Directv was launched in 1994 by General Motors subsidiary Hughes Electronics.
At the time of writing, DirecTV has over 15 million customers in the U.S. and
nearly 2 million in Latin America, achieving total revenues of $3.15 billion
in year 2005. Although challenged by Dish Network aggressively, DirecTV remain
as the largest U.S. satellite TV company and their growing pace had never slow
down.

DirecTV was the first high-powered Direct Broadcast Satellite System (DBS)
service in the world. As satellite broadcast via DBS system is done in the Ku-Band
where the satellite dish size requirement is smaller, DirecTV users normally
use a fixed 18" diameter round dish or 18" x 24" elliptical
dish to receive its signals.

DirecTV programming

DirecTV offers a wide range of programming selections. Users can get up to 225
standard channels with their services. Above of that, DirecTV has exclusive
rights to some sports channels. Sports packages like NHL Center Ice, MLB Extra
Innings, NY Yankee Games, NBA League Pass and NFL Sunday Ticket allow you access
to almost every NFL or NBA game.

For the International channel, DirecTV offers Spanish-language programming service
and Chinese-language programming service. The DirecTV PARA TODOS service features
more than 45 Spanish-language channels, including sports, movies, news, music
and educational networks; while Phoenix TV is offer where you can get 24-hour
Mandarin programming.

The offer

DirecTV entry level programming package starts at $31.99 per month. If you are
first time customer, you will get satellite TV systems for free up to four rooms.
Some dealers also offer free incentive gifts such as DVD players, home theater
system, digital camera, and free movie channels. All these free gifts come along
with one condition, you must commit to a contract in buying their service for
12 to 18 months.

Comparing with Dish Network

Interestingly, the satellite system services offered by both DirecTV and Dish
Network are practically interchangeable -- both offer more than 200 program
channels, integrated digital video recording (DVR) capabilities, high definition
TV (HDTV) capabilities, stunning picture and sound quality and award-winning
24-hour customer service departments.

The slight differences between Dish Network and DirecTV are the pricing and
programming. DirecTV's packages are a little more expensive, however they
do normally include more channels. DISH Network offers more International and
movie channels.

Comparing with Cable TVs

DirecTV offers 100% digital audio and picture quality, wide selection on programming
choices, HD ready channels, and the monthly cost is lower than most of the cable
services. Generally DirecTV are giving much better services compare cable services.
The only advantage that we see from cable TV is that you can access Internet
via cable services. The Internet connection thru cable is faster and more stable
compare to satellite Internet, which sometimes will be affected by the weather
condition.

Installing DirecTV satellite system

Users can install DirecTV satellite system by referring user manual guides.
However professional installation is recommended, as it requires some skill
in connecting complicated wiring in the system. Standard installation is provided
free by most of the DirecTV dealers, users actually do not need to worry about
this issue.

Order online or offline?

Ordering DirecTV online is recommended. Reason one, hassles free ordering
environment. DirecTV retailers websites provide clear package information stated
and normally tools provided in the website allows you to sum up the money you
are paying. You can thus choose the optimum package for yourself by comparing
the package price and programming choices as much as you want.

Reason two, better bargains. Online DirecTV retailers are those who can afford
the extra bargains as online retailers have extremely low start up cost. Get
more free gifts that you can ever imagine through ordering online. The competition
on the Internet is so steep where online retailers are now loosing the up front
money to win their market share in the satellite business.

How the legitimate online retailers work?

You place an order with an online satellite TV system retailer. Some actually
have tools on their webpage that allows customers to design systems perfectly
matched to their home. At the time of ordering you will schedule a time that
a local professional installer can come to your home and install the system.
The satellite system will either be shipped to your home before the installation
date or the installer will bring it with them.

It is just that easy. The retailers that have been around a few years have this
process streamlined for efficiency. All the customer needs to do is be at home
during the installation.