A satellite TV uses a satellite, TV antennas, broadcast centers, set-top box, and radio signals to broadcast television shows on your TV sets. It is also referred to as direct-broadcast satellite service (DBS). Satellite TV services became popular in the early 90s and have been updating themselves periodically since then. If you are considering going through the process of subscribing to a satellite TV connection, then there are a couple of things you need to know before being able to select the ideal one in your area.

• Discounts for new customers
  If you are subscribing to satellite TV services for the first time, you wouldn’t want to miss out on promotional offers and substantial discounts. Compare promotional rates and discounts offered by various providers and choose the one that best fits your needs. If you have more than one television set at your home, make sure the providers offer competitive discounts on the second satellite connection.
• Look for smaller packages
  Many providers offer large packages for as low as $15 per month. But these rates are only applicable for the first year of the connection. For instance, if you choose 250-plus channels for an extra $10 and your family doesn’t frequently watch more than 100 channels, you will end up wasting more than $100 a year. If you are not sure about your exact channel requirements, opt for smaller TV packages. You can always upgrade to larger packages once you are sure about continuing with same satellite TV provider.
• Bundling options
  Consolidating services increases convenience and saves you money. The phone and the internet are the most common services that can be bundled. Some providers offer you the chance to build your own bundles while others let you select from the bundles from their satellite TV packages. Prefer those bundles which give you the freedom of customizing your own as they can help you save a good amount of money.
• DVR capabilities
  A Digital Video Recorder or DVR box is the hub of the entertainment system. The best satellite TV providers will have DVR capabilities with the simplest of menus and features that will enhance your viewing experience. Popular features include the number of shows you can record, storage capacity and its compatibility with phone apps.
• Autopay services
  It is recommended that you sign up for autopay as satellite TV providers offer promos on autopay. You might end up paying $10 lesser per month when compared to the conventional payment method.
  
• Customer service
  Television and telecommunication services are usually notorious for their after-sales services. It is important to make sure you read online customer reviews from reliable websites like consumerreports.org and other trusted blogging websites. You can also check out the American Consumer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) to check the authenticity of a satellite TV service. Apart from this, you can also ask your friends and neighbors in your area about their experience with the local satellite TV provider.