But first, a little background on each provider might be helpful.DirecTVThe company known as The DirecTV Group is made up of four main units, which include DirecTV U.S., DirecTV Latin America, PanAmSat, and Hughes Network Systems (HNS). As a group, the organization serves over 12 million U.S. satellite TV customers and another 1.5 million subscribers in Latin countries. Through PanAmSat, they operate a fleet of 25 satellites capable of providing satellite transmissions to 98% of the world. And Hughes Network Systems operates a satellite-based consumer broadband Internet access service known as DirecWay.

This component of Hughes has over 180,000 subscribers. HNS is also one of the largest manufacturers of DirecTV set-top receivers. The four different aspects of The DirecTV Group give the company a large, comprehensive base of direct and indirect satellite customers. Their partnerships with technology leaders such as AOL, Microsoft, and TiVo also add to their customer base.There are plans for improving and expanding services in efforts to attract more customers. Hughes Network Services is developing SPACEWAY, a more advanced satellite broadband communications package that is expected to provide customers with more affordable high-speed, two-way data communications.

SPACEWAY is expected to be introduced in 2005.DirecTV has been actively working to increase the number of markets where they offer local programming. In January of this year, the company added 18 new markets that will receive local channels via the DirecTV(R) programming service. By year-end, the company plans to offer local channels in a minimum of 130 markets, representing 92% of U.S. television households. Continued marketing and development of their HDTV and DVR products will also be a part of their plans to expand their customer base.

Two different basic dish designs and several different manufacturers provide DirecTV consumers with a number of dish options.DirecTV subscribers have a choice of two basic dish designs for their satellite service. The round dish is the more common 18" design that has been popular across the country. The oval dish or low noise blockdown (LNB) dish is able to receive information from more than one satellite and is required for those who want to receive local channels, HDTV, or Spanish language programming.Popular manufacturers of DirecTV compatible dishes include Hughes, Sony, Phillips, and RCA. Current DirecTV sales and deals offer the satellite dish and other equipment for free with a one-year commitment. It could cost anywhere from $50 to over $200 to purchase the DirecTV compatible dish separately.DISH NetworkEchoStar Communications Corporation and their DISH Network service are Hughes Network's top competitors.

Headquartered in Englewood Colorado, EchoStar has been a leader in the satellite TV industry for over 20 years. The company, founded by Charlie Ergen, began as a distributor of C-band cable television systems and filed for a Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) license in 1987. The company received broadcast access in 1992, launched its own satellite, EchoStar I, in 1995, and introduced DISH Network in 1996.Today, the company has 9 satellites, and through DISH Network, provides over 500 channels of video, audio, and data satellite services to over 8.5 million customers in the U.S. In addition to satellite television services, DISH Network customers can also receive high speed Internet, Interactive TV (on demand programming), and High Definition TV (HDTV).HDTV is EchoStar's latest innovation, which reportedly delivers extraordinarily sharp pictures and integrated sound by digitizing television programming. Broadcasting all DISH Network programming in wide-screen format and transmitting up to 10 percent more pixels, HDTV provides a clearer more proportionate picture.In August of 2003, EchoStar was the first company to offer a satellite receiver with a built-in digital video recorder (DVR).

A DISH Network standard DVR receiver allows viewers to stop, rewind, fast forward and record up to 60 hours of live TV programming. More advanced receivers provide enhanced services.DISH Network services can be purchased on-line or through a local retailer. Unlike its competitor, DirecTV, DISH Network offers equipment installation. This service usually involves a fee, but often is offered at free or reduced rates through special sales promotions.The equipment needed for DISH Network satellite TV is basically the same as for DirecTV service. You need a dish, a satellite receiver, and the access cards.

Depending on the type of satellite TV you want, you have several choices for equipment. Whether you want standard satellite TV or Digital Video Recording (DVR), or High Definition (HD) options, you will need a dish. Each type of service requires a different dish, but that is determined for you when you choose your package.A ComparisonSo how do the two leading satellite television services compare? Both offer over 200 channels and Pay Per View selections, DVD recorders, HDTV and seven HD channels each. But from there, things differ somewhat. Here's a side-by-side listing of the different packages and the services provided.

Look them over and decide which satellite TV service is best for your budget and viewing needs.DIRECTVFree receivers included with price planHDTV Receiver:$399Dish includedLowest price plan: $36.99 per monthHighest price plan: $87.99 per monthSatellite Internet: YesDISH NetworkReceivers are free to $149 depending on selectionHDTV receiver: $449Dish inludedLowest price plan: $24.99 per monthHighest price plan: $77.99 per monthSatellite internet: No.

Both company's equipment is pretty much the same -- high tech and high quality -- but DIRECTV charges a $19.99 fee to have their equipment delivered.

