Do you want to get more channels while saving money but not sure if you should go with digital cable or satellite TV? Then this article is meant directly for you! The commercials seen on TV and the ad’s displayed all over the internet can be overwhelming at best. Below we will hope to help make your choice simplified for you!

Cost Difference between Digital Cable VS Satellite TV:

Most cable companies include local franchise fees along with local broadcasting fees on your monthly bill. Digital cable varies starting at $30-$40 per month and up depending on the package you choose it can go up as high as $90 per month.

While Satellite packages usually offer betters deals based on how much money is spent per channel. Some satellite companies offer a price point between of $25 for over fifty channels. With most satellite companies pricing may be a little higher per month unless committing to twelve months of programming up front. A twelve month satellite commitment will usually ensure lower cost up front and most even free installation of the satellite dish.

Programming differences between Digital Cable VS Satellite TV:

Most Satellite TV systems can support over 250 channels of programming. All channels are of digital quality. One downside is satellite offers less local channels and may not have local channels in some areas. Most satellite companies also offer HD TV services that are compatible to your satellite TV service.

Digital cable on the other hand can support over 300 channels of programming of digital quality. Digital Cable has more local channels available in most major cities. Most cable companies now offer Video on Demand (a library of movies and TV shows that you can order at your leisure). HDTV services are becoming more popular amongst cable companies now and not just thru satellite TV as in the past.

Difference of Equipment:

Satellite equipment typically includes a satellite dish that is installed outside the home that is visible to everyone. A satellite receiver is also essential per TV. Most satellite receivers today also come with a PVR (Personal Video Recorder) which the cable company has not yet been able to offer as of now. Most satellite companies run specials on free installation and equipment when you agree to a 12 month contract.

Digital cable also requires one receiver per TV but that is all the equipment needed. Should you disconnect your service the receivers will be turned into the cable company where as with Satellite TV you own the dish.

In closing:

In the end the prices are comparable but it depends on which system will best suit your television needs and what you are more comfortable with. Both Digital TV and Satellite TV both have their disadvantages and advantages, you make the call!

By: Jim Teler

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Anyone can mount a Satellite with no problem. Running the cable is also very straightforward to do. But, when it comes time to find a signal; that separates amateurs from the pros. I have always said, that finding the signal is not easy to do. But, it is simple. Why do I say that? Because, patience is what comes to place. Do you remember the old saying: Patience is a virtue. Well, finding the signal is a virtue.

I don’t care if you are a professional or not. The fact of the matter is: if you have right attitude approach towards concentrating in finding the signal, you will get it done. But, if you don’t…I will suggest you. Save your grief and hire someone to do if for you.

If you still want to try to find it for yourself, be my guest. But, before you try, here are some tips, you should consider.

1) Make sure you have a direct cable line from the dish to the receiver box. This is one of the most popular problems I seen so many times. When you are into finding the signal, you must eliminate any boosters, splitters or switches.

2) Get a clear line of sight. So many times, people are trying to find the signal when there is obstruction in the way. I will mention once: Satellite Signal Cannot go through trees, branches of anything solid blocking the way.

3) Use RG6 Coax Cable. If you want to avoid problems, it is strongly suggested to use the right type of cable. In this case, RG6 cable is what you need to use. Otherwise, the other type will deteriorate with time.

4) Check cable connectors. Connectors can be sensitive. If the connectors are corroded, you won’t get much signal. Or, maybe, they aren’t tight. Change then and crimp them properly. Last and not least, check for shorts: one of the aluminum filaments is touching the copper part. Thus, that creates a short. Subsequently, no signal will be shown on the TV screen.

If you follow these for basic steps, then you will find the signal always, whenever you are. And if you want to make it easier for you, get a signal finder. You can get either an analog or digital type.

By: Armando Rios

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In the old days, we all had those silly antennas. Yes, that is how I like to start my articles these days with a random sentence that gets your attention. So, in the old days we all had those idiot antennas and then we got cable and no one wanted to let go of those random bits of metal sticking out of their TVs posing a very real threat of gouging young Billy’s eyes out.

But slowly cable took over. People still had cable TV hooked up to one TV in their house whereas the other TVs most notably in the basement of the kitchen still had those bunny ears. It took a lot of years for it to become mainstream in all homes across the world. But even then, there was that ugly little box that sat on top of the TV that used to be the real deterrent for most people looking to make the switch form analog antennas to more trustworthy cable TV.

