You've seen the online and offline ads -- "Free satellite TV!" "Get a 4-room Satellite TV System Free!" and "Satellite TV Dish and Receivers Absolutely Free!"
But is satellite TV really free?
The answer to that question is yes ... and no.
Yes, the equipment you get -- the satellite TV dish and satellite TV receiver -- is free. But no, the programming service will cost you money.
Let's examine the facts.
Due to the demise of Pegasus and Voom, there are only two major satellite TV providers in the USA -- Dish Network and DirecTV.
Dish Network Satellite TV Service
When you order a free satellite TV system from Dish Network, you will be asked to pay a $49.99 activation fee. This fee will be credited to your programming bill, so in essence, your satellite TV system is free. Installation of your satellite TV system is also free.
With Dish Network you have the option to upgrade to a DVR (digital video recording) receiver, or an HDTV (high definition TV) receiver at no charge.
Dish Network programming starts at $31.99 per month for 60 program channels, and goes up to $86.00 for 230 channels including Showtime, Starz!, HBO, Cinemax, and Sirius radio.
Dish Network offers more movies, shows, and HDTV than cable or DirecTV, and with one of their free DVR receivers you can record, pause, and fast forward live TV with a click of your remote.
All Dish Network programs are broadcast in digital format for crystal-clear picture and sound.
DirecTV Satellite TV Service
Depending on your credit rating, when you order a free satellite TV system from DirecTV you may be required to pay a deposit or prepayment. Because the deposit is refunded to you and the prepayment goes toward your programming fees, the DirecTV satellite dish and receivers are free. Installation is also free.
If you want a DVR receiver you will be charged an additional $49.99. The charge for HDTV receivers is $299.99.
DirecTV programming packages start at $41.99 per month for 115 channels (including 31 music channels), and go up to $93.99 per month for 185 program channels, including Showtime, Starz!, HBO, Cinemax, and 31 music channels.
DirecTV offers more sports programs than you can get with cable or Dish Network, including the popular NFL Sunday Ticket, and is broadcast in all-digital format.
The Bottom Line
Both Dish Network and DirecTV's basic satellite TV dishes and receivers are free ... but the service will cost you anywhere from $32 to $94 a month.
So if you watch just a few television programs a week and have access to over-the-air TV, or if you have cable TV and are happy with your service, then satellite TV probably isn't for you.
If, on the other hand, TV is one of your primary forms of entertainment and you want the biggest variety of shows, movies, sports, and new -- or if your cable bill is beginning to equal your mortgage payment -- then satellite TV may be just the ticket..
Satellite TV for Less - Where to Get the Best Satellite TV Deal
Satellite TV for Less
There's a war going on between the two major satellite TV providers - DISH Network and DIRECTV. They're offering hundreds of dollars worth of free satellite TV equipment, cheap programming, and even free gifts to get you to subscribe to their services.
Here's what they're giving away, and here's where to get the best deals on what they're not giving away ...
Free Satellite TV System
Both DISH Network and DIRECTV will give you all the equipment you need for satellite TV viewing - a satellite dish and up to four receivers - absolutely free.
They'll also give you a free DVR (digital video recorder) so you can record your favorite programs, or a free HD (high definition) receiver so you can watch your shows in high def format.
Installation of the entire system in up to four rooms of your home is also free, and your installer will even show you how to operate your...
DISH Network, All good things must come to an end
(www.theonlydish.com) Recently DISH Network (EchoStar Communications) released a promotion that has customers flocking to subscribe to DISH Network Services. DISH Network released their $19.99 package which includes HBO & Showtime for a limited time. Consumers are very happy about this promotion, that also includes Equipment, Installation, Local channels, HDTV Receivers, DVR Upgrade and Lifetime Warranty, all for free.Now, a website www.TheOnlyDish.com warns consumers that this promotion is coming to an end. TheOnlyDish.com is an affiliate of VMC Satellite, the largest online distributor of DISH Network services. They urge consumers to take advantage of this huge promotion while it is still in effect.
As we all know "All good things must come to an end" states website owner .DISH Network is a world leader in HDTV Programming. Recently DISH Network added VOOM HD Originals to their line up for an additional fee.DISH Network offers the lowest all-digital TV price in America and continues...
DISH Network, All good things must come to an end
S&C's PureWave AVC Approved by Arizona Utility to Eliminate Voltage Flicker Problems for Metal Recycler.
A metal recycler in Phoenix, AZ, is installing an S&C Electric Company PureWave AVC? Adaptive VAR Compensator to eliminate voltage flicker resulting from the very large current surges caused by their car shredding operation.
The recycler plans to add a new 6,000-HP shredder to their operation and has been working with the local utility to solve the voltage flicker problem and reduce the possibility of power factor penalties. The utility approved S&C's AVC to provide the necessary reactive power compensation. The 8,000-kVAR, 4.16-kV PureWave AVC is scheduled to be installed in October 2003.
It will reduce the voltage fluctuations and manage the reactive power flow, and improve power quality for other customers on the utility feeder.
It will also increase the capability of the metal recycler, enabling them to shred more cars per hour, around the clock. Produced by S&C's Power Quality Products Division, the PureWave AVC is ideal for such diverse applications as...
S&C's PureWave AVC Approved by Arizona Utility to Eliminate Voltage Flicker Problems for Metal Recycler.
sample resume Dvr Free Satellite TV -- Is It Really Free? 
Macro Solutions LLC (www.toner-ink.com) Recycles Worn HP and Lexmark Laser Printer Maintenance Kits and Fuser Assemblies at a Cost-Savings to Consumers
With the continued popularity of the laser printer comes the age old question: Where do all the old consumables such as toner cartridges, fuser assemblies and maintenance kit parts go? To the dump to the dump to the dump, dump, dump? Not always...We all know there are remanufactured toner and ink cartridges available. But did you know that you can recycle that old worn out maintenance kit and fuser assembly for your HP or Lexmark laser printer?One company that provides this service is Macro Solutions...
Dvr Macro Solutions LLC (www.toner-ink.com) Recycles Worn HP and Lexmark Laser Printer Maintenance Kits and Fuser Assemblies at a Cost-Savings to Consumers ink cartridges