I’ve written articles over the past few months about how to cut down on your cable or satellite bill.  Apparently many others have taken note of the how-to’s via articles on websites.  But it was recently reported that about 800,000 American households have canceled either their cable or satellite subscription.  With the evolution of Hulu, iTunes, and even Fancast, it is very easy to watch pretty much any of your favorite show online.

Analysts are projecting that by the end of 2011, that 800K will double.  While that still might only represent less than 1% of the market share of the television industry, it is a small sign of a potential shift of things to come.  Compound that with the growing 3G networks and the higher-speed internet, streaming onto a computer is very easy.  Let’s face it, times are tough.  We want the most bang for the buck along with being able to watch programming whenever we want.  Sure you have to watch some shows like Lost or 24 the night of airing because of the following morning water cooler talk.  But really, is that really worth $90 a month?  I don’t think so.

If you’re a cable or satellite provider, the less than 1% loss isn’t really that alarming.  Recently both satellite giants posted a rise in subscriptions so I’m sure that they’re doing alright.  But they’re going to have to figure out ingenious ways to market the necessity for having a television subscription.  For the most part, you still have to watch sports on television but more sites like ESPN360 and the NCAA March Madness are popping up.  It’s a double-edge sword because on the one hand, the leagues are expanding because of the ease to online access, but that’s also detrimental for satellite providers.

There’s no question that adapting your brick and mortar business to an online presence is rarely an easy process. Many businesses have tried to establish their own unique brand in an online format, with varying degrees of success. One blogger in particular over at Digital Dish feels that the industry needs more dedicated web talents in order to enhance the user experience online, and I couldn’t agree more.

The most glaring and obvious errors made by TV networks is their site layout. Most TV related sites that you’ll visit will be flashy but horribly cumbersome. You may have to wait for extensive flash animations that may or may not work with your browser of choice, and assuming it loads properly you’ll also be faced with a navigation nightmare. Links will be oddly placed and some will take you to entirely different sections of the site you never intended on going to in the first place, or display ads and other material that doesn’t relate to the show you’re trying to get information on. They definitely need some improvements.

Another important factor for entertainment networks with an online presence is paying attention to their audience. Understanding what exactly it is your TV shows fans want is just as important as other factors like navigation and accessibility. The industry often misses the mark here, and they’d do well to take down some of these suggestions and make improvements as needed.

AllSat is a DISH Network authorized retailer and was named one of the Top Five Dish Network retailers in 2007. AllSat has proven they can be trusted since they have already met all of the rigorous requirements necessary to sell DISH Network service and schedule installations. They are not just another affiliate of a retailer. AllSat actually began as a brick and mortar store back in 1995 installing PRIMESTAR and then DIRECTV and then DISH Network. Then, in 1997, they quickly adopted the internet and became the premier online satellite retailer on the web. There are other sites selling satellite service but most have not been in business as long. Their website is so easy to use, there is no second guessing.

One cool feature on their website is that they will design the perfect Dish Network system for you. All you have to do is answer a few simple questions. Then you can order that service right from their website. You can choose your package and any premium programming, give them the installation information they will need to deliver and install the equipment and that is it, you’re done. One of the reasons I always put off changing or adding any phone, cable, satellite, or mobile phone service is because it is so dreadful to have to call and sit in a queue to talk to a representative. I tried out AllSat’s online ordering system and had all of the order information completed in less than five minutes.

Not only is AllSat’s site easy to use, they also offer free professional equipment installation. Right now, in addition to offering the usual free installation, they are also offering a special DishDVR Advantage program that gives you 100 favorite channels, local channels, a two-room DVR that allows access the programs you have recorded from two different TVs, and there is no equipment to buy. All of this is only $44.99 a month. You can also upgrade and receive 200 channels a month for $44.99 or 250 channels a month for $54.99.

Right now, DIRECTV is offering their CHOICE package for $29.99 a month. The package offers more than 150 channels of TV programming. Some of the most popular channels included in the package are TLC, FX, USA, CNN, Animal Planet, Comedy Central, Cartoon Network, Spike TV, Discovery, Current, Bravo, ABC Family, AMC, and Food Network. The package also includes local channels (based on availability).

