”. Learn more about Tayo by visiting his Online Portfolio

Since I derive most of my life lessons from reading murder mysteries, I am reminded of a mystery by Marcia Muller, Listen to the silence. The heroine, Sharon McCone, turns her prodigious investigative talent to researching her own background. As she interviews family members, her significant other, also a heavy-duty detective, says, “Listen to the silence.”

He meant, “When someone answers a question, don’t just listen to what’s said. Listen for the pauses, the silences in what they say.”

As I listen to clients, I’ve decided that we need to listen to the messages sent by our bodies, our friends and family, and what some would call “the universe” — our environment. As business people, we need to listen to our customers.

Considering a move to a new location and find yourself feeling like, “I don’t belong here?” Going to a big job interview and feeling that everything you say is coming out all wrong? Well, pay attention!

In Finding Your Own North Star, Martha Beck claims the one quality shared by all successful people is a willingness to listen to their intuition.

In The Gift of Fear, Gavin de Becker tells us our intuition can keep us from becoming crime victims.

Intuition is not woo-woo. It’s not about crystal balls — it’s about claiming your power. Some researchers believe that intuition originates in specific portions of the human brain.

Intuition doesn’t come out of nowhere. The more information you have about a situation, the more helpful your intuition will be.

There are only a few times to heed well-meaning unsolicited advice. When Tony Soprano says, “This game isn’t for you,” pay attention. When the police officer says, “Slow it down,” that’s a good idea too. But most of the time, listen for subtle messages from whatever crosses your path.

That’s your own intuitive code. And don’t let any words get in the way of the real message.

I offer one-to-one consultations on career strategy.

About The Author

Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D., is an author, speaker and career/business consultant, helping midlife professionals take their First step to a Second Career. http://www.cathygoodwin.com.

“Ten secrets of mastering a major life change” mailto:subscribe@cathygoodwin.com

Contact: cathy@cathygoodwin.com 505-534-4294

I don’t believe there is any doubt left in anyone’s mind of the extra value you get over cable TV (yes even digital) when you subscribe to Satellite after you get a cable bill charging $45.00 dollars for 70 some non premium basic channels. They even charge for the over the air free advertiser supported local broadcast tier and then they don’t give you all that you are capable of receiving, only about half in my area. You see I live halfway between two City’s that have different Network affiliates. This gives me a choice of 2 different network over air broadcasts for free, and cable charges me for the one that they provide me with!

And service? Who hasn’t been told when requesting cable service “We’ll be there between 10am and 5pm effectively tying you up entire day. It never fails that they’ll arrive just when I have to pop down to the corner market .

For the fourth consecutive year, Echostar and its pay TV service, the Dish Network, ranked above the competition for customer satisfaction among satellite and cable TV companies in the US. The American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) conducted the survey. DirecTV posted the highest index score, 71 out of 100, among all the cable and satellite television companies included in the ACSI.

Comcast, which is America’s largest cable TV company, scored 56 points. The ACSI study surveyed consumers on the criteria of quality, overall value, loyalty and retention.
Echostar delivers up to 500 channels of all digital programming, local broadcast channels in 128 markets and in all 50 states.
The overall average for the four largest cable TV companies in the ACSI survey was 58.75.

And quality of picture and availability of High Definition Programming? No contest. DirecTV wins that contest easily. And the number of channels and packages seems limited only by your imagination.
And you aren’t limited to what times you favorite show come on. With satellite you just aren’t limited by time zones. Oh by the way, DirecTV Satellite systems come with a selection of channel packages or you can simply choose the channels you want. And DirecTV is the only small dish network that carry’s up to 100 games a year in High Definition TV. Since DirecTV has the only NFL SUPERFAN option this alone makes many an NFL Fan ditch his cable yearly. With multiple start times you aren’t limited to one set time to watch your favorite weekly program or movie. And with optional receivers, you can keep up with the latest in HD TV technology. Some satellite providers also offer high-speed, satellite-based Internet - up to 400Kb per second - so there is more to satellite than just television.