When it comes to which satellite TV provider has the best programming offer, it depends on what you're looking for.

If you want the biggest variety of TV shows, movies, and International programming, DISH Network is your best bet with 350 program channels, 31 movie channels, and 91 International channels.

If sports is your thing, DIRECTV has the most sports channels including the ever popular NFL Sunday Ticket package and the NCAA Mega March Madness package.

Click on the following links for more information on the best satellite TV offers from DISH Network satellite TV or DIRECTV satellite TV. Click on this link for information on free satellite TV systems and service, plus DISH Network and DIRECTV ordering information.
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DirecTV DVR by Tivo , being the best thing that has ever happened to our television enjoyment, can also be more efficient than most marriage counselors in the land.

DirecTV DVR by Tivo, with its dual tuners, can record two shows at the same time. It could also allow you to watch one live feed, while recording the other. At home, the spouses don't have to argue between watching Tom Cruise or the Hawaiian Tropic girls. She can enjoy her show on her time, and he can enjoy his when he pleases as well..

DirecTV DVR by Tivo also promises 35 hours of storage capacity.That means that the family can take a two week road trip to visit the in-laws and nobody will miss a single episode of their favorite TV show. Everything they want to watch will be waiting safely for their return.

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Additionally, DirecTV DVR by Tivo allows you to pause a live feed, something considered impossible in the past. That means that he can freeze the game while he pays for the pizza, or she can put her show on hold while helping herself to a snack in the kitchen. Nothing has to be missed! The husband can simply freeze an NFL game to comply with the wife's wishes that he tends to their six-month old baby .

If he knows she goes gaga over the mere sight of Ashton Kutcher, he could simply program the DirecTV DVR by Tivo to lookup the schedules by the actor's name and the box would automatically record all the shows where that actor appears. What could be more considerate than that?

Lastly, our happy couple could simply celebrate a relaxing evening together while enjoying the crystal clear quality of digital broadcast as enhanced by the DirecTV DVR by Tivo. They could laugh and cry together, while savoring each other's company with a loving embrace.

As they say, the less we talk, the less we quarrel

Marinelli has spent the past 29 years in positions of ever increasing responsibility at DaimlerChrysler AG, including President of Chrysler Europe, and most recently Vice President of the Chrysler and Jeep Divisions. Over his career Tom was responsible for a broad range of functions at Chrysler with an emphasis in sales, marketing and planning activities. In addition to serving as Colorado's Lieutenant Governor, Dr. Schoettler has served as a U.S. Ambassador.

She chairs the board of Fischer Imaging Corporation and serves on the boards ofAspenBio, Inc. and CancerVax Corporation.????Mr. Loder is president of BCL Partners, a financial consulting firm specializing in providing merger and acquisition and corporate financing services to companies. Mr. Loder, who has experience as a former chief financial officer of both public and private companies and as a certified public accountant, will chair the Audit Committee of the A4S Board.Additional information can be accessed at our website at www.ShiftWatch.comA4S Technologies, Inc.

489 North Denver Ave, Loveland, CO 80537 Toll Free 888-825-0247.

MSOs often try to push a STB or DVR on the subscriber, saying that the CableCARD simply does not work."Currently, digital cable set-top boxes are proprietary and specific to the network operator - thus, they cannot be used on cable networks other than pay TV service operator who distributes the STBs. Standards pushed by U.S. government mandate that new set-top boxes are capable of working with all US cable systems, regardless of the network operator in question. With Digital Cable Ready solutions such as the portable CableCARD and downloadable security, new set-top boxes can be used on multiple network systems. As with the transition from broadcast TV to analog cable TV, it won't be long until the functionality of a separate digital STB will soon become embedded within the TV or DVR itself.

TDG's latest report, The Transition to Digital Cable Ready: Analysis & Forecasts, provides a detailed examination of the transition from analog to digital set-top boxes, to CableCARDs and ultimately downloadable security. The report provides a detailed explanation of technologies and specific standards involved in the transition to Digital Cable Ready; an analysis of the market and bureaucratic forces driving the movement to embedded conditional access and security in the US cable industry; an examination of consumer TV purchase intentions and familiarity with Digital Cable Ready products; as well as detailed forecasts for Digital Cable Ready products through 2010.About The Diffusion Group (TDG)The Diffusion Group is a consumer technology research and strategic marketing firm focused on the connected consumer and new media. Our mission is simple: to provide timely, actionable intelligence designed to best position new consumer technologies for rapid diffusion. TDG is committed to providing market research and strategic consulting services based on conservative, real-world analysis and market forecasts grounded in consumer research. For more information about The Diffusion Group, visit our website at www.tdgresearch.com.Contact:Andy Tarczon469-287-8060.

