When you’re ready to get DIRECTV, you’ll be asked to select a programming package and it’s not always an easy call. Even though you can easily switch to a smaller or larger plan after your system is installed, it’s always a good idea to do some basic research so you’re good from day one. Here are a few tips to get you started:

Prioritize your Favorite Channels

We all have ‘em… a handful of channels we just can’t live without. The smart networks develop new programs complementary (not brain dead clones) to their other, popular shows. If they get it right, you’ll often find yourself gravitating to a particular channel for an entire night’s programming. Bad for productivity, but it can actually be helpful when it’s time to choose a plan.

Either way, get a rough feel for a priority of your programs. For starters, make a quick list of your 5 to 10 must-have shows and which channels they’re on. Then, jump over to the channel list of each of the top 4 DIRECTV packages:

• TOTAL CHOICE ($34.99/mo for 150 channels)
• CHOICE XTRA ($39.99/mo for 205 channels)
• CHOICE ULTIMATE ($44.99/mo for 225 channels)
• TOTAL PREMIER ($44.99/mo for 285 channels)

If one of the packages has all but 1 or 2 of the channels on your list, decide whether it’s worth the extra $5-$10/month. If you can’t make up your mind, it’s always a good bet to start with the lower package, then move up if/when separation anxiety sets in.

Spread the Wealth

If you have a few people in your household, don’t make the programming decision all on your own (trust me, that can backfire!). Get their top few channels and if they’re not on your list, let ‘em know the difference in cost. Of course, if you’re paying all the bills, it’s really more of a courtesy check.

One of the upsides of having multiple DVRs installed on different TVs is each person can record exactly what they want. So, most larger households are usually better off getting the larger package and making sure everyone has access to their own receiver.

Sort out the Specialty Channels

Once you’ve settled on a package, you still have the option of adding specialty programming (regional, niche, language-specific channels). Often, you can secure a free trial (or even a lifetime of lower rates) if you get them added to your initial order. So, if you’re looking for premium movies (HBO, SHOWTIME, etc), exclusive sports channels (NFLTicket, MLB Extra Innings, etc) or even an international pack, make sure you inquire during setup to maximize your savings.

You’re in Charge

At the end of the day, the folks at DIRECTV (or at any TV provider) just want you to be happy with their service and programming. With all the free equipment and bonuses they shell out, it’s in their best interest to make sure you stick around for at least a couple years. Keep that in mind during sign-up and take a bit of time beforehand to figure out which package suits you best. In the long run, it just may end up saving you a nice chunk of time and money.

DISH Hopper System

Whole-home DVR Capabilities

The single biggest perk with Hopper is the ability to control every aspect of your DVR network from ANY television. That is, you can record, pause and rewind live TV from any receiver in your home…and move around to different rooms and pick up right where you left off.

Right out of the box, you’re able to record up to six different HD channels at the same time (unless you have a large family, you probably won’t ever have six simultaneous recordings going, but it’s nice to have if/when). Specifically, you can stream up to four different channels on four different TVs, with another two recording in the background.

With their new PrimeTime Anytime functionality, you can watch nearly any favorite local show (on ABC, NBC, FOX, etc), whenever you want it. The convenient bit is it’s a real-time stream, so it doesn’t take up hard drive space. Hopper automatically saves local programs for up to 8 days after their original airing, so if you want to keep one longer, just make sure you record it.

Space Like Never Before

If you’ve ever maxed out the space on your DVR, you know how frustrating it can be to have to delete old shows (or worse, have the system automatically do it for you). It’s even more important these days with a larger percentage of programming being broadcast in the highest quality HD, that takes up GBs at a time. With the Hopper, you get an impressive 2 TB of recording hours. In our tests, the hard drive was very responsive, without a noticeable delay during heavy navigation and/or filtering.

Save Time with a Cleaner Interface

With all the new features, a completely new interface was a must and Hopper didn’t disappoint. With a gray and blue palette (not my favorite, but it’s integrated nicely with all the other elements), each screen is clean and fairly intuitive. My barometer with new on-screen displays tends to be whether I can immediately dive in without having to reference the manual. With Hopper, it took a couple minutes to get a gauge for the organization and hierarchy of things (not surprisingly since there are multiple boxes involved), but once I mastered it, I found the layout and buttons a breeze to use/understand. Kudos to their engineers.

