Your DVR Has More Tricks Than You Imagine

Digital video recorders, or DVRs, really have revolutionized the way Americans watch the TV. Gone are the days of boring commercials and missed, priceless moments of entertainment—the most important scene, the game-winning play that you didn't see because you had to get up to answer the door, go to the bathroom, check the oven, etc. No, these travesties no longer must define the way the average person enjoys the television, all thanks to a little gadget called the DVR.

When satellite TV customers and others first got their hands on DVR, it was amazing enough just to be able to record so many hours of programming, and keep it stored away to be enjoyed whenever they wanted. Then, the shock of the privilege of being able to fast-forward through commercials really blew a lot of people away; nothing could be better than that, right? Then they discovered that any show they watched, programmed to record or not, could be paused and rewound. Then came the HD DVRs, with the inherent superiority in quality that they imply. Then, people learned that they could record two separate programs at once...a true revelation. But, is that the end of the long line of benefits that DVRs have for today's demanding customers?

No, it is not: there is one more excellent benefit to the DVR that really rounds out the motto of “full control” over your TV-watching practices. The fact that you are able to not only schedule your recordings with your remote from the sofa, but you can also do so from anywhere with computer or phone access! That's right, you can program your recordings on your DVR by simply logging in to your satellite TV account, something that can be done over the phone or over the internet, and looking at the program guide, selecting whatever new additions to your lineup you should choose. When you get home, they will be there in your playlist just like the ones you chose with your remote, no difference whatsoever.

Since the average person tends to remember things at the inopportune moment—in this case, when they are not at home, which is most of the day for working people—this feature to the DVR is a complete lifesaver. No more must you go through the rest of the day annoyed that you remembered there was that important show (whatever it may be) but won't be able to watch it: with just a couple of clicks of the mouse, or a few buttons on the phone, your problem will be resolved, and your power over your TV-watching experience will be fully yours like never before.

So, if you are still suffering through the boredom of “regular” TV—that is to say, TV unenhanced by all these tremendous benefits—then suffer no more, and get yourself a DVR.

DIRECTV offers a package which includes DVR, called DIRECTV Plus DVR. Simply put, DIRECTV Plus DVR is an all-in-one receiver that allows you to combine DIRECTV's amazing digital-quality programming with Digital Video Recording. You will thank yourself for that decision for as long as you sit down in front of the television which for most people is just about every day!

Get All the Enjoyment with DirecTV

There is no doubt that satellite TV is the unrivaled leader among the types of television providers: there are more channels, covering more genres and topics, from more areas and countries than any other provider can offer. Of the different companies offering satellite TV, the undisputed leader would have to be, DirecTV. That's because there is more action, more romance, more adventure, and more movies on DirecTV.

With well over one thousand channels to be watched, variety is definitely guaranteed. But we're not talking about an assortment of low-quality channels with nothing interesting on. We're talking about the best channels in the country and the best channels in the world. For movie lovers, all the greats are there: HBO, Showtime, Starz, and Cinemax, as well as the classics like TCM. Really, nothing is left wanting in this department.

Or for those crazy about great adventures on TV, there are all the greats like Discovery Channel, National Geographic, Science Channel, Animal Planet, and so many more great channels offering up tons of excitement and adventure that you'll never forget, and that will be sure to add to your appreciation of the world around you as well as your knowledge of it. All the above channels, as well as many of their affiliates and other channels too, are offered in high definition, which really sends the quality of the service through the roof.

But adventures and movies aren't the only things being broadcast in high definition. DirecTV is the market leader in exclusive, exciting sports content. With such awesome packs as the NFL Sunday Ticket, the NASCAR Hot Pass, or MLB Extra Innings, any die hard fan will love it.

Second Season Of “In Plain Sight” Off To A Strong Start

If you haven’t had a chance to check out USA Network’s most recent hit “In Plain Sight” you could be missing out on one of the most original American television series dramas in a long while.

After “In Plain Sight” was plagued with a later than normal series start last year due to the WGA strike, the series has only received more and more added viewers with each episode. The pilot episode, which aired on June 1^st, 2008, pulled in over five and a half million viewers, placing it at the top of USA Network’s DirecTV highest rated television series since the debut of its other great series “Psych” in 2006.

This drama that takes place in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is all about the lives of those FBI agents who work for the Federal Witness Protection Program, and the people who’s identities they are sworn to protect. The main character Mary Shannon (aptly played by Mary McCormack) is a Deputy United States Marshall with an extremely hectic personal life, a disdain for traditional authority, and a job that is obviously full of stress as she does what she can to ensure the safety and protection of individuals in the witness protection program. She is the perfect example of the flawed hero.

Her partner Marshall Man (played by Fred Weller) is a useless trivia aficionado and comes from a family of law enforcement and is the balancing force in Mary’s life. As the series has moved forward Marshall and Mary have developed one of the most dynamic friendships television has seen in awhile.

Along with a handful of other cast members, “In Plain Sight” is a fully robust experience for DirecTV subscribers. This series is sure to be a great staple for the USA Network’s lineup, and this season has only solidified that claim with already stellar viewership numbers for season two’s debut.

Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations Is A Travel Channel Treat

If you ever had a chance to check out Anthony Bourdain’s 2001-2002 Food Network television show entitled “A Cook’s Tour”, you’ll know that Mr. Bourdain loves to travel to beautifully exotic places all over the world to sample the local food and culture. Although “A Cook’s Tour” was canned after two seasons, the Travel Channel (airing on DirecTV channel 277, with Video On Demand on channel 1277) was smart enough to give him another great show along this same vein entitled “Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations”.

