Satellite TV Reviews

There are currently three satellite TV companies in the U.S. -- DISH Network , DIRECTV, and Angel Star.

DISH Network and DIRECTV broadcast a variety of television shows, sporting events, special events, and commercial-free music, while Angel Star broadcasts Christian oriented programs, music, and special events.

Here are the reviews ...

DIRECTV Review

DIRECTV was launched in 1994 by Hughes Electronics and was the first high-powered DBS (direct broadcast satellite) service in the world.

DIRECTV is currently the largest satellite TV company, with more than 15 million subscribers, and is ranked #2 in customer satisfaction among all cable and satellite TV companies by J.D. Power and Associates.

DIRECTV Programming Review

DIRECTV has 250 channels of satellite TV programming, and offers three programming packages.

Their basic package, Total Choice, includes 155 program channels, 3 movie channels, and 50 XM radio channels, while their top-of-the-line Total Choice Premier package includes 250 program channels, including 3 movie channels, and 67 XM radio channels.

DIRECTV also also offers pay-per-view programming, HD (high definition) programming packages, adult channels, and international programming.

Program prices start at $29.99 per month (for the first three months) for their basic program package, and go up to $96.99 for their top-of-the-line package. It costs $3 a month extra to receive local channels.

Compared to the other satellite TV providers, DIRECTV has the most sports programming.

DIRECTV Equipment Review

The equipment you need to receive DIRECTV programming includes a satellite TV dish, satellite TV receivers, and remote controls . This equipment is currently free when you sign up for one of DIRECTV's programming packages, and comes with free installation.

DIRECTV offers DVR's (digital video recorders) and HD receivers. Both are free after a $99 mail-in rebate.

Note: For current information on programming, equipment, pricing, and ordering, click on the links below.

DISH Network Review

DISH Network was launched in 1996 by EchoStar.

DISH Network is currently the fastest-growing satellite TV company, with more than 12 million subscribers, and is ranked #1 in customer satisfaction among all cable and satellite TV companies by J.D. Power and Associates.

DISH Network Programming Review

DISH Network offers 375 channels of satellite TV programming, and five program packages.

Their starter package, the 40-channel Dish Family Pak, includes family-oriented programming such as Animal Planet, Nickelodeon, and the Hallmark Movie Channel. Their top-of-the-line Everything Pak includes 375 program channels, including 60 Sirius radio channels, 52 music channels, HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, and Starz.

DISH Network also offers pay-per-view programming, HD programming packages, adult channels, and sports packages.

When you compare DISH Network to the other providers you'll find they have most movies, shows, and international channels.

Prices start at $19.99 per month for their family package, and go up to $74.99 for their top-of-the-line package. It costs $5 a month extra to receive local channels.

DISH Network Equipment Review

The equipment you need to receive DISH Network programming -- a satellite dish, satellite TV receivers, and remote controls -- are currently free when you sign up for one of DISH Network's entertainment packages. Installation of the system is also free.

DISH Network is currently offering free DVR's and free HD receivers.

Note: For current information on programming, equipment, pricing, and ordering, click on the links below.

Sky Angel Review

Sky Angel is owned by Dominion Video Satellite Inc., and is a satellite TV provider that specializes in Christian oriented programming. It was launched in 1981.

Sky Angel uses DISH Network satellite TV equipment for their service and allows subscribers to get both services with the same equipment.

Sky Angel Programming Review

Sky Angel offers a variety of Christian talk shows and Christian news shows. Included in their lineup are popular Christian-oriented shows such as Pat Robertson's 700 Club, Benny Hinn's This is Your Day, and Hal Lindsey's TV show.

News shows include CBN's Christian World News show. TV specials that have aired on Sky Angel include Justice Sundays, and the Promise Keepers.

Children and Teen programming includes KTV-Kids and Teens Television, TVU Music Television, several teen Christian radio networks, and the nation's only kids radio network, His Kids Radio.

Twenty program channels and 16 music channels are $14.99 monthly, or $149.90 annually. It costs $5.99 a month extra to receive local channels.

Sky Angel Equipment Review

Equipment prices start at $149 for one dish, one receiver, and a remote control. Additional receivers are $99 each, and there is a $5 monthly charge to activate each receiver.

Note: For current information on programming, equipment, pricing, and ordering, visit www.skyangel.com.

Click on the following link for more satellite TV reviews and to compare satellite TV providers. Click on this link for information on free satellite TV systems and service plus ordering information and the latest special offers from DISH Network and DIRECTV.