Go Mobile with Sling

Sling is a standalone (and 3rd party) box that lets you access your TV from anywhere in the world that has an internet connection. Not all DVRs or equipment from TV providers are compatible with Sling, but DISH made certain their new system takes full advantage of it. You simply connect the small Sling box to the back of your Hopper and you’re fully mobile. It literally lets you control the Hopper as if you were standing in your living room with remote in hand – if you’re on the road a lot, consider adding Sling to get full access to your system 24/7.

Bottom Line

Over the past 5 years, we’ve used nearly every DVR series from each of the major TV providers. With each new edition, there tends to be a twist to a current feature and more rarely, a novel approach to the recording/management process. Hopper brings a lot of the latter and it’s quite a coup for DISH. It’s already won a few awards (CNET, CES, etc.) and if the buzz we continue to hear is any indication, it’ll be a mainstay for years.

For over a couple decades now, there have effectively been three primary TV providers to choose from: cable, DIRECTV and DISH Network. In this article, we’ll delve a bit deeper and compare the relative merits (and downsides) of each:

Cable: First on the scene

When it burst on the scene in the 50s and 60s and revolutionized the way families watched TV, cable was all the rage. It radically broadened the number of channels available and delivered out of market programs nationwide for the very first time. For a while, cable was THE only game in town and, really, there were very few complaints. Compared to the bunny ear antennas, crisp and clear programming was only a coax cable away. Fast forward a decade or so, cable has evolved and for the most part improved its offerings, but at a price…

The single biggest complaint we get regarding cable is cost. Everyone expects the price of TV programming to increase with inflation but for a lot of customers, they feel cable companies increase their fees more often and by a larger amount than any other provider out there (no arguments here). Its biggest saving grace is convenience and availability. If you live in an area that doesn’t have a clear line of sight to specific areas in the sky, cable may be your only option. For a more thorough breakdown, check out our cable vs satellite TV page.

DIRECTV: the Worldwide Leader

In the mid 90s, DIRECTV changed the entire landscape of home entertainment. All of a sudden, you didn’t need to run a ton of cable from the street and the price to access hundreds of channels dropped overnight. Sure, the first dishes were clunky and a pain to install, but they worked and customers flocked to them. Since their early days, DIRECTV has had a clear strategy on how they’d enter the marketplace…and stay on top. Their flagships have always been competitive pricing and exclusive programming and not much has waivered over the years: they’re still >30% cheaper than cable and are the only home for various exclusive channels, such as NFL Sunday Ticket, NASCAR HOTPASS and more.

With their clever marketing and cutting edge technology (recently geared towards mobile and online), they’ve eclipsed the 19 million subscriber mark and show few signs of letting up. Satisfaction rate remains high and we don’t expect that to change anytime soon.

DISH Network: the price-breaking upstart

Every healthy industry needs competition and in the late 90s, DISH Network brought it in spades. Targeting the folks who couldn’t quite afford DIRECTV or cable, DISH forced the prices down a good 20% over the course of a few years. In addition, it opened the doors to free equipment at signup (previously, you either had to buy or lease receivers). Customers had more options than ever and it’s been a positive evolution, for DIRECTV and DISH alike.

Without question, cost is DISH’s #1 selling point — they’re generally $10/mo cheaper than DIRECTV and there’s not much you’re missing in the way of programming or features. Every year, they also seem to add more value to their services. The latest buzz is the launch of a free (or very inexpensive) online streaming option for movies and TV programs. They’ve already purchased Blockbuster to lay the groundwork, so all you NETFLIX junkies can expect even more coverage soon.

Conclusion

Successful TV providers need to excel in two very important areas: customer satisfaction and cost. Cable has slipped in both while DIRECTV and DISH have driven the industry with innovation and value/cost. Based on our experience and the feedback we’ve received, satellite TV flat out beats cable in every category out there, so we’re really down to two options… Compare DIRECTV vs Dish Network to get a gauge on which might be best for you or if you’re ready to signup, check out the offers below to maximize your savings. We hope you found this article helpful – enjoy your new TV service!

