Free Is A Four Letter Word
Free is a four letter word in the Satellite TV business. You
probably have seen the advertisements for a free satellite TV.
Some vendors that carry the top two satellite TV providers -
Direct TV and Dish Network - even tout free equipment like a
satellite TV receiver and TV satellite dish. The question for
many consumers is what really constitutes free satellite TV.
The definition of free can be paraphrased as something that
costs nothing or is gratis. In other connotations, free can mean
not enslaved or not obstructed. So, if you want to take the
meaning of free literally, in regards to free satellite TV, it
could be construed as not being enslaved by a price tag. Sounds
like a winning plan, does it not? However, the term free can be
a bit misleading at first when you are in the market for
satellite TV system.
For the most part, the equipment like the TV satellite dish and
the satellite TV receiver is free. And depending on the
marketing promotions the two major providers have, you may also
find that you get the high definition version of the satellite
Dish Network or the Directv Tivo for free as well. The holidays
are the best times to hook up with one of those sweet deals.
The free part ends with the equipment in many cases. The
programming and other services will cost money. For instance,
with Directv, you have to pay a deposit, depending on what your
credit rating holds. However, that is refunded to you or applied
towards the programming package you choose, whether it is a
basic Family package or the programming package with all the
movie channels included.
With the Dish Network, there is usually a charge for activation.
However, as with Direct TV, it is credited towards your desired
programming package. Even though Dish Network may have less
programming choices for the sports fanatic, they more than make
up for it with a free digital recording or high definition
satellite TV receiver. They even have a larger, overall
selection of HDTV programming.
Directv HDTV receivers cost extra as does the Directv Tivo
option, unless of course, you hit upon one of those infrequent
marketing promotions offering the option for free, as mentioned
previously. With Direct TV, they offer more for the sports fan
as far as play-off programming package deals. And music lovers
can enjoy over twenty music channels alone!
The bottom line is that the word free basically means the same
with both major satellite TV providers - the Dish Network and
Direct TV. You have got to research the promotions they both
have to offer as well as their programming packages. Just
remember, free is a four letter word, one that is spoken, well
freely, in the satellite TV market. Ask your questions, read the
fine print and find out exactly what their 'free' means to you
and your pocketbook.