Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Be King of the Sofa with Direct TV on Super Bowl Sunday

All year long, you diligently watched your NFL SUNDAY TICKET games, used your DVR when you couldn't see the games live, and you even entered the Direct TV Ultimate Displaced Fan Competition. Now, it's here…Superbowl XLIII, on February 1, 2009. And, even if you don't win the trip to Tampa Bay, Florida to attend the game…you know you've got the next best thing going for you. It's in your living room…your very own SOFA!

That's right! Thanks to Direct TV, you'll see all of the action of Superbowl XLIII and the Pre-Game Festivities of the 3rd Annual Celebrity Beach Bowl, hosted by Spike HD. In addition to sports, you'll get the incredible musical performances from the hottest musical acts and artists in the world -- all from the best seat in the house.

So many entries in the Direct TV search for the Ultimate Displaced Fan, were humorous, entertaining, heartfelt, and genuinely told the story of fans who love their teams but can't be near them.

From every state in the nation, football's most dedicated, and loyal fans – those whom are true to their teams sent in their stories. Almost 3,000 subscribers to Direct TV 's NFL SUNDAY TICKET, entered the contest in the hopes of becoming Direct TV 's Ultimate Displaced Fan. To be chosen, they had to prove their loyalty so, they submitted essays, videos and photographs to show what they've gone through, all in the name of love for a team that's far away.

The Direct TV Ultimate Displaced Fan wins a trip for two to Super Bowl XLIII, along with the chance to meet last year's MVP, New York Giants, QB, Eli Manning, and the opportunity to pick and meet a player from their favorite far-away team. They even get to have a spot on one of the teams in the Celebrity Beach Bowl line up.
So, if you didn't win the trip you've still got the best seat in the house, the best beverage at the bar and the best view in the entire arena at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa Bay, Florida! Direct TV packages deliver it all right to your very own sofa!

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Wacky World of Sports on Direct TV

There is a strong tie between sports and national pride. The Olympic Games perfectly demonstrate this connection as millions of people gather around their televisions to watch their country’s representatives dominate over all others, taking on a bit of a warlike significance but with much less violence, thankfully. There are always the popular sports of the Olympics, summer bringing swimming, basketball, and gymnastics while winter brings downhill skiing, jumping, and ice skating, but what is really unique are the lesser known sports. Prime time slots are not typically devoted to broadcasting the tension of the arm wrestling matches or relaying the melting of ice in high definition during a curling competition, yet both of these sports hold their places in the Olympic games and are regarded as being very important to their fans.

The Olympics also host table tennis and speed walking, which for many may seem like peculiar choices. As seemingly odd as a few of these Olympic sports appear, imagine the strangeness of sports that are not included in the Olympics yet are quite popular in many countries. While bog snorkeling and cheese rolling may never make it to big show of the Olympics, popular sports such as golf and rugby are still left out of the running as well. A lot can be learned about a country through an understanding of what sports run close to the heart of national pride. There is the interesting issue of why a majority of the world appears to be enamored with the game of football, American soccer, while the United States remains mildly interested, instead choosing to fall head over heels in love with American football. While millions of people from Europe and most of the Americas tune in to watch their favorite fĂștbol teams compete, Americans prefer to follow their favorite pigskin teams with options such as NFL Sunday Ticket, one of the most popular Direct TV packages.

Perhaps the United State’s lack of interest in fĂștbol stems from a serious desire to separate itself from Europe, or maybe we just wanted to make our own rendition of rugby, whatever the reason, there is an undeniable link between sports and national identity. The options offered by satellite television allow aficionados of all kinds to peruse the channels, checking out over the top and conventional sports of all kinds from all over the world. Whether it be praying for the soul of a Brazilian goalie who let a crucial shot get by or trying to decipher the rules of badminton, watching international sports allows people to take part in an important part of other cultures. Modern sports even provide a glimpse into the past of some countries and how their history has evolved into something shared internationally. While a lot of people simply enjoy watching very large men with straining muscles launch aogs further than the other “strong men” in HD, the very act dates back to strength competitions practiced in Scotland. While most sports focus on who is faster, stronger, or more agile, there is something deeper to be learned from sports in the bigger picture. Exposure to international sports through the many sports channels in existence on Direct TV offers people a peek into the culture of countries all over the world.

