This sort of pricing is similar in the UK too, where there's also no escape from the steep price hikes just to get some entertainment in our homes these days.
Then when you do take the plunge, you've got the endless arguments over what to watch on TV. After all, you can't please everyone's tastes and moods all the time, at the same time, right?
There's no surprise as to why the latest craze of accessing satellite tv from the internet and desktop PCs (and laptops) has become so popular.
Beware though, because many mimic sites offer nothing more than a "search engine" for free online TV channels. Plus, many of the other websites fail to offer enough choice, which is one of the features that satellite tv is designed for.
So, if you're sick of using Youtube or free view channels to get your kick of daily tube driven entertainment, then this review of the satellite tv to pc software may come in useful.
I chose to review www.satellitetvtopc.com because they have the most choice, they are 100% legit and legal, and they are the leading Satellite TV to PC service online. They also give lifetime access with a full guarantee, and no extra monthly charges.
I'm going to look to see what you get when you sign up, whether it's worth the money, who I think this would be right for (if anyone at all) and ultimately whether I think it's worth the money I paid or not.
This review should give you a better idea of what this latest craze is all about and should also help you make a better balanced buying decision!
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Many of these are trials that you can get continued access to, or channels which you get as part of a satellite package.
You have to download 5 different pieces of software to access all of the channels available. There is also an option to stream many of the channels through your standard web browser.
Summary of "First Impressions":
"Cheesy looking website, feels little unprofessional"
"Disappointed to find out that you need to download a fair amount of software"
"Not the best customer support options at hand (although support is available via email"
"Perhaps quite a lot of channels I will never use..."
After navigating through the bad design, I was disappointed to find out that you have to download so much software in order to view the channels. (However, there are options where you can stream some of the channels, but not all!)
The next thing I noticed is that if you lose your password or username to access the site, you have to email the owners (who knows how long that will take?)
One thing that struck me from the first 2 minutes was that there are lots of channels, with one of my favourites - The Comedy Channel!
However, there are lots of channels I know I'll never use too...so it's hard to tell whether I've made a good decision here yet.
Also, I noticed that there's no FAQ or support page - you have to email them directly. Considering these guys are supposed to be the #1 Satellite TV to PC services online, they sure aren't too bothered about the details!
Summary of "Does It Work":
"Yes! But be prepared to download a bit of software first..."
"Some channels not available 24/7, so can be hit and miss"
"Software looks ugly, but streams content just like satellite tv would..."
"Delivers real channels that you know and love, along with a few that you probably won't..."
Some of the channels are not available 24/7, so don't get caught in the trap of thinking that there is a problem because of that.
The software looks ugly, but it does what it says it does…which is to deliver TV channel viewing right there on your PC. Don't ask me how these guys do this, but it's pretty cool that they do!
Don't get this service confused with what many folks are referring to where all you get is a "search engine of TV channels".
This is NOT the same thing, but there are many different services that have tried to mimic this particular Satellite TV to Pc website, and as a result have produced scam worthy content and services.
This service does actually deliver REAL channels, using their own proprietary software and streaming services.
They don't control the content…they just deliver it through their network and software you download after you've purchased your one time membership.
Summary of "Who Is It Right For":
"Perfect for folks looking for a cost effective alternative to satellite"
"Great for families with demanding kids..."
"Students would love this!"
No doubt that you'll have to shuffle through lots of crap, but there are lots of really good channels that will keep a wide variety of tastes happy.
Not only do they give you access to entertainment channels, but also educational and sport channels too.
Anybody looking to save a bit of cash will find this service a great alternative to the astronomically high rates of satellite TV.
I'm thinking folks like students, who have a good PC but perhaps not a great TV, and certainly not satellite…would love this in their dorm rooms.
Also, kids who want something to watch in their rooms whilst the parents get the monopoly of the main viewing on TV…a great way to save arguments and keep the kids entertained for hours at a very little one of cost.
Finally, anyone on a budget who would like a little more choice than the traditional channels, but resents (or simply is not in a position to) fork out on satellite TV installations and monthly access fees...this is for you.
Summary of "Bad Points":
"Layout seems really amateur, making it hard to navigate site at first..."
"Not the best system set up for customer support..."
"A lot of the channels are pretty poor"
"Not to keen on the amount of software you have to download"
It would be nice to see a better support system in place, and perhaps some Faq's just in case.
I also think another major down point for this service is that a lot of the channels are pretty poor in terms of quality. Whilst there are plenty to choose from, with lots of good stuff to watch 24/7, there's also a lot of crap to shuffle through.
Although I don't mind getting value for money and effectively free satellite TV, there are probably only 20 channels out of the potential 5000 that I think I will watch on a regular basis.
I also wasn't too happy with all the different software that you have to download. One of them is quite a large file so it can take up a bit of space on your PC, and it all takes a while to set up as a result of having to do numerous (5x ) downloads of the viewing software.
Having said that, you only have to do it once and the software works right out of the box.
Summary of "Good Points":
"The range of channels and choice is mind-blowing"
"Software works like a charm"
"Like the options to stream content directly through your own web browser...as if you're watching full channels but on Youtube"
Whilst I wasn't too keen on having to download software, all of the software works like a charm (don't expect sexy looking Microsoft style interfaces though!).
There's enough unlimited content here to keep even the most avid TV viewer amused night after night.
I don't think all the channels are worth paying for (in fact, I think I should be paid to watch some of them!). However, just like when you buy satellite or cable TV, you'll soon pick out the stuff you like and be done with the rest.
I also like the option to be able to stream satellite TV through your web browser, as this means your PC doesn't have to slog over running any software in the background.
Whilst the more critical viewers may find that the satellite TV on pc service doesn't bring promise of endless quality, there's no denying that for the average TV viewer who is looking for a much wider choice of TV channels without having to sign a contract, or pay out hundreds of dollars to watch some TV at night, can't really go wrong with this service.
Yes, the software takes up space on your PC and no, this is not quite as good as the traditional satellite TV services, but it sure is a way to cut back costs without having to kiss goodbye to some armchair entertainment after a hard day's work.
The Satellite TV for PC service is the longest running and best selling version amongst this latest phenomenon of being able to watch satellite TV from your computer.
And whilst they certainly don't get any prizes for website design or user friendliness, if you're looking to save a few hundred dollars in set up fees, plus a fair amount of monthly cash on stuff that you don't really watch, then this might just be a better way to compliment your popcorn and pizza on a Friday night…
…and with the amount of cash you'll save using this alternative, you can make that a large pizza and box of popcorn too.