Satellite systems also offer access to pay-per-view programming so you can watch your favorite movies. Ordering it is simple, and you get the same digital quality as all the other satellite channels.
Time shifting is another convenient feature that satellite offers. With so many channels you often will have access to both East and West time zones of popular TV networks - so you have an option when it comes to watching your favorite show. You don’t need to rush home to catch the latest episode. In short, you have more choices with satellite, so you can fit your shows into your busy lifestyle.

Unlike cable companies, mini-dish satellite providers broadcast in 100-percent digital signals providing crystal-clear video and CD-quality audio for customers. This feature is attractive to customers who are frustrated with poor-quality off-air or cable pictures. Customers also choose satellite for its value, simply put, the best quality television entertainment at the lower prices. Finally, customers turn to satellite because of the large number of channel choices. With over 300 channel offerings, customers get more programming packages and more movies to choose from than any cable TV.

Satellite will always come out a winner over cable due to its large capacity to deliver hundreds of channels. Additionally, satellite has the advantage by offering interactive data, high-definition television, local-to-local channels and computer-based products that combine the home computer and television into one all-encompassing entertainment and information system.

So why are we still dealing with the cable companies as they are today? Make them competitive by switching to satellite. They’ll have to get better or go the way of the Dodo bird!

Kenneth Waugh
Visalia Ca and displaced Football Fan and Sports writer.

KN.Waugh@gmail.com

For more information about satellite with the NFL Sunday Ticket Option click below:
http://kensrapidsatellite.opportunity.com

The satellite tv industry has made huge gains on the cable tv industry in the past several years. With the price of cable tv skyrocketing every year, many cable subscribers are making the switch over to satellite tv. Okay so you’ve decided to switch to satellite tv; but which satellite tv provider do you choose? A satellite tv provider is a company that owns and operates satellites in geostationary orbit around the earth. These satellites broadcast the satellite signal down to your satellite dish and from their the signal is transferred to your receiver (black box). The two largest satellite tv providers in the United Sates are DirecTV and DISH Network. The vast majority of satellite tv subscribers in the United States use one or the other so this article will concentrate on comparing the two satellite giants in an attempt to help you decide which of the two is best for you.

With the almost exponential growth of the satellite tv industry, both DISH Network and DirecTV are now in a position where they can afford to offer the satellite equipment (dish and receivers) free to their subscribers. So for starters both DISH Network and DirecTV offer free satellite equiipment. Basically the only qualifiers are that you be a first time subscriber and that you have a credit card for monthly billing purposes. So if the equipment is free how do the two providers make any money? Well, you do have to pay for the monthly programming of course. The price of your monthly programming bill depends on which programming package you choose.

DISH Network’s America Top 60 programmng package starts at $24.99 per month and local channels are available. DISH Network presently is not making new subscribers commit to a one year contract. You can end your subscription at any time with no financial penalty to pay. DirecTV’s entry level programming package is called the Total Choice package and comes with local channels and is $39.99 per month. With the Total Choice package you get over 130 channels. DirecTV does require you to sign a one year subscription agreement. If you cancel your service before the year is up, then you have to pay a penalty fee to DirecTV.

As both satellite giants use the very lates technology in their satellites and receiving equipment, what differentiates the two is in the programming options that they provide to their subscribers. I would rate DirecTV somewhat ahead of the DISH Network in their sports packages, as they offer seasonal sports options like the N.F.L. Sunday Ticket that DirecTV has exclusive rights to. Both providers offer tons of premium movie packages to choose from including HBO, Showtime, Starz and Cinemax. All these come with multiple channels per movie package. As DISH Network has more satellites in orbit than DirecTV does they have the capacity to offer up to 500 viewing channels, whereas with DirecTV, you can ‘only’ get 250 channels. Also, DISH Network offers alot more foreign programming packages than DirecTV does.

Both DISH Network and DirecTV offer 100% digital picture and CD quality sound in all of their programming. So again, they are tied in this important quality. This technology allows for a crystal clear perfect picture that cable tv simply cannot provide.

DISH Network, a subsidiary of EchoStar Communications, was founded in 1996 by Charles Ergan. While not quite as old as DirecTV, DISH Network was the fastest satellite provider to reach the 100,000 subscriber level doing so in just four short months. Presently, DISH Network has over Nine million satellite tv subscribers in the 50 United States and District of Columbia. DISH Network has many ‘firsts’ to its credit, including being the first company to offer a satellite tv receiver that had a built in DVR (digital video recorder).