Everybody wants a deal, but you usually have to put in some legwork to either qualify or get the most bang for your buck. When it comes to satellite offers, particularly with DIRECTV, there’s one golden rule: DIRECTV deals for new customers are as good as they come. That is, if you’ve never signed up for DIRECTV before (you’re not in their system), you’ll likely qualify for the best deal around. To maximize your savings, here a few things to keep in mind:

Ask if you’re getting the best offer

When you call in for more information, sales agents are there to help you in any possible, but a little guidance goes a long way. Their first questions usually cover the basics: how many TVs (receivers) you’ll need hooked up, your preferred programming package, preferred installation time, etc. That process usually takes a good 15 min (make sure you get all your questions answered). Once they know exactly what you want and they give you a monthly price, go ahead and ask them if that’s the best deal available. Occasionally, moving UP a programming package will actually save you money, short and long-term (really depends on the current special). There may also be free movie or other DIRECTV HD programming that don’t kick in until a specific combination of features are added (which you maybe be close to).

Confirm the locked-in price

Lately, DIRECTV has been running an option to lock-in a promotional rate for one (and even two) full years. A 24-month commitment is usually required (which, conveniently, does allow you to transfer your service should you move in that timeframe). For example, as of this writing, you can get the DIRECTV Total Choice Package (150+ channels) for $34.99 for the first 12 months, then save $10/mo during the second year. When you’re on the call, make sure you confirm the exact rates during the first and second years. That’ll help you plan and budget accordingly right from day one.

Consider auto bill pay

Nowadays, customers and retailers alike are flocking to the convenience and ease of automatic billing. From a customer’s standpoint, you don’t have to worry about late payment fees or forgetting to mail a check. The only real downside is you may forget to check your monthly statements (guilty as charged ), so PPV or movie charges you didn’t make could slip by. As long as you check your statements every 30 days or so (online tends to be the most convenient for me), you’ll be covered. On the retailer side, auto-pay is obviously a big plus. Combined with e-billing (email/internet-only billing), they save on paper and get an extra level of assurance (particularly since most subscribers are leasing their equipment). With that extra level of protection, they’re able to offer you additional perks. For example, the locked rates above only kick in with auto-pay. It may also qualify you for other bonuses and freebies at signup.

Bottom line, it’s good to be in charge and potential new subscribers unequivocally hold all the cards. New customers always qualify for the best DIRECTV deals out there, so keep that mind when you call for service. Take heed of the tips above as well and you’ll land a great deal. Good luck!

When it’s finally time to get your satellite TV wired, there are few things to consider before that day arrives to ensure your Dish TV installation goes off without a hitch. Some are more important than others (and the majority will automatically be handled for you), but here are a few of the most important things to expect:

Confirm the installation time/window – unlike cable, the top satellite TV retailers won’t have you waiting all day long for your installer. They’ll give you a short window (usually 3 hours) and the installer will keep you up-to-date before he/she arrives, especially if they’re stuck and might be a bit late. When you sign up, just make sure you confirm and jot down the expected arrival time – there’s nothing worse than spacing on the time and having to reschedule.

Consider your TV setup before installation – when your dish installer arrives, they’ll have all the equipment and hardware rearing to go. Their first step will be to match the TVs to your ordered receivers…and figure out how they’ll get the cables into your home. To save time, before they even get there give your access options a quick once over (e.g., the shortest distance from your roof line to your TV, which TVs require dual tuners, etc). The more secure you are in your proposed setup, the easier it’ll be for your installer to wire the best solution possible.

Check for line of sight – in the vast majority of cases, you’ll have ample access to the certain part of the sky required for either a DIRECTV or DISH install. However, there are instances when a dense tree or other obstruction may make things a bit trickier. In general, both services require a rough Western sky. If you have a large building or anything else hovering over your roof, your installer may need to get reeeal creative. In the off chance they can’t get a strong enough signal, chances are switching from DIRECT to DISH or vice versa will give the new provider sufficient room (their required angles to the sky are 10-30+ degrees different).

Sign up with a quality provider – we can’t preach this one enough. Anyone can promise you priority service and rock-bottom prices, but few actually deliver. In the satellite TV world, setup is sort of a different animal than most service industries. You really only deal with your retailer during ordering and installation; thereafter, you’re officially a DIRECTV or DISH Network customer. So, make sure you scope out the current DIRECTV and DISH specials and get hooked up with the a top flight retailer…come dish tv installation time, you’ll be glad you did. Check out the buttons below for our most highly recommended retailers and enjoy your new service!

If you’ve finally gotten fed up with the random price hikes and fees associated with cable, you’re probably looking to buy satellite dish and start fresh. Before you dive right in, it’s always a good idea to step back and give your entertainment needs a closer look — you’ll be much happier after installation and probably save some money as well. Here are our top 5 ordering tips:

1) Carefully pick a programming package
Sure, you may think you know which channels and types of programming you like, but there are literally hundreds of different, full-time channels available, so make sure your favorites are covered. If you’re looking to maximize your savings, the Direct TV Choice Package starts at just $29.99/mo (150+ channels) while DISH carries the Family Package at $19.99/mo (50+ channels).

