Where to Get a Free Digital Satellite TV Dish and Receivers

Free Digital Satellite TV Dish and Receivers

DISH Network and DIRECTV are in a heated battle to get your business and in order to do so they are currently giving away satellite TV systems consisting of a digital satellite TV dish and digital receivers. They'll even throw in free installation.

But what do you really get for free and what do you have to pay for? Here's the lowdown ...

Free Digital Satellite TV Dish

DISH Network will give you a free digital satellite TV dish with an LNB (low noise block) converter, a $199 retail value, when you sign up for their service.

DIRECTV will also give you a free digital satellite TV dish with an LNB converter when you sign up for their service.

Free Digital Satellite TV Receivers

DISH Network will give you a free four-room digital receiver system that allows you to watch four different shows on four different televisions. They will also give you a free HD (high definition) receiver so you can watch HD broadcasts, or a free DVR (digital video recorder) receiver so you can record, pause, and replay live TV.

DIRECTV will also give you a free four-room digital receiver system, and they will give you your choice of a free HD (high definition) receiver or a free DVR receiver after a $99 mail-in rebate.

Pay-For Satellite TV Equipment

DISH Network offers a combination HD/DVR receiver for $199. With it you can watch HD broadcasts and digitally record up to 200 hours of satellite TV programming. You can also pause live TV so you can answer your phone or get a snack then resume watching when you're ready.

DIRECTV also offers a combination HD/DVR receiver for $199 (after a $99 rebate). This receiver has the same basic functions as the DISH Network HD/DVR receiver.

Free Satellite TV Installation

Both DISH Network and DIRECTV offer free installation which includes mounting and aiming the satellite dish, running cable throughout your home, hooking up the receivers, activating your account, showing you how to operate your system, and answering any questions you may have.

DISH Network does not charge for shipping the satellite TV system, while DIRECTV charges $19.95.

Satellite TV Programming

DISH Network offers 350 channels of satellite TV programming with prices starting at $19.99 for their DishFAMILY package. Their program schedule includes 31 movie channels, 25 high-definition channels, 60 Sirius radio channels, 52 music channels, 24 international channels, and 75 pay-per-view movies per month. Local channels cost $5 a month extra.

DIRECTV offers 250 channels with prices starting at $41.99 for their Total Choice package. Their program schedule includes 31 movie channels, 8 high-definition channels, 67 XM satellite radio channels, 60 pay-per-view movies per month, and 14 international channels. Local channels cost $3 a month extra.

Bottom Line

DISH Network has a slight edge over DIRECTV when it comes to equipment, and a big edge over DIRECTV when it comes to satellite TV channels, music channels, pay-per-view programming, and subscription fees.

Visit http://www.TheSatelliteTVGuide.com for more information, ordering information, plus the latest special offers from DISH Network or DIRECTV .

The author, Brian Stevens, is the senior editor for TheSatelliteTVGuide.com and has written extensively on free digital satellite TV dishes and receivers.