DirecTV was begun in 1994 and is the largest satellite tv provider in the United States. When it first launched in 1994, Direct TV was the first satellite TV company to offer all digital-quality, multi-channel TV programming through the use of direct broadcast satellite (DBS) technology. DBS technology is now the standard for the satellite tv industry and we have the ingenuity of the DirecTV engineers to thank for it. While DirecTV does not have as large a bandwidth allocation as the DISH Network does, to counter this DirecTV has arranged to have to exclusive deals with programming companies to cater to the programming whims of their subscribers.

In the all important area of customer care, both DirecTV and DISH Network offer outstanding customer care and support. Both offer online Faqs sections and help sections to their websites. You can also call both toll free to get help with any problem you may be having. Pay-Per-View movies may be ordered either by using your remote control or calling the 800 toll free number for either provider.

Both DirecTV and DISH Network offer free professional installation as part of their free satellite tv promotions. One difference is that DirecTV will install your equipment for free in up to five rooms, where DISH Network presently only installs for free in up to four rooms of your home.

RATING DISH NETWORK and DIRECTV POINT by POINT:

• Satellite equipment - DirecTV - FREE; DISH Network - FREE
• Satellite Installation - DirecTV - FREE (up to 5 tv’s) DISH Network - FREE (up to 4 tv’s)
• Picture Quality - DirecTV - Outstanding DISH Network - Outstanding
• Pricing - DirecTV Total Choice Package $39.99 per month DISH Network America’s Top 60 Package $24.99 per month
• Programming Quantity - DirecTV offers programming packages up to 250 channels DISH Network has the capacity to offer up to 500 channels
• Programming Quality - DirecTV has outstanding programming package options with a heavy emphasis on seasonal sports packages. DISH Network also has outstanding programming package options with somewhat less of an emphasis on sports.
• Customer Care - DirecTV - Outstanding with both online and 800 toll free support. DISH Network - Outstanding with both online and 800 toll free support.

FINAL CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATION:

Both DISH Network and DirecTV offer an outstanding television viewing experience. The picture reception for both is far superior to that of cable tv. DISH Network’s entry level package is cheaper than DirecTV’s; but then the Total Choice package comes with alot more channels. DirecTV is stronger in the area of sports coverage, while DISH Network places somewhat more of an emphasis on its premium movie packages and foreign programming options. And both have outstanding customer care, both having won the prestigious J.D. Power Award in recent years for providing the best overall service among satellite and cable subscribers.

Our recommendation is that both DirecTV and DISH Network offer a superior television viewing experience than cable tv. Both are alot cheaper than cable, offer superior picture quality and free equipment and instalation. Both also offer superior customer care service compared to local cable providers. If you’re a big sports fan and just have to have that certain premium sports package, then DirecTV is for you; but if you’re not a huge sports fan and cost is an issue, then you might want to go with DISH Network and it’s entry level America’s Top 60 at just $24.99 a month. Also, remember that DirecTV will require a one year commitment, whereas with the DISH Network there is no contract to sign, meaning you can cancel your service at anytime and not have to pay a penalty.

Whichever satellite provider you choose, you can’t go wrong. As a subscriber of the DISH Network and a sales person that has several years experience in the satellite tv industry (have sold both DirecTV & DISH Network)I highly recommend that you drop cable, stop feeding the pig and switch to satellite tv service today. The vastly superior picture quality alone that DBS satellite technology provides makes it worth the change. It’s like heaven watching tv with no more squiggly lines running across the tv screen!

About the Author: Gary Davis has many years experience in the Satellite TV Industry and has written numerous articles on the topic. You can learn more about satellite television at Dish Network Satellite TV.

Now is the time to make the move to HD (High Definition) television programming, and the number one destination for the most HD programming is Dish Network Satellite TV. Once you have seen TV the way it was meant to be, and heard the crisp, all-digital CD quality sound-you can never go back. The astonishing sharpness, clarity and deep rich colors of HD must seen to be appreciated. No one has more High Definition content than Dish Network! There are movies galore, big sports events, news and so much more with Dishnetwork’s latest HD lineup.

