Satellite TV Providers: Expanding Their ReachIn terms of the number of channels available for viewing as well as picture and sound quality of broadcast, cable television and satellite TV services are very similar. However, according to one website, customer satisfaction ratings for satellite TV services are higher as compared to cable television providers. Moreover, in terms of pricing, satellite television has the advantage because it is generally affordable as compared to the cable TV. The increasing popularity of satellite television over cable television has likewise made the competition between satellite TV providers tougher. To get a larger chunk of the market, satellite TV providers outdo themselves through the programming services that they offer. These companies are constantly looking for ways to be able to provide more and better television channels for its subscribers to view. They are likewise, updating their systems to be able to improve the picture and sound quality of the television channels that their subscribers get to watch. In addition, they also implement special promotions from time to time to attract new subscribers and expand their market share. .
In the United States, two companies are dominant figures in the satellite television industry. These companies are DISH Network and DirecTV satellite TV systems. Both satellite TV providers offer essentially the same services with very slight differences. DISH Network satellite TV systems is superior to that of DishTV in terms of overall channel selection and foreign language programming selection. The competitive advantage of DirecTV satellite systems over its nearest rival, on the other hand, is its exclusive broadcast of sports networks and local channel programming. Before the advent of satellite television technology, it was expensive to maintain a satellite TV system. During this time, cost of satellite TV dishes and electronic boxes range from $2000 to $10000. Worse, this rate does not yet include the price for installing the equipment. Fortunately, this scenario is already a thing of the past. Now, satellite TV providers give away compact satellite dishes for free to new customers. Furthermore, professional system installation is also provided. Introductory packages of DISH Network and DirecTV also include other benefits such as free satellite receiver with remote controls, free digital video recording receivers and high definition television (HDTV) receivers. Bonus items may also be given away especially in special promotions in certain areas of the country. Common satellite television services include a wide selection of over 200 television channels and Pay per View shows, high definition channels, DVD recorders, and commercial free channels, local channels with digital quality picture and sound, and customer service department for customer assistance. Most satellite TV providers operate a fleet of satellites in their operations. These satellites are launched into geostationary orbit in order to transmit broadcast signals to the satellite dishes installed in the residence of subscribers. These satellites are located in different longitudes to be able to reach a wider television audience. Moreover, satellite TV providers offer different types of satellite dishes and satellite receiving equipment to their subscribers. The kind of satellite dish and receiver that will be issued will depend on the kind of programming selection that a subscriber would wish to have. |