• Discover Satellite TV

• Know Your Satellite TV Service Providers

• Learn How Satellite TV Works

• Find Satellite TV Products on eBay

• Buy Satellite TV With Confidence

Discover Satellite TV

Discover Satellite TV

There are a number of options you should consider before choosing a satellite TV provider and satellite TV equipment.

• Make sure your home is satellite TV-ready: In order to receive satellite TV programming, you’ll need to mount the satellite dish somewhere with an unobstructed view of the southern sky. If you live in an apartment or a condominium, you may not be able to mount your satellite dish in an ideal location. And if you rent, check with your landlord before ordering satellite TV service. There may be restrictions on where you can mount your dish.

• Check montly service prices: Basic satellite TV packages can cost as little as $25 a month. If you choose a service package with a wide array of channels, though, you may find yourself with a bill in the triple digits. Satellite TV providers frequently run specials with low introductory rates, so shop around.

• Ask about hardware costs: Most satellite TV service providers will provide you with a satellite dish, satellite receiver, or complete satellite TV system (or let you rent basic equipment) when you sign up for service. You can upgrade your equipment, often at a bargain price, on eBay. You’ll find popular satellite dish brands, including Sony, RCA, and Fortec. Just make sure the equipment you’re thinking about is compatible with your service. Also, most satellite packages come with a preset number of set-top boxes. If you want satellite TV in more than one room, buy extra set-top boxes.

• See if there’s a contract: Some satellite TV service providers require you to sign a one- or two-year contract for service, and there may be penalties for canceling. Make sure you read the fine print.

• Compare channel packages: Channels are often bundled together in a movie package or an outdoor package, for instance. You can also order special sports packages, like one that will let you to see every NFL game that’s broadcast throughout the season. These bundles can add up, though, so keep an eye on the bottom line. Also, find out if local channels are included with your service.

• Ask about extras: Take advantage of any specials your satellite TV provider is offering. Maybe you can get free movie channels for a few months. Maybe you can get an additional set-top box for free. And if you like to record your favorite shows and watch them later, a digital video recorder (DVR) is a must-have option. Some DVRs even allow you to record two shows at once.

Know Your Satellite TV Service Providers

Know Your Satellite TV Service Providers

There are two major players in the satellite TV market: DIRECTV and Dish Network. Each has different strengths. For example, DIRECTV offers some exclusive sports packages, while Dish Network currently offers more HDTV programming. It’s important to compare the channel lineups for each provider to make sure your favorites are included in the package you order. Also, add-ons like DVRs may vary, so investigate carefully before you buy.

Learn How Satellite TV Works

Learn How Satellite TV Works

With satellite TV, you’re receiving a signal from outer space. Here’s how it works:

1. Uplink: First, all your favorite shows are compressed into smaller files and transmitted to satellites from an uplink station.

2. Downlink: The TV programs arrive at the satellite (DIRECTV has four; Dish Network has 10). They are then bounced back to earth, where your satellite dish picks up the signal.

3. Decode: Your satellite dish amplifies and relays the signal to your set-top box, where it is decoded for your viewing pleasure.

Find Satellite TV Products on eBay

Find Satellite TV Products on eBay

Once you know what type of satellite TV products you want, go to the Consumer Electronics portal, click Satellite TV, and start searching for item listings on eBay.

• Categories: The Categories list on the left side of each page will help you narrow down your listings by item type. You'll find links for Accessories, Dishes, Receivers, High Definition, Receivers, Standard Definition, Systems, and Others. As you dig deeper into the site, you'll also be able to narrow down your choice by brand.

• Keyword search: Search eBay title listings for specific words. For example, if you want to find a brand new HDTV receiver, type "new HDTV receiver” (without the quotation marks) into the search box. Click "Search title and description" to expand your results. Visit eBay's Search Tips page for more tips on searching with keywords.

If you can't find exactly what you want, try shopping eBay Stores, tell the eBay Community what you want by creating a post on Want It Now, or save a search on My eBay and eBay will email you when a match becomes available.

Buy Satellite TV With Confidence

Buy Satellite TV With Confidence

Before making your purchase, make sure you know exactly what you're buying, research your seller, and understand how eBay and PayPal protect you.

Know your purchase

Carefully read the details in item listings.

• Figure delivery costs into your final price. If you spend a lot of money, make sure the seller will insure the item when it ships.

• If you want more information, ask by clicking the "Ask seller a question" link under the seller's profile.

• Always make sure to complete your transaction on eBay (with a bid, Buy It Now, or Best Offer). Transactions conducted outside of eBay are not covered by eBay protection programs.

• Never pay for your eBay item using instant cash wire transfer services through Western Union or MoneyGram. These payment methods are unsafe when paying someone you do not know.

Know your seller

Research your seller so you feel positive and secure about every transaction.

• What is the seller's Feedback rating? How many transactions have they completed? What percentage of positive responses do they have?

• What do buyers say in their Feedback? Did the seller receive praise?

• Most top eBay sellers operate like retail stores and have return policies. Do they offer a money-back guarantee? What are the terms and conditions?

Buyer protection

In the unlikely event that a problem arises during your transaction, eBay and PayPal are there for you.

• Pay safely with PayPal: PayPal enables you to pay without the seller ever seeing your bank account or credit card numbers. In fact, PayPal protects buyers 100% against unauthorized payments from their accounts. Plus, with PayPal Buyer Protection, your purchase can be covered up to $2,000.

• eBay Security & Resolution Center: Visit the Security & Resolution Center to learn how to protect your account and use eBay's quick and efficient resolution tools.