After spending massive amounts of time on the roofs of houses, grandpa can finally come down and save his hip replacement from shattering on the icy ground. But, I Digress.. I was talking about TV. These days there is another change brewing and that is from cable and Dish based programming to Internet based TV. Most college going Kids don’t buy TVs anymore. The trend is moving towards just having one entertainment/work unit – the laptop. Most people just have a laptop simply because it is convenient.

You work on your laptop and you watch TV on it too (and everything in between). But the industry is still kicking and screaming about the change. The problem is that with the Internet, TV can be obtained for FREE if you know where to look. This discourages a lot of people from making the switch. TV should always be for free anyway and should be supported by advertising.

The Internet is great for that. So why not harness the power of the Internet to make TV free for everyone. If you are concerned about your programming being stolen then create a website with high quality streams monetized by advertising. Its easy and can certainly be done. So what is the problem? Well, conservatism for one thing.

A lot of people have gotten older ever since the days of the first antenna to cable switch and now the same long haired guys who were extolling the virtues of the magic cable are the ones still holding on the dear life. They don’t want their cash cow to change. They want their world to stay the same because if it changes then they wont be in control anymore.

Yes, that causes studio execs to relinquish control over the Television value added chain but sooner or later the change will come. The future will be about TV flowing through your broadband on your computer or some other TV like device hooked up to Broadband. Get with it!

By: Karan Trishool

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Controlling what kids can see is always a big issue when it comes to television. There are various ways it can be done. Some of it has to come from the government which can decide in general what is appropriate to be shown regularly in people’s homes. The rest of it has to come from individuals and families in the form of parental control devices that block certain channels, or with simply and firm control. It can be hard for parents to know, however, when to say “no.” On top of that, there is the internet to contend with where kids can get a hold of all kinds of material from television without ever raising a red flag in Mom and Dad’s eyes. The increasing raciness of reality television, however, cannot be denied. In a quest for ratings, the programming has gotten more and more shocking, with each show looking to outdo the last and draw the most attention. Many of these shows occupy prime time slots, which have traditionally been reserved for family friendly programming, leaving parents at a loss as to what could turn risky, or ‘risque’ at any moment. In India, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry has taken matters into its own hands and is pushing back the allowable hour for reality programming.

Foul language and overt sexuality are just two of the reasons that Indian authorities believe programming must be censored. Of course people can elect to have satellite TV channels showing anything they like in the comfort of their homes, but the Information and Broadcasting Ministry wants the public to have family options on during this traditionally family oriented viewing time. Shows like ‘Big Boss’ (like ‘Big Brother’) get better ratings when characters ‘hook up,’ or have inappropriate interactions or arguments, but according to India, that’s not what families should be watching. As such, such reality programs have been banished to late night timeslots, mostly after 11pm.

For anyone who says ‘lighten up,’ or that reality TV is all in good fun, just ask the family of a recent participant on the show ‘Rakhi’s Justice.’ After being confronted by the famous Bollywood dancer concerning his personal life, the contestant committed suicide. Unable to handle the public humiliation and shame, coupled with his actual marital problems, the contestant tumbled into depression and despair. While this satellite TV and reality TV are definitely not matters of life and death on a regular basis, in this case the Information and Broadcast Ministry wants to play it safe. Moving timeslots for reality programming, they feel, can help mitigate the situation.

What happens to shows or networks that do not comply with Indian regulations? In 2009 the precedent was set with an incident involving Fashion TV. When a model’s bare breasts were shown, the channel was promptly suspended for nine days, an eternity in the world of television broadcasting. Practices such as this have become acceptable and even commonplace on television in other parts of the world. Satellite TV subscribers in the United States wonder whether the US in headed in this more conservative direction, or whether the avalanche of increasingly low morals toppling down the television mountain will continue to set the standard. It seems that only time will tell.

By: John R. Harrison

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How can I watch ABC, CBS, FOX, CNN, and NBC TV channels on my computer

Folks have now discovered a new and revolutionary way to get to watch favorite TV channels from the major TV network channels like CBS, ABC, NBC, CNN, BBC and FOX TV. This is by the use of a satellite TV program that is installed in your computer and helps you access over 3000 TV stations. The satellite TV software for computers is retailed online and the download takes less than 2 minutes to download and install in your PC.

