Free DIRECTV Satellite System - Is it Really Free?

More and more people are subscribing to DIRECTV and one of the main reasons is the "free DIRECTV satellite TV system" promotion. But what do you really get and what do you have to pay for?

Let's find out ...

Free DIRECTV Satellite System

DIRECTV will give you a free satellite system consisting of a satellite dish and a four-TV receiver system - everything you need to watch satellite TV.

Here's what you get for free:

* A satellite TV dish that captures the signal from DIRECTV's satellite and sends it to your receivers.

* A receiver system that lets you watch four different programs on four separate televisions.

* Universal remote controls that operate your satellite TV system, your VCR, your DVD player, and your TV.

* A DVR (digital video recorder) receiver that lets you digitally record your favorite programs and pause and rewind live TV shows.

* An HD (high definition) receiver so you can receive HD broadcasts.

* Free installation and an in-home lesson on how to operate your system.

So what's the catch? You have to subscribe to their service. But with subscription fees starting at $29.99 per month, that's not a bad deal.

DIRECTV Satellite TV Programming

DIRECTV offers three programming packages:

* For $29.99 per month you can get their Total Choice package which consists of 155 satellite TV channels and includes 50 XM satellite radio channels, plus three months of HBO, Showtime, and Starz.

For $46.99 per month you can order the Total Choice Plus package with 185 satellite TV channels including 67 XM satellite radio channels.

For $96.99 per month you can get the Total Choice Premier package which has 250 satellite TV channels including HBO, Showtime, and Starz, plus 67 XM satellite radio channels.

* Note: The Total Choice package is $29.99 a month for the first three months, then $41.99 per month after that. Local channels are $3 per month.

Bottom Line

If you're tired of getting fuzzy reception from your over-the-air antenna, fed up with increasing cable rates, or just want to get the most channels for the least amount of money along with the highest-quality picture and sound, then DIRECTV may be just what you're looking for.

Visit http://www.TheSatelliteTVGuide.com for more information on free satellite tv systems, ordering information, and the latest special offers from DIRECTV. Click on this link for a side-by-side comparison of DIRECTV vs. DISH Network.

The author, Brian Stevens, is the senior editor for TheSatelliteTVGuide.com and has written extensively on free DIRECTV satellite systems.