Anthony Bourdain, a great chef himself, fascinates home satellite television viewers all over the world. Not only does he find culinary treasures in the United States, his farther travels have sent him across to the globe to places like Sicily, Italy (where he met with Sicily’s president), Thailand, Ghana, Romania, Laos, Ireland, and Shanghai, just to name a few. He has since received critical acclaim for an episode chronicling his journey to Beirut that landed him a nomination for a 2007 Emmy Award for “Outstanding Informational Programming”.

Besides being an extremely personable, educated, and very brave soul when it comes to eating bizarre insect-related dishes, Anthony Bourdain is a great host. He also has famous friends to bring along, such as the much-lauded author Chuck Palaniuk, the UK band Morcheeba, George Pelecanos, and fellow bizarre food enthusiast Andrew Zimmern, ensuring that every episode is entertaining, informative and fun.

It seems that the fun won’t be ending soon either, with future seasons already slated and Bourdain’s online blog has stated that he’s planning to take his stomach and film crew to Papua New Guinea, Ethiopia, Melbourne, and Chile to new a few. And for those that enjoy DirecTV’s channels that specialize in cooking or travel, you can get both with this Travel channel exclusive.

The Smithsonian Channel – Watch Something Great!

Taking a trip to one of the Smithsonian Museums is a learning adventure the whole family would enjoy. If you can't get there, however, there is great alternative—right in your living room. Showtime Networks and the Smithsonian Institution partnered to bring satellite cable subscribers Smithsonian Networks, made up of Smithsonian Channel HD, Smithsonian On Demand, and smithsoniannetworks.com.

The Smithsonian Channel, another great network in the DirecTV programing lineup, airs both on channel 267, and the always popular and handy Video On Demand version on channel 1267. The content available on Smithsonian Networks is inspired from the wide variety of content offered by the Smithsonian Institution's research labs, museums and facilities, and magazines. The network programming showcases historical, cultural and scientific shows and features, many of which will fascinate all audiences alike. Did I mention that it's commercial free?

As of September in 2007, the Smithsonian Channel HD became a DirecTV exclusive network, after Dish Network suddenly dropped the network without any announcements or warning to their customers.

So many great television shows have been circulating lately as well. Aside from the “Smithsonian Spotlight”, which is a weekly show airing every Sunday morning that offers information and an inside look into the many current programs, exhibits, book publications and projects that the Smithsonian Institution has to offer, many other shows are a much watch on this channel.

One show airing lately that might be of interest to any theology buffs is the “Lost Gods” series, which is a historical journey into the past, showing different civilizations from the Celts to the Egyptians and their search and practices that lead to the establishment and, at times, downfall of many of the world's religions. This is however, only one good example of the many great shows on the Smithsonian Channel.

Unravel A Good Time With Investigation Discovery

Discovery Communications, the parent company involved for bringing such great Discovery network sister channels to satellite television programing as Animal Planet, Discovery Health, Discovery Kids, Planet Green, and the Military Channel, have also been responsible for the creation of the “armchair detective” hit channel Investigation Discovery. On this channel, you'll find lots of great law and crime shows that will shock and entertain you.

Since 1996, Investigation Discovery, a joint project venture originally started between Discovery Communications and media giant CBS, has continued to bring viewing audiences an entertaining and educational watching experience through their great programming lineup that includes a variety of crime related features and documentaries, as well as a variety of programming centering on homicidal investigations and other forms of criminal activity.

Airing on DirecTV's channel 285, as well as the extremely handy Video On Demand version on channel 1285, Investigation Discovery, (or ID, as it's popularly branded) has solidified itself as the channel for anyone interested in criminal law proceedings and murder investigations. The Investigation Discovery Website is now a large part of the network's presence, supplying supplementary and constantly fresh content regarding the programing, as well as work from crime writers such as Gary C. King, David Lohr, and Corey Mitchell. Just a few of the shows you can catch on Investigation Discovery are “Deadly Women”, “Real Interrogations”, “Life of a Crime”, “Most Evil”, “The FBI Files”, and “Solved”. Once you see what you've been missing, you'll be hooked. Ask a representative about DirecTV packages that include this and other great channels. You'll be surprised at how affordable great satellite programming can be.

Watching TNT Is A Blast!

Looking for great classic movies and TV shows, premiere wrestling, NASCAR, and NBA events, and overall great entertainment?-- then look no further than TNT. Broadcasting in both Standard and High Definition format on DirecTV channel 245, as well as the great Video On Demand format on channel 1245, TNT is a one stop shop for non-stop action.

TNT, originally known as Turner Network Television and owned by Ted Turner, has been a driving force in American network broadcasting since its launch in 1988. The first movie ever aired was the classic 1939 movie “Gone With the Wind”, supposedly Turner’s favorite film.

A home for older classic movies and TV programming, TNT’s popularity grew and its viewing audience numbers soared, especially after the network began colorizing older black and white movies.

When it comes to sports, TNT has always been a premier channel for many different wrestling circuits, including both the World Wrestling Federation and the World Championship Wrestling feature lineups.

Through the 90s, TNT was the place to go for old horror films and other B-film features. Shows like “MonsterVision” became very popular at this time. Later, it was also home to other classic syndicated TV shows such as “Kung Fu: The Legend Continues”, “Babylon 5”, and “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman”, as well as the original series “Witchblade”.

TNT is home to some of the best network dramas including “CSI”, Without a Trace”, “Cold Case”, and “Law & Order”, bringing a drama-mystery fix to the most discerning of fans.

Thanks to an already stellar lineup of action premiers, drama TV shows and movies, and promising original content like “Saving Grace” and “The Closer”, as well as a huge support for NASCAR and NBA events, TNT is definitely a satellite TV channel to keep both eyes on.