The best aspect of this software is that it has a very high quality picture and sound just like the usual digital TV channels. Most of these TV network channels have started online TV services for their free to air programs which includes TV shows, drama series, and classical old movies, sports channels, shopping channels, educational TV stations and news. The free to air online TV channels offered by these North American stations are best viewed through a broadband internet connection.

What You Need To Watch the Major American TV Networks Online

In order to start watching seamless TV channels on your PC you will need a computer with at least Pentium III and a speed of 300 MHz. The speed is necessary to be able to stream flawless TV broadcasting into your PC. The processor should also have a virtual memory of 500 RAM to be able to hold the video picture without stalling.

A high speed broadband internet connection is advisable. Anything less will only has a lot of interruptions. Most European, Asian and American cities are connected with broadband internet and this need not worry you at all.

Usually satellite internet TV needs some minutes for buffering. This is where your selected TV channels is downloaded to your computer processor for viewing. In most cases therefore you will need to access the channels some 10 or so minutes before airing time of your favorite TV show.

Computer Satellite TV Program Download For NBC, CBS, FOX TV Shows

You will need to make a small set up payment for a PCTV software that enables your computer to access these online TV channels from major TV networks. Please visit my website and click on the beautiful girl’s banner at the top to download the software and watch satellite TV in 2 minutes flat.

By: Robert Kamau

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Two new technologies in the world of TV, DLP and LCD, are now in a tight competition. Not long ago, everyone was talking about Plasma and LCD – which one would win? It became clear to most that Plasma, with its short lifespan of just 3-4 years, was simply not the best choice. In fact, the LCD screen has several benefits over plasma. For instance, LCD screens run much cooler than the average plasma TV, and thus require less power to operate. Plasma TVs run so hot, in fact, that they require a fan to cool them down – which can be noisy. In addition, plasma screens have a tendency to degrade over time, slowly becoming dimmer. LCD screens, on the other hand, run relatively cool, and do not degrade over time. Some Plasma owners, who have used their TVs for a few years now, have already witnessed the dimming of their screens. Also, LCD screens tend to have overall better picture quality, and are typically 10 to 15 percent lighter than plasma.

Now the choice is mainly between LCD and DLP – two distinct technologies that offer slight differences in display, price, and performance. If you are looking to buy a new flatscreen TV this year, you are probably wondering which one is right for you.

What are DLP, LCD TV Screens?

DLP stands for Digital Light Processing, while LCD stands for Liquid Crystal Display. DLP technology, developed by Texas Instruments, uses a DMD, or Digital Micromirror Device, contructed of 1.3 million microscopic mirrors. Each of these mirrors is essentially a single pixel. When a digital signal enters the DLP system, each mirror is either activated or not, resulting in tapestry of mirrors tilting either towards the DLP light source or away. This process produces different levels of light and dark reflected by each individual mirror. The colors are produced when the DLP light sources run through a red, green, and blue color filter on a moving wheel. Depending on the lightness/ darkness of each mirror, the colors come in an enormous amount of shades, producing vivid color images.

LCD screens are made of several polarized glass panels, between which are liquid crystal molecules. An electric current is run through the crystal molecules, changing their position in respect to the glass. As light passes through the molecules, these changes in angle result in different lightness/ darkness patterns that produce images on the screen. There are usually three polarized glass panels, one with red pixels, blue, and green. This system also produced very accurate, vivid images, but angle is important. You may notice that the best colors in an LCD display are seen straight-on.

Is DLP, LCD TV Screens better than the other?

Simply put, that is a difficult question to answer. Unlike Plasma TV screens DLP and LCD last much are longer, and are considered to both have superior image quality. LCD screens tend to have slightly better contrast, with a larger range of black and white color shades. DLP, however, still has faster refresh rates than LCD (although LCD has been vastly improved in this area over the last two years). This can have implications if you are really into high-action motion (sports, action movies), because movement may seem a little blurred with LCD at times. Also, you’ll want to remember that in order for you to get the best color out of your LCD, you have to sit right in front of it. LCD TVs also have a slightly shorter lifespan than DLPs, with only 45,000 to 60,000 hours compared to 75,000 hours or more. As far as price goes, LCD and DLP are still more expensive than Plasma, but like all things in time, their price has been coming down. And right now, DLP is slightly more expensive than LCD, but not by much. DLP, in our eyes, is the best investment, at least for the next few years.
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By: Bradley James

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Want to watch cable tv on computer but do not how to do it? There is more than one way to do it. I will briefly touch on 2 methods here.

