Satellite TV is beamed directly to the little satellite dish on top of your house, or it may be hanging off the balcony, or even inside, pointing through a skylight or window. It's dependent on whether you own the house or not. It is preferable to drill holes and mount the satellite dish but this not possible if you are renting.

Does Satellite TV fade out in bad weather?

The satellite TV providers would like us to think it doesn't, but it can in extreme conditions. It's the same as cable, which also gets most of its feeds from a satellite. But believe me, if it gets that bad, the Satellite TV reception will be the last thing on your mind. How much does it cost? Honestly about the same as cable, unless you're one of those cheapies who only have the basic deal with 15 channels. The first 125 Direct TV channels will cost around $39.95 per month, plus a little tax in many states. Most deals are very similar and can only be separated by the free giveaway they provide that month.

Can you install it yourself?

Of course (not!) Just like you can restore the '68 ' corvette in the garage. You know, the one that's been in there since you had pimples? Actually, it's not much harder to install Satellite TV than to put those kid's toys together on Christmas Eve! Most of the companies even translate the Japanese for you.

How about portability?

Yep. It does seem like we all move a lot more than we used to. Unless you move to Alaska, Hawaii (like you're really going to watch TV there!), or some foreign country like New Jersey, they will be glad to keep taking your money. Many will even re-install the equipment for free. Can you get free installation? If you like to shop, there is always a deal. It may take a lot of digging. Just let you fingers do the pounding on the keyboard. Everything can be shopped on the internet. Even Satellite TV.

What about hooking it into my phone line?

Don't skip plugging in the phone jack. For some services, like ordering your very own personal movie, if you don't have it plugged into a phone line, it costs an extra fee every time you order.

How about putting it on several TV's?

Sure, you can even get Satellite TV into your shower, with the right stuff. Anything is possible, well almost. It usually costs about $4.99 per month per set.

What's with the access card?

Satellite TV figured out a way to keep us all honest. Without an access card, you don't get access. After all, unless they're on public TV, those actors don't work for peanuts!

How does this 'Interactive' service work?

On certain channels (which usually have a little 'I' on them, for some reason), you can interact with the feature showing, or even with the commercial. Just like the guy in the Chocolate Factory, I guess. It will even give you additional entertainment and electronic shopping.

What about internet through Satellite TV?

No problem. The consumer is king. You ask and the satellite providers provide. Be sure they translate the instructions for hooking that up, though.

We've certainly come a long way from the wire antenna that had to be pointed in just a certain direction to pick up your favorite station.