With either service, you can switch packages fairly easily, so if you end up missing a channel or two, chances are you’ll be able to upgrade for another $10/month and get it added. Be sure to check out the latest satellite TV promotions to take full advantage of current specials and free bonuses, they may already include a few of your select premium channels at no extra charge.

2) Go with a reputable provider
A satellite TV provider helps you with your initial order, schedules your installation (usually – and hopefully – with their own in-house team) and follows up post-installation to make sure everything went smoothly. There are plenty out there, but only a handful that really excel at what they do. Nothing’s more frustrating that getting the wrong the equipment or having your installer cancel during your expected delivery window. Check out our recommended providers here.

3) If you’re hooked on HD, get it free
Chances are you have an HD TV or are in the market for one, and satellite broadcasters are well aware of that…and trying to keep up. Over the past few years, DIRECT and DISH have competed heavily to bring you the most high definition channels. As of this writing, DISH technically has more (200+ to DIRECTV’s 160+), but a good 50 of those aren’t full time HD channels, so it’s closer than it seems. Cost-wise, both services have offered free HD for life (~$10/mo value) during one promo or another, so if HD is incredibly important to you (it is for me!), you may want to wait to buy satellite dish until you can lock in that bonus.

4) Don’t get stuck with a clunky receiver
Your receiver unavoidably connects you to your programming…in more ways than one. A slow or out-of-date one can take forever to change channels or perform a search while a top flight model may add unnecessary fees to your bill. These days, equipment is getting cheaper to manufacture, so you can usually get a free HD or HD DVR receiver upgrade during your order; just make sure to inquire about it. If you’re leaning towards dual tuners (that allow you to control two TVs from one box), you can find that with DISH – here’s a quick rundown of all the dish network receivers available.

5) Nothing beats quality customer service
Too many companies overlook that point. Sure, they offer around-the-clock access to operators, but they’re farmed out overseas or just too junior level to really help when a sticky problem arises. The good news is both Dish Network and DIRECTV have put a premium on training their customer service agents…and keeping them domestic. If you call late at night, you’ll find some calls still do get switched overseas, but over the years we’ve had quite a bit of experience with various call centers, and I can’t remember a single bad experience.

Bottom line, buying a satellite dish can be a pretty big move — with all the options and ads, it can be overwhelming at times. Just stick to the basics above and you’ll be well on your way to creating your perfect system. Remember, it’s your service, so make sure you enjoy on your terms and at the best price available. Good luck!

Television programming has changed quite a bit over the years. As with most services, its evolution is driven by a demand from subscribers. Early on, satellite TV didn’t offer a whole lot in the way of religious channels (for a variety of reasons). To the credit of DIRECTV and DISH NETWORK (the leading satellite TV providers), they’ve recently done quite a bit to add Christian Satellite TV channels to their lineup.

There’s a reason DIRECT and DISH are firmly at the head of the pack. They offer a relatively huge amount of channels at very low prices ($30-$100/mo less than cable). When you’re looking for specialty channels, such as Christian and religious broadcasting, your first step should be to compare the channel lineups of each service. We’ve analyzed a few of the more popular ones below:

GOD TV

The 24-hour channel that transmits programming ranging from bible study to enriching seminars was originally created in 1995 and renamed to “God TV” in 2002. While they claim to reach hundreds of millions of people, the only place you’ll find them on satellite TV is with DIRECTV (most cable providers carry them as well). Dish Network hasn’t made any immediate plans to carry GOD TV so if you’re a local viewer, DIRECTV may be your best option (see the latest direct tv reviews).

Christian Broadcasting Network

CBN is one of the longest-running Christian-dedicated channels on television. Founded in 1995, it features popular programs such as the 700 Club, Christian World News and CBN NewsWatch. Thanks to its partnership with high-distribution channels, the Christian Broadcasting Network is carried on both satellite TV providers. It’s available on DIRECT via ABC Family (channel 311), Trinity Broadcasting Channel (372) and NRB (378). You can find it on DISH Network on ABC Family (180) and TBN (260).