As part of a limited offer, DIRECTV is also providing a free DVR or HD receiver upgrade with an instant online rebate after you order the CHOICE package. You can add DVR service to the package for an additional $5.99 a month or HD Access for $9.99 a month. There are more than 30 HD channels like Food Network, Sci-Fi, A&E, and Spike TV available in the package. This special offer is good through March 3, 2009.

As usual, this DIRECTV package comes with free professional installation to a maximum of four rooms of the house. You can lease an additional receiver for only $4.99 a month. There is no cost for equipment to buy or start up costs. DIRECTV has 100% digital picture and sound on every channel.

The DIRECTV CHOICE package includes parental controls that keep you in charge of your television. As a DIRECTV customer you will get access to 24/7 support through their website and toll free customer support number.

The CHOICE package is a good fit for those who have not had satellite service in the past and want to try it. There are still plenty of channels included at a low price. At only $29.99 a month, this is significantly lower than most cable packages. The DIRECTV CHOICE package is also similar to DISH Network Americaís Top 100 offer but you actually get more channels through DIRECTV and at this special price it even costs less. Currently, DIRECTV reaches about 95% of the country with local channel programming so just about everyone is eligible for this package. You can order the CHOICE package through DIRECTVís website or by calling their toll free number 27 hours a day. They will also be able to answer any additional questions you may have about the CHOICE package.

You can sign up for the DIRECTV Choice Package here.

Verdict: If you are looking to sign up for DirecTV, you definitely should check out Direct Star TV. They have the best deals on DirecTV service and equipment out there, hands down.

Direct Star TV is an authorized DirecTV retailer and won the DirecTV Elite Dealer of the Year for 2006 award from DirecTV in 2006. I first heard of Direct Star TV while doing some research about DirecTV on the internet. I try to review all of the satellite tv dealers I can on Satellite TV Guru so I decided to check them out and do a review of their service.

Signing up for DirecTV through Direct Star TV is extremely easy, in fact I don’t really think it could be made any easier. Their website is very easy to use and the programming packages are clearly presented. This is important because often its hard to distinguish the differences between DirecTV’s various programming packages. (DirecTV must have 7 or 8 different programming packages).

On the front page of the site there is a current promotion (in this case its the Holiday promotion). This promotion will usually offer something along the lines of a Free DVR, Free HBO and other premium channels and Free Standard Installation. If you are thinking about going to a store, picking up a kit and installing the satellite dish yourself, I highly recommend saving yourself a day of aggravation and getting free installation from these people.

Once you find a programming package that you like, you are ready to order. There are currently two ways to order with Direct Star TV. You can either order online, or call a number and speak to a representative who will process your order and get you set up with an installation date. Once you get set up with an installation date you really just need to sit back and relax. A technician will then be sent out to install your DirecTV service and get you up and running.

Although in the past I’ve been really big on Dish Network, I do think DirecTV offers a quality service as well. I guess when it really comes down to it, what I like most about DirecTV is the fact that the family plan starts at just $29.99 a month. If you are looking for the best bang for your buck in these hard economic times, this is definitely a great way to get just that.

Can’t decide whether you want to sign on with Dish Network or Comcast? No problem, I can help make the decision easier for you. After comparing both services, I would recommend Dish Network over Comcast for several reasons. For one, Dish Network has a better selection of channels for less, and if you want great customer service, Dish Network would also be a better choice. “Why,” you ask. Well, after I researched both providers, I discovered that Comcast had a large number of complaints from their customers regarding customer service.

With Dish Network, you can choose from a variety of packages starting as low as $19.99 per month, and for less than $65.00 per month, you can choose their America’s Top 250 package with HD channels which will give a selection of over 250 standard-definition channels, 7 commercial-free movie channels, Encore HD and many more. Furthermore, unlike Comcast, Dish Network offers free installation in up to 4 rooms, HBO and Starz free for 3 months (with a commitment), $50 credit on your first bill and 5 premium movie channels such as Cinemax for 12 months at a penny more. Yes, Comcast has a few offers of their own, but their offers don’t begin to compare to Dish Network’s.

Now, which do you prefer: Dish Network or Comcast? The choice, of course, is up to you, but again, for a better selection of channels and great customer service, I would recommend that you choose Dish Network. Plus, you’ll actually be getting more for less!