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Launched in 1994 by General Motors, it currently has 14.5 million subscribers, and is ranked #2 in customer satisfaction by J.D. Power and Associates.


Satellite TV Provider Comparison

Here's a feature-to-feature comparison of the two satellite TV providers:

Programming

DISH Network offers 256 channels of all-digital programming including movie channels, pay-per-view programs, and sports packages. They have the biggest variety of movies and shows, and offer 50 Sirius music channels.

DIRECTV offers 225 channels of all-digital programming including movie channels, pay-per-view, and sports packages. They have the most sports packages, and offer 31 music channels.

International Channels

DISH Network offers Armenian, Asian, Chinese, Farsi, French, German, Greek, Israeli, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, South Asian, Spanish, Tagalog, and Urdu program channels.

DIRECTV offers Chinese, Filipino, Italian, South Asian, Spanish, Vietnamese program channels.

Pay-Per-View Movies and Special Events

Both DISH Network and DIRECTV pay-per-view movies are $3.99 each.

Special event programming prices vary according to the event.

Pricing

DISH Network program packages start at $31.99 for 60 program channels including HBO, Showtime, and Cinemax, and go up to $86.99 for 230 channels, including 50 Sirius radio channels.

DIRECTV program packages start at $39.99 a month for 135 program channels including 31 music channels, plus HBO, Showtime, and Starz, and go up to $93.99 for 185 channels.

Note: For ordering information and current special offers on program packages, click on the links below.

Activation Fee

DISH Network's $49.99 activation fee is refunded with first bill, so it ends up being free.

DIRECTV's $50.00 fee is refunded with first bill, so it too is free.

Satellite TV System

Both DISH Network and DIRECTV will give you a free satellite TV dish and 4 free receivers with universal remotes when you subscribe to their service. Installation is free.

HD (high definition) Receivers

DISH Network offers free HD receivers when you order their service.

DIRECTV HD receivers are $199 each.

DVR (digital video recording) receivers

DISH Network will give you two free DVR receivers. Video-on-Demand service (the equivalent of TiVo), is free when you order their America's Everything Pak programming, or $4.98 a month with their other programming packages.

DIRECTV DVR receivers are free (after a $99 rebate) when you order their service.

TiVo service is free when you order their Total Choice Premier package, or $4.99 a month with their other program packages.

Warranty

DISH Network offers a lifetime warranty on their satellite TV systems.

DIRECTV offers a one-year warranty on their satellite TV systems.

Installation Times

Installation times for both DISH Network and DIRECTV is usually one to five days from the time an order is placed.

Customer Service

DISH Network and DIRECTV have 24-hour, 7-days-a-week online and toll-free customer service.

Bonus Gifts

Both satellite TV providers offer special programming offers and free gifts to encourage you to purchase their service. For current offerings click on the links below.

Click on the following link for more information on free satellite TV systems and service, or these links for programming information, ordering information, and the latest special offers from DISH Network satellite TV or DIRECTV satellite TV.

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Remote viewing is being used more and more in the security industry as people become busier, traffic becomes heavier and the hours that business remains open is lengthening. You can be on vacation in the Bahamas or Mexico and still look in on your business whenever you want.

DVRs are much more sophisticated now than they were even 2 years ago. Using the latest recording compression codecs, you can now get 30+ days on a 250GB hard drive with 8 cameras, if you buy the right DVR. There are so many different manufacturers out there that it's very confusing, plus most (95%) are foreign made.

Many of the cheaper models have from 30-40 buttons on the front, and this is how you program and access the different functions (playback, archive, search, etc) on the digital video recorder. It can be very frustrating and time consuming to learn the complicated sequence of commands.

Or you can simply buy a better DVR and use a keyboard and mouse to access all the functions.

This is much easier and usually only takes a minimal amount of training to learn to use the DVR.

This is why I recommend dealing with a reputable company, and purchasing a digital video recorder that is made in the USA. It is a wise choice for service, parts and support..

Dish Networks packages start out from $29.95 a month, big savings vs. cable or other satellite providers.Advantages of Direct tvDirect tv 1. Get a DIRECTV? System in up to 5 rooms free, with standard install & free delivery.Direct tv 2. Direct tv offers 1 DIRECTV? DVR Receiver Powered by TiVO, 70 Hour Recorder Advanced Program Guide?, On-Screen Caller-ID Capable, Auto-Tune Timers, Parental Controls, 1 UHF Remote, Triple LNB Dish.Direct tv 3. You can get up to 125 channels at their basic package which includes local channels from $39.99 a month.

They run satellite promotions from time to time that allows you to get HBO or Cinemax free for up to 3 months as well..

Tel: +1.831.427.3833.