Dish Network brings the most High Definition channels including ESPN sports around the clock, and fantastically clear hit movies and original series from Showtime and HBO. There are other great sporting events such as Baseball, NASCAR, College sports and NCAA tournaments. Dish Network has over six channels devoted to the biggest and best movies ever made! The award winning movies are broadcast 24 hours a day and include cinema from all over the world. Dish Network has a High Def channel of breaking news content from all over the world. Right now, free professional installation is available, for a limited time only.

Only Dish Network could bring an astounding 1700 hours a week of High Definition programming. Local channels are now available in many areas, and more markets are added on a constant basis. See the future of television now-High Definition with Dish Network. Act now to receive this fantastic offer from Dishnetwork.

Some of the channels on Dish Network’s amazing lineup are: HDNet, has live sporting events, travel show, documentaries and news programs. HDNet Movies channel has some of the best movies ever made, including classics and blockbusters from the biggest studios, including Paramount, Sony, Warner Bros, Universal and MGM. Here, subscribers can see many movies that are making their first appearance in the High Definition format. A big favorite is Discovery HD theater, which features fascinating shows on animals in their natural settings, the outdoors, nature, technology, and science programs. TNT network is available in High Def. See old favorites, such as the X-Files and Law and Order, along with some great original programming. Another popular channel is ULTRA HD, that offers the latest from the world of fashion with the hot new trends, reports and the latest in style from around the globe. See scary and fun monster movies 24 -hours a day on MONSTERS HD. From the classics such as Godzilla and Frankenstein, to current sci-fi hits, this channel will rock the house in a monstrous way. Don’t miss the Rave channel, which is devoted to larger than life music all of the time, and animation fans will love the ANIMANIA HD channel with non-stop cartoons such as Pink Panther and Felix the Cat along with the cutting edge content of Ratz and Flatmania! The new world of High Definition Programming is on Dish Network now. High Definition Television with Dishnetwork Satellite TV is changing the way America views television. There are four different packages to choose from: Dish HD Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum.

Click to get started today, living the Dish Network High-Definition lifestyle!

John Richardson is a popular reviewer of consumer electronics and has served as a product development consultant for several consumer electronics manufacturers including Dish Network, visit his website: Big Mouth TV

Is it the dawning of the Age of Aquarius? For years, predictions have indicated that humanity is readying itself for a golden age, a so called new age that is right around the corner just waiting to roll in. According to these forecasts, the air we breath will be clean and our environment pure. Hunger, starvation and disease will be eliminated. Most importantly, we will finally experience the peace and harmony we all desire and we will live in the spirit of brotherly love.

I too long for these events to take place, however, the reality that currently exists on our planet is very different and the choices we are making are sending us down a road that does not lead to salvation.

When I think about where we are going and how we are getting there, it can be likened to a can of potted meat. For those of you that are unfamiliar with potted meat, it is a canned meat product that is found next to the Spam and Vienna sausages at the supermarket. Its primary ingredients include cooked beef fatty tissue, beef hearts, beef tripe, cooked pork fatty tissue and mechanically separated chicken. These tasty morsels are ground up into a paste-like consistency, mixed with lots of salt and chemicals, canned and sold for human consumption.

I’m sure by now your mouth is watering and you just can’t wait to sink your teeth into a forkful of this tempting delicacy. And while I make this comment in jest, the reality is that three major food manufacturers fight for shelf space at the supermarket each hoping to capture the potted meat market. The saddest or should I say scariest part of the saga is the fact that people buy it! It isn’t as if only one or two people get the urge to munch down on some good ol’ potted meat, there are thousands if not millions of people around the country why buy it, creating enough value, based on sales, to keep it on the shelf.

By now I know you’re wondering what potted meat has to do with our next step, but it has everything to do with it. Take a moment and look around. Every day, our air grows increasingly worse. Obesity in children is running rampant. The amount and quality of real, wholesome foods on the shelves at supermarkets are being overrun by prepackaged preprocessed chemically laden ones. We fear for our safety, distrust our neighbors and hide in our hearts and in our homes. And like the potted meat, even though we don’t really like it and know it isn’t good for us, we buy it anyway.

