DISH Network is the fastest growing satellite TV company. Why? Because it provides great entertainment at reasonable price. Here's an overview of the equipment you need to watch DISH Network programs, plus where to get that equipment for free.

What equipment do I need to watch DISH Network?

The equipment you need to get DISH Network programming is a satellite dish, a satellite TV receiver, and a remote control.

What does the satellite dish do?

DISH Network has 10 TV satellites in orbit 22,300 miles above the earth. A satellite dish captures the signal coming from a satellite and sends it to the feed horn which is attached to the dish. The feed horn amplifies and unscrambles the satellite signal and sends it to the receiver.

What does the receiver do?

The receiver has a number of functions. When the signal comes in from the feed horn, the receiver converts it into an analog or an HD signal your television will recognize, and divides the signal into separate channels.

What kinds of receivers does DISH Network offer?

In addition to the standard receiver, you can also get an HD (high definition) receiver, a DVR (digital video recorder) receiver, or a combination HD/DVR receiver.

* The HD receiver transmits an HD signal to your TV so you can watch your shows in high definition.

* The DVR receiver lets you record hundreds of hours of programs and stores them on your DVR's hard drive unit.

* The HD/DVR receiver has all the features of the HD receiver and the DVR receiver combined into one unit.

What does the remote do?

The remote controls all the functions of the receiver. It allows you to change satellite TV channels and lets you increase or decrease the size of your picture so it will fit your TV screen. When you push the "Guide" button you get an on-screen guide that shows you all the programs that are on DISH Network, plus a short summary of each program.

You can use the remote to block certain television programs you feel are inappropriate for your children, and use it to purchase pay-per-view movies and pay-per-view special events. The remote is a universal remote so you can set it up to control your television, your VCR, and your DVD player.

If you have a DVR receiver, you can record a program by simply pushing the record button on your remote. No more having to put a tape into your VCR, set the time, set the channel, and set the speed. You can record a program while watching another program, and record two programs while watching one of your pre-recorded programs.

You can even pause a live TV program so you can get a snack, go to the bathroom, or answer you telephone, then resume watching your program when you're ready. It's one of my favorite features.

Where can I get DISH Network equipment for free?

DISH Network is currently running a promotion whereby you can get all the equipment you need - dish, receivers, and remotes - plus installation, for free. To get the equipment you must purchase one of their program packages. Prices for their packages start at $19.99 a month for their 40-channel Family package, and go up to $69.99 for their 350-channel America's Everything package.

Visit http://www.thesatellitetvguide.com/free-dish-network.htm or click on the following link for more information on DISH Network equipment, plus where to get the best deal on their satellite TV service. You can also see their latest special offers and order their satellite TV service online.


The author, Brian Stevens, is the senior editor for TheSatelliteTVGuide.com and has written a number of articles on DISH Network equipment.

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