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.