And if you want to delve deeper into the wacky world of sports online, but don't have a high-speed internet connection, I recommend Hughes Net satellite internet service. Hughes Net internet lets you connect at speeds up to 50x faster than dial-up, so you can easily and quickly watch all those great cheese-rolling videos you'll find in Google.

Monday, January 5, 2009

HD Puts You in the Middle of the Action

When it comes to television, viewers tend to enjoy big explosions, hard hitting sports, and realistic special effects. While Hollywood strives to provide the most realistic effects possible and sports are always exciting, your picture will only ever be as good as the television you watch it on. This is the main reason most people are switching to high definition television.

High definition television, or HDTV, puts you directly in the action. With an astounding 1080i or 1080p resolution, you can say goodbye to visible pixels and limited colors. Where most televisions have about 500 lines of video on the screen, a high definition television has well over a thousand, resulting in crystal clear picture quality and more accurate colors. HDTV uses a widescreen format, which allows you to see more on your screen than with standard definition television. HDTV's do work with standard definition television, however, and can automatically scale the picture to fit your screen. Even most SD broadcasts have a better picture quality when viewed through an HDTV with more lines of picture on the screen.

When watching television on a high definition TV set, you are as close as you can get to the action without being there. Every hard hit in football is shown in crisp detail, and the high quality audio ensures that you can hear every hit and every audible that your quarterback calls. Every special effect looks stunning in HD, and romance movies are always more fun when you can watch the heartthrob playing the lead in perfect detail. HD can enhance any movie or television show and give you the crystal clear reception you have always wanted. Many consumers note that once they have watched their favorite show in HD quality, they have a hard time watching it in anything less.

Satellite TV offers the most HD channels to consumers, including a wide array of exclusive channels. When coupled with the high number of exclusive HD sports packages, it is easy to see why so many consumers are switching to satellite. Satellite also uses only the recommended compression of HD signals, which ensures that you are not given a lower quality signal than you pay for. With satellite, your channels are beamed from space, meaning that the number of channels you receive is not dependent on the capability of cables running far below ground. With new satellites just launched with the capacity for hundreds of HD channels and another set to launch in a very short time, satellite is light years ahead of cable in the race to provide the most and best HD service.

For the best in HD entertainment, contact Direct TV. Direct TV is the exclusive home to the 101 network, home of Friday Night Lights Season 3 early broadcast and the return of the hit show Wonderland, as well as the exclusive home to NFL Sunday Ticket and a host of other sports packages. For the most HD available and a channel lineup that expands frequently, contact your local satellite provider to learn more about Direct TV packages.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

What to Expect During Satellite Service Installation

Across the country, users are making the switch from cable to satellite television services. Through the excitement of the impressive channel line-ups and the stories of perfect pictures we all too often forget about the satellite television installation process and how it will affect us.

Being a former on-demand cable technician I was concerned about the various aspects of the satellite television installation such the placement of the dish, the use of existing cables and whether I would have to cut down any of the beautiful trees in our yard. As I awaited the chime of the doorbell the heavy cloud of trepidation loomed overhead. If I had only known what to expect I would have been anxiously anticipating their arrival. From the speed of service, the professionalism of the technicians, and the quality of the equipment we were amazed by our satellite television installation.

For our satellite system we chose a Direct TV package after querying our friends and family about their service. Although the company has online ordering we spoke directly with a Customer Service representative. In a world ruled by instant gratification we were delighted to learn that our installation would occur the very next day.

Who installs the satellite equipment?
Are you a DIY network viewer and think you can do this satellite television installation yourself? For this one you may want to sit back and relax since the major satellite TV providers offer free installation as part of their package.

Direct TV sent out a professional local contractor to do our installation. Our team consisted of three technicians - one for receiver setup, one for dish installation and another to run cable. The install team was very professional and a pleasure to work with.

Will my landscaping be affected?
The satellite dish will need to be setup with a clear line of sight to provide you with the best picture quality possible. I do not recommend modifying your landscaping unless the satellite installation technician believes it is necessary.