Trinity Broadcasting Network

Launched in 1973 the TBN is probably the largest faith-based channel in the US. Over the years, the Trinity Broadcasting Network has expanded to four other networks: Church Channel, TBN Enlace, Smile of a Child TV and JCTV. Channel 372 on DIRECTV and 260 on DISH, they recently ran into a financial downturn due to the recession and lack of donations, forcing them to sell off some of their broadcasting equipment. They’re still in full operation and have a legion of fans, they just had to downsize like so many other companies out there, religious or not.

Daystar Television Network

A relatively recent upstart (1997), Daystar has risen to major prominence over the last decade. Featuring shows such as Celebration, Check the Sound and Joni, Daystar can be found on both satellite TV providers (channel 369 on DIRECTV and 262 on DISH NETWORK). As with TBN, they’ve been noticeably impacted by the economy, having to downsize production efforts across the country. There’s plenty of support for Daystar, so don’t expect it to go anywhere anytime soon.

Bottom Line

If your home entertainment primarily consists of Christian satellite TV, you’ll find pretty a pretty good home with either DIRECT TV or DISH. They’ve both continued to make major strides in faith-based programming and that shouldn’t change over the coming years. Currently, GOD TV is DIRECTV only so if you’re committed to that channel, it’s a fairly easy decision — otherwise, compare dish vs directtv, paying special attention to their religious programming, and make sure your favorite channels are covered before signing up.

If you’re a football fan, it doesn’t get much better than the NFL Sunday Ticket. For the uninitiated, the Sunday Ticket is a premium channel that broadcasts nearly every NFL regular season game. On satellite TV, the only place to get it is with DIRECT TV (the NFL has an exclusive with DTV, so you won’t find it on Dish Network).

Watch every out-of-market game
Each Sunday, the NFL Sunday Ticket brings you EVERY game that’s not in your market (e.g, if you live in Houston, you’ll be able to watch the Texans on your local broadcast channel and all the rest on the Ticket). Every game is delivered in crystal clear HD so you won’t miss a single hit or close play.

Red Zone Channel
At first, this channel had all the feel of a superfluous add-on. But when we took it for a spin, it grew on us…fast. Launched a couple years back, the Red Zone Channel shows you every scoring play, usually the moment it happens. If you’re in a fantasy league or just like to whip around the league, this is a cool way to spend your Sunday afternoon.

Catch Eight Games at Once
Sort of an extension of the RZ Channel, if YOU want to take control of the games you’re juggling, DIRECT TV now allows you to watch 8 different games stacked and side-by-side. They call it the “Game Mix” and it’s a great option for bars or other venues that want to show a variety of games but have limited screens (you also don’t need the volume). If it’s just you and you’re a manic game surfer, the Game Mix will save you a few seconds as you hunt down the best action.

Other Perks
When you order the NFL Sunday Ticket, you’ll also get a few additional perks. One of the most popular is the Player Tracker. Again, perfect for fantasy football junkies or point spread degenerates , you can keep tabs on up to 18 different players in a pretty cool stats window that overlays the game. It’s completely real-time and very handy if you’re in a heated head-to-head match-up for first place.

For the more traditional fans, there’s also “Short Cuts”. It’s a condensed version of each game (usually 30 min) minus timeouts, lag between snaps, commercials, etc. It’s a nice option to have if you forget to DVR a game and don’t have a ton of time on your hands.

How to Order
All told, the NFL Sunday Ticket brings a lot to the table…for the average fan and football junkie. It’s certainly not cheap (as a stand-alone, it usually costs just north of $330.00), but in 2011 DIRECT TV shook things up by offering it free to new customers. It proved to be a big success so expect much of the same in 2012. To check out the latest deal that includes the NFL Sunday Ticket, visit our DIRECT TV specials page.

One of the most overlooked parts of signing up is selecting the right satellite TV retailer. Once you’ve decided which service you’re going with (DIRECTV or DISH), the next step is figuring out who’s going to manage the order, delivery and installation. Sure, you may luck out either way, but if you want to make sure everything goes smoothly, here’s what to look out for:

Ordering/Customer Service
Even with a satellite promo in hand, if you’re like me, you want to know ALL the facts and costs right up-front during your order…without the double-talk and confusion. There’s nothing worse than having to pull teeth just to get the basics. A good customer service agent will walk you through all your options and not suggest any services outside the scope of your discussion. Remember, you’re in charge and hold all the cards – if you’re not happy with how you’re being treated, you’re probably dealing with the wrong retailer.

