Therefore, Chicago is the third largest media market in the United States of America after New York and Los Angeles. Currently, there are over 2. 7 million households in the Chicago metropolitan area, meaning that the demand for television services is very high. Satellite TV is similar with the cable TV service, but is way more flexible and cheaper for the consumers in Chicago area. Here you will find all the information on satellite TV offerings, providers, packages, and equipment for the residents of Chicago.
Satellite television in Chicago: a short review
Satellite TV broadcasts television signals through satellites that orbit the earth to homes with satellite dishes. One advantage of satellite TV is that it is an unrestricted medium unlike cable TV that requires a physical cable to bring the signal to your house as all that is required for you to access a satellites signals is a clean shot at the satellite. The two main satellite TV providers that are available within Chicago are the DIRECTV and DISH Network.
Benefits of Satellite TV
There are several advantages satellite TV provides over cable:
- More channels and package options: Satellite usually provides more programming than basic cable – often over 150 additional channels – and more freedom to design the packages according to your preferences. This is even more so when it comes to dedicated packages focussing on sports.
- No contracts: Whereas cable providers have most of their plans tied to 12-month contracts, most satellite TV plans are non-contractual. This makes it convenient to switch from one plan or provider to the other at any given time.
- National coverage: Once you manage to point your satellite dish towards the satellite, you can receive the signal anywhere in the continental United States. This makes satellite TV ideal for RV and seasonal homes.
- Better picture quality: Satellite TV provides 100% digital signals which cause fewer compressions and artifacts compared to analog cable signals. This leads to better quality High-Definition channels.
- Affordable plans: Due to increasing competition from streaming services, satellite providers are now providing cheap programming packages and special offers to cord cutters. Internet connection bundles are also offered.
List of satellite television providers in Chicago
DIRECTV and DISH are two of the most popular satellite services that are offered to the people of Chicago. Here's an overview of each company's services:
DIRECTV
DIRECTV is now the largest satellite television company in the United States. Key details include:
- More than 190 channels are offered for basic cable packages.
- Superb sports coverage – NFL Sunday Ticket offers all the NFL games.
- Genie DVR offers as much storage for recordings as possible
- Streaming apps such as Netflix, and YouTube are some of the apps that can be connected to Genie.
- Contract-free plans available
DISH Network
By comparing the features and prices, it can be said that DISH is in stiff competition with DIRECTV. Here are the main DISH offerings:
- Starting at $ 64. 99 a month per package
- Combined with 215+ channel “America’s Top 120” plan, it contains the most popular channels.
- Cablevision’s Hopper DVR which has won prestigious awards allows viewers to easily avoid commercials.
- Works with Netflix, YouTube, Pandora and other applications
- Options to minimize hardware costs in BYOD programs
- 100% contract-free packages
As noted above, both DIRECTV and DISH offer essential channels and equipment for their services. Company provides relatively better sports packages than DISH though DISH provides its services at comparatively lower prices.
Satellite TV Channel Packages
Satellite providers group the channels, and customers subscribe to them in packages based on their tier. The channels in the tiers below are included in higher packages plus other additional channels. This lets you choose a range of general interest channels for a relatively low cost or pick specific topics you are interested in.
The basic packages cost $59. 99 per month and offer 155+ television channels. Upgrading to a core package will cost $64. 99 to $134. 99 for 215+ to 295+ channels. For example, premium packages with 350 plus channels including the sports and movie extras go for as low as $144. 99 per month and above.
Other packages include Spanish language, international, sports (NFL/NBA/MLB/NHL) and specialty packages. This has always been the possibility with both DIRECTV AND DISH and it is always an improvement compared to the cable companies which have fixed contract terms.
Equipment Needed
To set up satellite TV service, you'll need:
- Satellite Dish: The small dish shape antenna often sits on your roof or balcony rail by brackets. The standard 18-inch dish is usually sufficient for most installations.
- Receiver: The dish collects the signals and transmits them to the satellite receiver before sending them to your television set. Genie from DIRECTV and Hopper from DISH are also receptors that contain DVR so that you can record programs. Wireless Genie Mini and Joey units allow watching shows on other TVs.
- Cabling: Some of these include, coaxial cables that link your dish to the receivers and the receivers to the HDTVs. When running cables, try to make routes straight and as hidden as can be.
Installation Process
Professional standard installation from DIRECTV or DISH includes:
- Deciding on the location of the dishes and positioning them in such a manner that they are line of sight towards the south.
- To mount the dish and the receivers to the exterior and interior walls of the building.
- Coaxial cables for running and connection of dish, receivers and TVs
- Switching on and tuning various devices to get the best signal quality
- Explaining how receivers and DVRs work and functioning of these devices
Self-installation is an option but advisable for expert do-it-yourselfers. It is advised to lease the equipment and get a professional to install the equipment to avoid straying off the correct path.
Satellite TV Advantages and Disadvantages
Like other television services, satellite TV has its pluses and minuses:
Pros:
- More channels and flexible packages are required to attract individuals or groups of individuals who otherwise may not want to subscribe to cable television service.
- Better quality of HD in terms of video and audio streams
- Enhanced Genie and Hopper DVR features
- Integration with other streaming apps
- Contract-free subscription options
Cons:
- Large satellite dish can be an eyesore
- Signal can freeze or be disrupted in extreme conditions
- High-definition channels consume more data on internet bundles
- These are the cost of equipment and installation that one has to incur at the beginning of the project.
Cable has some drawbacks but most of the consumers in Chicago can save their money and get more choices of viewing with satellite. Innovations such as decreased portion sizes and 4K UHD channels have made satellite TV even more enjoyable.
Streaming – Cutting the Cord
A good share of residents of Chicago are dropping cable and satellite television completely and opting for online streaming TV services. Cord cutting services such as YouTube TV, Hulu Live, Sling TV and others offer cable networks over the internet with no contracts or equipment required. Most plans begin at $40-$55 per month for 40-70+ channels.
The disadvantage is that some streaming services do not have access to local channels or regional sports networks. And you will require affordable and very high-speed internet services at home. However, for sports enthusiasts and people who love to watch movies, satellite still has some perks over today’s lineups of streaming channels.
Satellite TV continues to be cheap and convenient for chicago television viewers. Contract-free plans: you can change the provider whenever you want or at least, cancel the contract without extra charges. Review all the dishes and streaming services to create the best entertainment bundle for your household and wallet.
Ready to upgrade your TV experience? Call us now at (877) 471-4808 to find the perfect Dish Network plan for you! Don’t miss out on great entertainment—our team is here to help you choose the best package and get you started today.