Since our property is heavily wooded we were delighted to learn that the satellite dish could be placed on the roof of our home. This allowed us to receive incredible DirecTV picture quality while preserving the aesthetics of our landscaping.

Can my existing wiring be used?
It is preferable that the existing wiring be used during the satellite television installation. Additional wiring is only necessary if conditions exist that prevent its use such as placement of the dish or if you purchased a DVR package.

Satellite DVR receivers require that two cables run from the satellite to the receiver which will allow you to record more than one show at a time or view a show while you are recording another. If extra cabling needs to be installed in your home the installation technician will explain the options to you.

Finishing the installation:
After the satellite dish has been setup the technician(s) will tune the receivers and then spend some time showing you how to utilize the remote controls.

The installation of our Direct TV satellite television equipment could not have been easier. As the crew drove down the road I was left with one hurdle that I could only pass by myself. With over 200 channels I would have to settle on something to watch.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

The Undefeated NFL Sports Package from DirecTV

DirecTV is 18-0 when it comes to its undefeated NFL sports package. What can sports fans expect when they subscribe to DirecTV satellite TV programming packages? First, over 35 individual sports networks on its lineup, which is more than any other television provider out there. The Sports Pack package from DirecTV includes 35 sports networks from national and regional outlets. However, the satellite TV provider offers more than just network coverage.

The best reason to subscribe to DirecTV is for the NFL Sunday Ticket feature. This sports package allows viewers to watch NFL regular season games that may be unavailable on local affiliates.

Therefore, if you are a major fan of a team, but do not live close enough to local affiliate stations to watch regular season games, then NFL Sunday Ticket has much to offer you. NFL Sunday Ticket is co-managed by the NFL, and they have chosen to work exclusively with DirecTV at least until 2010. Therefore, NFL Sunday Ticket is the only way to get full coverage of all your favorite teams. DirecTV also offers NFL coverage in HD TV via the NFL Network, not to mention other sports-oriented HD channels such as ESPN.

The SuperFan package, available as an add-on feature, allows viewers even more interactive options. SuperFan lets subscribers watch up to 12 NFL games in HD (in addition to other HD sports channels) along with access to Game Mix, Red Zone, Short Cuts and Highlights on Demand. The Game Mix lets sports fans watch eight NFL games simultaneously, and in HD, along with statistics as to the game’s score. The Red Zone Channel acts as a virtual remote control, allowing viewers to “flip” back in forth between various NFL games taking place according to major happenings, like scores and key turnovers. Short Cuts recaps NFL games within a 30-minute time frame and has two channels total, one for the AFC and one for the NFC. There is also an option for Highlights-on-Demand, which delivers a 3-4 minute recap of every single NFL Sunday Ticket game.

One of the most exciting developments to take place in 2008 has been the “SuperCast” feature. This feature allows NFL fans to watch Sunday Ticket programming on their computer. SuperCast allows for live streaming content of NFL games, including the Red Zone channel, on your desktop. You can watch content straight from your computer and in full screen mode or in a mini-mode window. With this technology you could even watch coverage away from your home and on a laptop, or get updates via cellular phone.

Now that the NFL season has just begun, it’s about time that you take advantage of one of the many great DirecTV deals on sports packages today! Root for your favorite teams and keep up to date with the latest goings on in the season with just the click of a button. Just imagine throwing a Super Bowl party in HD format! Now that’s a party worth going to, even if the San Diego Chargers are the odds on favorite to win. DirecTV is the NFL’s biggest fan and has the extra features on their satellite TV offer to prove it.

Monday, December 8, 2008

DirectTV vs. Dish Network

You may have already decided that satellite television offers numerous advantages over cable TV. However, there is still this pressing issue: which satellite TV provider is the more reliable and affordable choice? The two major satellite TV providers are DirectTV and the Dish Network. Dish Network was launched in March of 1996 and is registered as a Nevada corporation though their corporate office is in Colorado. DirectTV is based in El Segundo, California and was first founded in 1994.

First consider the similarities between Dish Network and DirectTV. Both services offer satellite transmission, all-digital programming, HDTV, DVR systems, and over 250 program channels. Therefore, the biggest differences to take note of will be in the subscription fees as well as the unique programming.

