DISH Network Satellite Equipment - What's Free and What's Not?

In order to compete with DIRECTV and the cable companies, DISH Network is giving away satellite TV systems to people who subscribe to their service. But what equipment do you get for free, and what equipment do you have to pay for?

Free DISH Network Satellite Equipment

Here's the equipment you get for free when you subscribe to DISH Network:

Satellite TV Dish

A satellite TV dish captures the signal from a satellite orbiting above the earth. The signal is sent to an LNB (low noise block) converter which amplifies the signal and sends it to a receiver.

Satellite TV Receiver

A satellite TV receiver processes the satellite TV signal and sends it to a television. DISH Network will give you free satellite TV receivers that will allow you to watch four different shows on four different televisions. These receivers feature an electronic program guide, parental locks, and DISH Home Interactive TV.

DISH Network is currently running a promotion that lets you upgrade to a DVR (digital video recorder) receiver or and HD (high definition) receiver for free.

The DVR receiver allows you to digitally record up to 100 hours of satellite TV programming, and pause live TV so you can get a snack or answer the phone. The HD receiver allows you to watch satellite TV in high definition format.

All receivers come with universal remote controls that allow you to operate your satellite TV receiver plus your TV, DVD player, and VCR.

Pay-For DISH Network Satellite TV Equipment

For an additional $199 you can purchase a DVR/HD combination receiver. This receiver can deliver standard definition and high-definition broadcasts, and features a 250 gigabyte hard drive that can digitally record up to 180 hours of programming.

DISH Network Satellite TV Programming

DISH Network currently has 350 channels of satellite TV programming which include movie channels, sports packages, Sirius satellite radio channels, news and weather channels, game channels, pay-per-view movies, and pay-per-view special events.