In order to enable you to watch cable tv on computer live, you can go for a specialized pc hardware called PCTV cards. These cards enable your PC to receive live satellite tv feeds. There are 2 types of cards, external and internal. The internal one comes in the form of PCI card while the external one connects to your PC via USB. The card receives satellite feed by means of telephone line or cable connection provided by your broadband network.

The second way is to purchase software that will stream live satellite tv channels directly to your computer. What you need is only the software plus a broadband connection preferably. A 56k dial up connection will work too but you will not get optimal video performance. You can then watch cable tv on computer or laptop right away. The process of downloading the software, installing it and start watching live tv channels take less than 20 minutes.

In comparison, I recommend the second option. Why? Firstly, you do not need to buy and install any hardware. That takes away the hassle opening up your computer and trying to install a card. Although there is always the external PCTV card, personally I will prefer not to have another device and wiring sitting on my desk.

There are some other reasons why I recommend using software to watch cable tv on computer and I am saying this based on my experience with one particular software. Firstly, it is a one-time fee, typically less than $50. That means you only pay for the software and can subsequently use it for as long as you like. Secondly, it is easy and straight forward to install. Thirdly, some packages offer over 3000 channels world wide for you to choose from. After a period of use, it almost feels like you are viewing live tv channels for free.

By: George Tho

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Along with all the buzz and excitement that satellite TV on PC software has brought, quite a bit of controversy has also been generated especially across online forums. Some folks swear by it and some swear at it. So, is it a scam or gem?

People must look at the whole thing objectively before taking any position. First and foremost, satellite TV on PC functions on FTA (Free-To-Air) feeds. By on large, these are broadcast free of charge. As such, opponents are just overly quick to contend that they should not have to be paid for simply on that basis.

Computers can be installed with TV capabilities through hardware or software. The hardware method is more complex in terms of technical requirements but is surely more straightforward in economics and civics. A configured PCTV card with a mini-dish fitted onto the computer will get you satellite TV, no scam or any two ways about it. The software method is where the bone of contention is centered. It still accesses the same FTA streams as the PCTV card system but a charge is levied for the purchase of the computer program that performs that function. Actually, there is value-add by the service providers. First, they have to come up with the specialized software. After that, they provide lifetime administrative service on an ongoing basis including updates and upgrades. Think of the computer program as a tool like the PCTV card and dish system and you’d be more receptive to it. To be sure, the programs that they bring are from free sources but so are fish from the oceans. Try demanding free fish at the market.

Some self-claimed users also grumble about set-up and operation. Typical of such so-called field shortfalls are video stutter, access difficulty, poor programming variety and service support. On the other hand, there are just as many users if not more, upgrading their packages so the providers must be doing something right. Furthermore, such software retail with refund guarantees through established e-commerce service providers like Clickbank. They are in fact the ones sticking out their necks. By all means, give it a try.

Perhaps the underlying problem is in the misplaced expectations that people have of the product. Granted, there’s a charge for the software but programming is free and it’s being unrealistic to stack it against subscription or pay-per-view TV. These folks may have been misled somehow, or perhaps influenced by cheap tactics to clock Adsense clicks by some webmasters cum forum editors. Quite likely, the scam is hidden in their apparent war on scam itself.

By: Billy Jean

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So you’ve finally decided to make the switch from cable and go to satellite television, the only problem is you’re not sure what the best satellite TV deal currently is, especially with two brand name companies competing for your television viewing pleasure. Right now the two most popular satellite TV companies are DirecTV and Dish Network. Both offer a variety of similar features with enough differences to please almost any consumer, even the hard to please television watcher.

Both satellite television companies offer over 250 channels of programming and are up to date with the newest technology to include high definition TV (HDTV), digital video recording (DVR) features and other proprietary features specific to that particular satellite TV provider.

Perhaps the biggest difference is noticed in the programming packages and pricing structure that each company offers its potential customers.

DirecTV offers the following three programming choices for consumers to choose from if they are considering purchasing their satellite TV service form the company.