Both companies offer free satellite TV equipment, as well as installations in up to four rooms of your house. DirectTV offers a variety of channels, 265 of them, which include premium movie channels, music channels, PPV events, international shows and sports packages, The DISH Network offer 280 channels also, with a comparable line up. Most users agree that while Dish Network does offer plenty of movies and foreign programming that DirectTV has more sports packages, including the NFL Sunday Ticket, and Mega March Madness.

How have the companies fared in customer service? Both companies offer customer support via online or toll free phone service 24 hours a day and seven days a week. Both DirectTV and Dish Network occupy the top two spots in customer satisfaction among all cable or satellite providers. Both companies are dedicated to offering top-notch services as well as constant technical support to their customers.

Both companies are comparable thus far; the only factor that separates them may very well be the pricing. Dish Network does have some cheap deals, like 100 channels for $42.99 per month. However, DirectTV offers 150 channels for less—about $34.99 per month, which is a difference of $8 for 50 more channels. If you want the “total package” then compare Dish Network’s 280-channel deal (with music channels) for $99.98 to DirectTV’s 265 channels for $86.99. It’s true that Dish offers more channels. However, review some of the details. DirectTV offers more sports programming, more HD channels (57 compared to HD’s 27) and a difference of $12.99.

DirectTV has also branched out into bars, restaurants, hotels, dorms and hospitals with their special package for businesses. In addition, the DirectTV Mobile and DirectTV Airborne have allows even mobile or air bound viewers enjoy DirectTV’s lineup. There are advantages and disadvantages to signing up with both companies, though these are only minor differences in price and total channels available. When pitted against cable television, both services offer tremendous advantages that can’t be ignored. When it comes to choosing one however, choose the provider that offers the best deal on a month-to-month basis. DirectTV offers include great specials for its new customers, such as deals for free satellite TV equipment and free installation. DirectTV currently has over 16 million customers, thereby making the company the number one choice in satellite TV.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Direct TV Profits Up

Direct TV continues to show that it is a true leader in satellite television. Its profits keeps rising as more and more subscribers jump on the bandwagon. Exclusive programming is surely a reason for this. If you want to get the most high-definition channels with sports packages you won't get anywhere else, DIRECT TV is really the only choice. Forget cable! It can't even begin to compete!

The satellite company says its first quarter earnings for this year have already shown a 10.4 percent increase. More subscribers are coming in from around the US and Latin America. Direct TV says it has added 200,000 new subscribers in Latin America. This totals 3.5 million people or a 24 percent increase. Venezuela and Argentina have shown to be particularly strong. Things have been even better in American with 275,000 subscribers added. This is a jump of 5.2 percent to a total of 17.1 million people. It seems more people are buying into the high-definition concept and that might have to do with the marketing push with television sales. The increased screen resolution and sound quality have pushed consumers to tell their friends and family about positive experiences.

Not only have profits increased for Direct TV satellite television, but share prices have risen as well. Shares rose $1 to $26.80 which is a whopping jump of 3.9 percent. The lowest shares have been in the last year are around $18.20, so people are making big profits by sticking with the company. Company revenue rose 17 percent to $4.59 billion from $3.91 billion making it a huge investment option.

Direct TV has also increased its profits because people are spending more money with the company. This doesn't mean their prices have gone up, it just means that people are snapping up their exclusive programming because it's awesome! The average subscriber pays $79.70 a month for everything including their equipment rental and pay-per-view sales. That is an increase of 8.6 percent from a year ago and represents a huge chunk of the satellite market.

It seems their exclusive sports programming has been a huge money-maker for the company. They offer three packages that can't be found anywhere else. This includes the NFL Sunday Ticket, NASCAR HotPass and Mega March Madness. The NFL Ticket shows an average of 14 games every single Sunday. In addition, you can get highlights downloaded every Monday morning to ensure you won't miss a single second of the action. The NASCAR HotPass puts you right in the driver's seat...literally! They have front windshield screens and access to communication between the driver and the crew. You can't get closer even if you're at the track! Finally, being at home gives you the very best seat. Mega March Madness has been snapped up by basketball fans. The feature allowing you to watch four games on the same screen has, in itself, shot up profits. It seems Direct TV knows the key to making money is with exclusive programming. In fact, it makes about half a billion dollars difference!