Let’s face it folks, we live in a chaotic world and in our haste we look for the easy answer. We let big business and big brother decide what we want, what we need and how much we can put up with. We’ve allowed the air we breathe, the foods we eat and the things we do to poison us and like pigs going to slaughter we do nothing about it, except perhaps complain.

Instead of working to bring in this new and golden age, many of us are sitting around waiting for it to show up. There are some who believe that if we pray hard enough, hope deeply enough or say enough affirmations that things will somehow magically change without any effort on our part.

There are others who believe that it can only be achieved after a major calamity falls upon the earth recreating balance in the imbalanced world in which we live. That it is only through the workings of karma that a profound shift can ever be achieved.

So how can we create this better world? The first step is it needs to become our number one priority. We must decide it is of utmost importance to us and let money, greed and personal gain take a back seat. It necessitates a change in consciousness from “what do I want” to “what do WE need”. Until there is a dramatic transformation in the hearts and minds of man, the goal of a new world, while a nice thought is unachievable.

Unfortunately, many of us have chosen to stand on the sidelines and wait for the tide of personal and planetary changes to occur around us. However, it is not until we stand as a unified whole and demand that change take place that anything will happen at all.

Is it going to be hard? Damn right it’s going to be hard. Tom Hanks in the movie A League of Their Own stated: “If it was easy, everyone would do it. The hard…is what makes it great”. Remember change doesn’t happen by hope or by prayer alone, it requires action. So take a stand, make a decision, let your voice be heard, your greatness shine. Don’t let karma rear its ugly head. Just say no to potted meat and choose to bring in the future you desire.

About The Author

Dr. Rita Louise, PhD is a Naturopathic Physician and a 20-year veteran in the Human Potential Field, and it is her unique gift as a medical intuitive that enlivens her work. Author of the newly released book “Avoiding the Cosmic 2×4”, Dr. Rita Louise, Ph.D. a can help you identify what is really going on and provide you with straightforward guidance and advice. She can be reached by calling 972-475-3393 or visiting her website at http://www.soulhealer.com.

rita@soulhealer.com

Want to know more about United States satellite TV business despite getting those ‘free’ satellite TV deals?

As you all may already known, satellite TV business in United States are mainly dominated by two companies, Dish Network and DirecTV. If you would like to have a satellite TV in your home, your choices are mostly limited to the free satellite TV packages that offered by either one Dish Network or DirecTV.

Here’s some quick view on United States satellite TV industry: It was Hughes’s DirecTV, the first high-powered DBS system, went on air in 1994 and was the first North American DBS service. In 1996, Echostar’s Dish Network went online in the United States and has gone on to similar success.

You can get more free satellite TV information through out our website (http://www.satellitetvissue.com with info about satellite TV history in United States, Satellite HDTV, free satellite TV deals offered by Dish Network and DirecTV, etc.). But here, we will concentrate on these two U.S. satellite TV giants:Dish Network and DirecTV.

And as you can see now DirecTV and Dish Network, grew up to be the top satellite TV provider, offering their free satellite TV system everywhere. Apparently, with these free satellite TV deals, Dish Network and DirecTV are the primary competition of cable TV service in United States. These two satellite TV providers actually had blown up a “cut cable wave” in some of the states in U.S.

Now, lets have a closer look on these two famous free satellite TV providers: Dish Network and DirecTV.

DirecTV

DirecTV is a direct broadcast satellite (DBS) service that broadcasts digital satellite television and audio to households in the United States.Owned by DirecTV Group, a subsidiary of News Corporation’s Fox Entertainment Group, DirecTV was launched in 1994 and was the first high-powered DBS service in the world.

DirecTV typically uses smaller 18-inch satellite dishes to receive its signals. Slightly larger, 18 x 24-inch oval antennas to access multi-satellites are becoming more common as DirecTV (as well as other DBS services) are attempting to squeeze more programming onto their growing systems, particularly local television network affiliates stations as well as hybrid systems that also receive broadband satellite Internet service.

In 1998 DirecTV acquired its partner, USSB for $1.3 billion. In 1999 DirecTV acquired PrimeStar for $1.83 billion. In 2003, a merger with EchoStar, owner of DISH Network, fell through. On December 22, 2003, controlling interest in Hughes Electronics was sold by General Motors to News Corporation.

