Both offer several different packages. The simplest is the “family package”, which provides local programming, plus a limited number of cable network channels. The selection is focused on wholesome, family-friendly programming. These packages don’t offer a great number of sports or lifestyle channels, but do have enough variety of programming to satisfy the average family’s basic television needs.

Next are the tier packages, with increasing numbers of channels for an increasing flat monthly price: Dish Network offers packages with 60, 120, and 180 channels, plus an “Everything Pak”, while DirecTV’s packages have 155, 185 and 250, plus a “Titanium” everything-included package. On top of that, both allow you to add your choice of premium movie channels: HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, and Starz.

Both services include dozens of satellite radio channels, in addition to the video channels: Dish Network provides programming from Sirius Satellite Radio, while DirecTV provides XM Satellite Radio.

In addition to the standard satellite TV and radio channels that the consumer gets with their monthly subscription, both providers offer certain movies as video-on-demand (VOD) selections. This means you don’t have to wait until the movie you want to watch is ready to start – frustrating even when the movie is being played multiple times a day on a premium network – you just go to your VOD channel, select the movie you want and press “play” when you’re ready to begin.

Dish Network and DirecTV also provide pay-per-view channels that allow you to spend a few extra dollars to view first-run movies, or special events like major boxing matches or broadcast rock concerts.

Dish Network’s packages are a less expensive, but contain fewer standard channels, although they have a greater selection of high definition channels. It remains to be seen whether DirecTV’s customers will continue to consider the wide selection of channels and the noted customer service to be worth the higher price.

Yes, and sort of. In most cases people who have a fair credit rating will get a free satellite TV system when they sign up for service, usually involving a contract. For those with less than perfect credit, there is likely going to be a deposit.

Those with fair credit benefit from reduced service cost and time limited free offers, even gifts, while the bad credit crowd will likely have to pay regular price and get no extra freebies.

Without a doubt a good deal for those who qualify for the promotional offers. But what about the less fortunate?

Anyone who wouldn’t benefit from the promotions may want to consider the end benefit. In most cases, the deposit really isn’t very expensive. If one can save a few bucks as opposed to cable over the course of a year, it is certainly worth looking into.

Satellite TV providers offer free equipment to provide access to their real money market, the programming. Unlike the cable companies who already have lines connected to almost every home in America, satellite TV companies need a way to make services readily available.

Offering a free satellite TV system is not only a good way for providers to make service available, its a pretty effective pitch. People love getting something for nothing, and these headlines are enough to make even the skeptic curious enough to take a closer look.

The bottom line is the satellite TV systems offered by big satellite TV companies like Dish Network or DirecTV are indeed free. Weather you get it free up front, or have to pay a deposit, satellite TV equipment is expensive if you had to buy it up front.

Free Installation

When you see an advertisement for free satellite TV, the carrier is most likely first talking about installation. When you sign up for satellite TV, a technician will come out to install your satellite dish absolutely free.

That means that you get to watch all the satellite TV you want for nothing up front. That’s what they mean by free satellite TV. Once the dish is installed, you’re free to roam the many channels you can only receive with satellite TV.

The dish the technician will install is probably ten inches to a foot in circumference and can be placed on your roof or even in your yard. If you live in an apartment, or another type of rental unit, ask your landlord what their procedures are regarding the placement of satellite dishes. Some apartment complexes require an extra deposit if you wish to have a satellite installed for your apartment, so make sure you are within the rules of the complex.

Some carriers may also offer a month free on top of the free installation. They do this because many people are used to cable. When they think of TV, they automatically think of cable. They hear the horror stories regarding satellite TV, usually that they aren’t very reliable, which is for the most part untrue, and they fear getting rid of their cable only to feel regretful afterwards.

The satellite carriers offer free satellite TV to entice those who would normally not have thought about getting satellite TV. Sometimes, the carriers will provide free satellite TV for a certain length of time and will allow you to try out, just to see how you like it. If you don’t, you can return the dish and the equipment and there is no obligation to sign up for service. This is a great way to see if satellite TV is for you and you should take advantage of it if you ever do run into a deal of this type.

For those with satellite TV, they love it and would get it even if it weren’t free. For those who have never had satellite and are curious, seek out a company that offers free satellite TV and try it out free of charge. If you like it, you can sign up and if you don’t, you can turn it back in and you haven’t wasted a penny.