Installation
Most satellite TV retailers (at the least the top ones) have a national team of qualified and certified installers. If you can’t book an installation date on or near the date you need, that may be a sign they’re not a top-flight organization. Come installation day, nearly every company will give you an installation window of when to expect their arrival. Yes, it’s annoying but necessary since installers usually book a few jobs every day and there’s no telling when a difficult install will arise. The good ones know communication is key. If they’re going to be late (or early), they’ll get in touch so you can plan your day accordingly. Tip: try to book an early morning appointment so you’re the first visit of their day; with less variables, you’ll usually wait less and get on with your day that much sooner.

Proper Billing
Once you’re up and running, the last major interaction you’ll have with your retailer is your first bill. If the discounts and specials you were promised aren’t included in your bill, it’s time to give them a call. Every so often mistakes happen and the top retailers will make it right (and then some). However, if you’re set aback by their ability to misremeber, unfortunately, you may be with a cut-rate retailer only concerned with lining their pockets. Since your account is active, take solace in the fact you can call up DIRECTV or Dish Network directly and usually get it straightened out.

As with any service industry, there are companies that just ‘get it’ and those that don’t. Over the years, we’ve worked with a vast majority of the retailers. Some come and go, others never arrive and the majority of the rest are just, well, average. We only recommend one satellite TV retailer for DIRECTV and one for DISH. Their customer feedback has to be exemplary with a track record of stellar (and domestic!) customer service. Click the appropriate box below to learn more about each retailer.

When you’re ready to get satellite television, you’ll want to make sure you take full advantage of all the perks free satellite TV has to offer. For starters, new customers (ie, those who haven’t previously created an account with DIRECTV or DISH) usually qualify for a variety of free programming, equipment and subscription upgrades. Depending on the provider and current promos being offered, you’ll likely be able to save upwards of $600 at sign-up. Here’s a quick overview of what to look for:

Free Movie Channels

Everyone likes ‘em, but premium movie don’t come cheap. Without a special, HBO usually runs about $15/month with Showtime, STARZ and Cinemax at around $13/mo each. For a while now, both DIRECTV and DISH have been offering a combination of free movie channels at sign-up. Typically, you’ll get at least HBO and Showtime free for 3 months or longer (sometimes, they’ll toss in STARZ and Cinemax as well). For more details, check out the latest satellite deals.

Local Channels are a must

Back in the early days of satellite TV, subscribers had to pay for the luxury of watching their previously-free local channels. Some resorted to the ol’ rabbit ears to tune in their nightly local news. However, thanks to rising customer demand (and the decreased cost to broadcast locals), local channels are now fairly standard with any free satellite TV package. The only caveat is if you’re in the 1% of the U.S. that doesn’t have local coverage via satellite. In which case, you can usually get a discounted local channel-only rate via your local cable provider or a souped up antenna (bunny ears have come a looong way ).

In either case, expect local channels to be a free part of your satellite TV service for the foreseeable future.

Free HD for Life

Once you go HD, you never go back. Ok, maybe never, but everything else being equal (especially price), who wouldn’t choose the crystal-clear and color-popping quality of a high definition broadcast over SD. High def has come a long way over the past 10 years. Soon after the turn of the century, most broadcasters quickly realized HD WAS the next evolutionary leap in broadcasting and heavily invested in getting compliant and upgrading their technology. Fast forward a decade, nearly every major channel has an HD equivalent broadcast with most networks producing shows primarily geared for HD.

Similar to the local channel trend, HD is such a must-have for most subscribers that DIRECTV and Dish Network recently started to include free HD into nearly every package, for life. Depending on the promo, you may need to sign up for a auto-pay or paperless billing, so make sure you read the fine print.

First receiver is on the house

Without a speedy and intuitive receiver (and programming guide), finding and recording programs can get to be a real pain. Even worse, having to buy an actual receiver during sign-up can often be cost-prohibitive. Fortunately, over the past few years, both DIRECTV and DISH seem to be fully committed to providing your first DVR for free (and that likely won’t change anytime soon). If you’ll need multiple receivers, each additional box will run you $5-$10/mo, depending on your needs.

Long story short, competition is ALWAYS a good thing for the consumer and the satellite TV industry is certainly no exception. They’re pulling out all the stops to win your business, so take full advantage of every possible freebie when you order free satellite TV. If you’re not certain on which provider is best for you, check out our dish network vs directv comparison. Enjoy your new satellite TV!