DirecTV is often abbreviated as “DTV”. However, DTV has recently been used to refer to digital television, giving rise to the unofficial acronym “D”.

DirecTV receivers (television set-top boxes) were originally referred to as “Digital Satellite Service”, or DSS, so that services being broadcast by both DirecTV and USSB would appear to be received by generic equipment. In 1998, after the acquisition of USSB, an American court ruled that the term “DSS” was an already trademarked term that could not be used by DirecTV.

DirecTV offers standard television including local channels in most markets. Local channels are transmitted over terrestrial optical fiber networks to the Castle Rock Broadcast Center, in Castle Rock, Colorado, where they are uplinked.

DirecTV also offers high definition (HDTV); and a digital video recorder (DVR) service in partnership with TiVo. It has now more than 12 million customers in the US and 1.5 million in Latin America. 2002 revenues were USD 8.9 billion.

DirecTV

DirecTV is a direct broadcast satellite (DBS) service that broadcasts digital satellite television and audio to households in the United States.

Owned by DirecTV Group, a subsidiary of News Corporation’s Fox Entertainment Group, DirecTV was launched in 1994 and was the first high-powered DBS service in the world. DirecTV typically uses smaller 18-inch satellite dishes to receive its signals. Slightly larger, 18 x 24-inch oval antennas to access multi-satellites are becoming more common as DirecTV (as well as other DBS services) are attempting to squeeze more programming onto their growing systems, particularly local television network affiliates stations as well as hybrid systems that also receive broadband satellite Internet service.

In 1998 DirecTV acquired its partner, USSB for $1.3 billion. In 1999 DirecTV acquired PrimeStar for $1.83 billion. In 2003, a merger with EchoStar, owner of DISH Network, fell through. On December 22, 2003, controlling interest in Hughes Electronics was sold by General Motors to News Corporation.

DirecTV is often abbreviated as “DTV”. However, DTV has recently been used to refer to digital television, giving rise to the unofficial acronym “D*”.

DirecTV receivers (television set-top boxes) were originally referred to as “Digital Satellite Service”, or DSS, so that services being broadcast by both DirecTV and USSB would appear to be received by generic equipment. In 1998, after the acquisition of USSB, an American court ruled that the term “DSS” was an already trademarked term that could not be used by DirecTV.
DirecTV offers standard television including local channels in most markets. Local channels are transmitted over terrestrial optical fiber networks to the Castle Rock Broadcast Center, in Castle Rock, Colorado, where they are uplinked.

DirecTV also offers high definition (HDTV); and a digital video recorder (DVR) service in partnership with TiVo. It has now more than 12 million customers in the US and 1.5 million in Latin America. 2002 revenues were USD 8.9 billion.

Dish Network

So, how about the Dish Network?

The Dish Network satellite TV is a direct broadcast satellite (DBS) service that broadcasts digital satellite television and audio to households in the United States. Owned by Echostar, Dish Network was launched in March, 1996 and is DirecTV’s primary competitor in the United States.

Dish Network originally used an 18-inch satellite dish called DISH 300 which allowed subscribers to receive a signal from one satellite location. Nowadays, Dish Network uses 20-inch satellite dishes called DISH 500, which allows subscribers to receive satellite TV signals from two satellite locations simultaneously. Slightly larger, 36″x20″ dishes (called SuperDISH) are being introduced with capability to receive satellite signals from three satellite locations simultaneously.

Both DISH 500 and SuperDISH are becoming more common as Dish Network (as well as other DBS services) are attempting to squeeze more programming onto their growing systems, particularly local American television network affiliates stations, and foreign programming.

In 2003, Dish Network began providing in-flight satellite TV service to the U.S. airline Song. In 2004, selected music channels from Sirius satellite radio were added to DISH Network’s lineup of audio-only channels. Dish Network is also partnered with Starband to deliver broadband satellite Internet service along with it’s television service.

Well, that’s all for the brief on satellite TVs, if you are interested to get more related information, you can always check out the articles section in http://www.satellitetvissue.com - the smart guide for satellite TV deals.

Teddy L.Cc., an experienced freelance internet webmaster/writer, frequent writter on issue regarding satellite TV deals, electronics goods as well as web hosting.Also, you can find more consumer info at this site: Free Dish Network offer.