The Total Choice package, which runs about $44.99 a month and offers over 155 Channels plus 50 XM Satellite Radio Channels. Its next higher package is the Total Choice Plus package for $5 more at $49.99 a month. This plan offers over 185 channels, 17 additional XM Satellite Radio Channels and 30 additional channels of family and general interest entertainment. Its final programming package is the Total Choice Premier package, which runs a hefty $99.99 a /month but does provide over 250 channels, more then 30 premium movie channels and specialty sports networks plus DVR service is included at no extra charge.

Dish Network offers six different programming packages for prospective customers to choose from if they are considering purchasing their services.

The first package is the DishFamily package. This package offers a large variety of family style programming. It has about 30 channels that are offered. The next plan is referred to as America’s Top 60. This plan has up to 60 channels of programming that should please most TV viewers. The next higher plan is America’s Top 60 Plus, which is basically the same as the Top 60 but with the addition of the customer’s local Regional Sports Networks. The next plan is proclaimed to be Dish Networks most popular plan and is called America’s Top 120, which as you would expect has 120 different channels of entertainment style programming. America’s Top 180 is the programming plan that offers 60 additional channels of programming for consumers to enjoy. Finally Dish Network offers it’s America’s Premium Pak, which is its premium plan offering many more additions to the Top 180 plan.

Although it looks like both satellite companies differ greatly the truth is many of the programming channels are the same between the two satellite TV providers. As someone who has received programming from both companies I can personally say that both offer fantastic customer service, great prices, fast installation and similar programming. The biggest difference for me was the sports programming that both providers offer.

In my opinion DirecTV has an edge in this category. Although Dish Network does offer the opportunity to receive regional sports programming it unfortunately can’t compete with the sports programming packages that DirecTV offers its customers. The NFL Sunday Ticket is by far one of the premier draws for DirecTV customers and although Dish Network does offer more movie programming plans it simply doesn’t have the programming to match the many different sports related channels offered by Direct TV.

By: Tim Gorman

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Watching satellite TV on PC without a dish is a completely new concept to many people. This article would reveal how you can enjoy satellite TV without any messy satellite dish installation.

For those of us who live in remote parts of the world, we are used to watching satellite television using a dish. This dish basically acts like an antenna to receive/transmit signals to and from satellites, allowing us to watch satellite television. The set up of a satellite television can be laborious for folks who are not too techie. The installation involves getting the satellite dish erected outdoor and fixing a low-noise block converter (LNB) on the dish. A receiver or decoder is also required in order to complete the installation. If this set-up sounds very complicated to you, you would be glad to know that you can now watch satellite TV on PC, without any complex installation.

Here are the basic hardware and computer requirements before you can watch satellite TV on PC:

1. PCTV Card

Your computer can act as a satellite television, with the monitor functioning as the screen. However, you would need to first enable your PC to receive and interpret the satellite TV channel feed using what we call a PCTV card. This card can be installed internally on the Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) slot which attaches peripheral devices like the PCTV card to the motherboard of your computer. External PCTV cards are attached to your PC via the USB port. In both cases, please take note that internet connection must be established. If you are using an external card, remember to make sure you have a USB port. Otherwise you may need to purchase an adapter.

2. Internet Connection

Broadband connection at speeds no lesser than 512Kbytes is preferred. I will explain why. The quality of your satellite TV would be clearer and transmission would be faster and smoother with high connection speeds.

3. Computer Configuration

In order to watch satellite TV on PC, your PC has to satisfy some minimum requirements like having a minimum RAM speed of 128Mbytes and the CPU must be at least a Pentium 3. Nowadays, most computers are able to fulfill these conditions so it should bother you too much.

4. Optional Computer Peripherals

There are other optional computer components that would enhance your viewing experience such as installing a top-grade graphics card and sound card. It would be perfect if you can get hold of a sub-woofer or even a theater system that is compatible with your computer.

This may be a good way to watch satellite TV on PC but it is definitely not the best nowadays. With technological advances at such break-neck speeds, we can now access to satellite TV on our PC using software. Read my blog to learn how you can watch satellite TV from any computer installed with this special proprietary software everyone is talking about.

This article may be freely reprinted or distributed in its entirety in any ezine, newsletter, blog or website. The author’s name, bio and website links must remain intact and be included with every reproduction.

By: Davion Wong

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