Competition is heating up among satellite television service providers and cable companies, with Dish Network exceeding 12 million subscribers and growing. This is exciting news as digital satellite programming holds an advantage with 100 percent digitalized high definition signals that provide crystal-clear pictures and superior CD quality sound. Delivery of programming is only exceeded by the expanded diversity in programming selections, and Dish Network gives subscribers ultimate control over what is viewed and heard in the privacy of their home. When you utter the words 'there's nothing on TV' or 'just watching the tube', it is time to make the switch from cable to satellite. Once you experience the difference, you will never regret your decision to change to Dish Network high definition satellite television services - it is change for the better. Dish Network's offer of a free Digital Video Recorder only enhances viewing. It allows you to record and store up to 100 hours of digital programming, including High Definition, and creates your own library of favorites - sports events, movies, and music. The slim remote contains features for record, fast forward, rewind, pause (with the capability of stopping and resuming a live show and deleting commercials from recorded programs), and a Parental Control for locking channels and programs according to content, rating, etc., that 'young' eyes need not see.

Cable television's bandwidth is limited so the qualities of pictures are not as good as satellite imaging. Cable wire transmits signals from a transmission system located near the home. The signal is passed from the hub system and is split among homes receiving cable service. Each time it is split, a signal is a bit more degraded (lessened in quality). Cable is also radio frequency-based and is changed from audio/video to radio frequency and then must be changed back again to audio/video before finally reaching the television. As this process is being done, additional broadcasting, also known as interference and static, may be picked up and appear as noise on the television screen. Satellite services provided by Dish Network eliminate this problem entirely.

Dish Network's fleet of 9 satellites transmit programming that remains digital until intercepted by your receiver. This assures the best in imaging and audio clarity and increases the resolution of the picture and quality of the sound. The sound is true stereo, CD quality, and often is Dolby surround sound. The availability of programming is expansive, including 256 channels of programming plus 50 channels of Sirius digital music. Dish Network provides 100 percent digital high definition programming in all selections whereas cable selections are few and limited. It should be noted, too, that Dish Network also provides national digital satellite services to many providers. Although Dish Network provides digital only, programming is transferred to analog by the receiver for standard viewing.

Interlaced and progressive signals influence the appearance of imaging on a television screen. Interlaced are associated with the scanning format of imaging and often results in black horizontal lines across the screen or sometimes even in half the image appearing. This interference creates stress and eye strain on the viewer and a poor television viewing environment. Digital high definition satellite signals produced on high definition televisions, however, scan all lines progressively with the screen being refreshed on a continual basis with no obstruction and/or interference in television entertainment.

Dish Network's offer of 100 percent digital high definition satellite services is certainly a step forward in improving the quality and selection of your home entertainment system.

About The Author:

Mitchell Medford is a popular reviewer of consumer electronics and has served as a product development consultant for several consumer electronics