Programming is what satellite TV is all about. You buy a satellite system because you want a better TV picture, more channel selection, lower prices, etc. A little knowledge of how satellite system channels are packaged and sold, and how you get the channels on different TV sets in your house will help you select the right equipment and install it so you will be satisfied with the results.

A basic satellite system comes with a dish and one receiver. The TV set stays typically on channel 3 and the TV channels are selected on the satellite receiver. If you want to watch two different channels on two different TV sets, you need two satellite receivers (and a dual LNB on the dish). More information on this is provided on the Installation page.

A standard 18" dish is no longer sufficient to receive all the channels available on either Dish Network or DIRECTV. The number of channels that can be broadcast from one satellite is limited, and both systems now use more than one satellite. The standard system from Dish Network is currently the "DIsh 500", with a 20" dish capable of receiving channels from two satellites. Dish Network also broadcasts some specialty channels from two other satellites, which require an additional 18" dish. DIRECTV still uses the 18" dish for most channels, but has a wider 24" dish available for some specialty channels from two additional satellites. For an overview of all the satellite channels and satellite locations see the Channel Locations page.

The basic programming package for Dish Network is the Top 40 at $19.99/mo, and for DIRECTV it is Select Choice at $21.99. The next higher packages are the Top 100 at $29.99 and Select Choice at $31.99. Many additional movie, sports, foreign language, and local channel packages are available. For details on the latest channels and program prices, see the Dish Network and DIRECTV web sites.