Satellite TV has become an increasingly popular alternative to over-the-air antenna or cable television service. When you take a look at what it has to offer, it's easy to see why. Satellite offers over 250 channels of TV shows, movies, and sports, as well as dozens of music channels from XM and Sirius Satellite Radio.

All satellite broadcasts are digital, resulting in consistently clear, noise-free picture and sound on every channel. And many satellite programs are broadcast in stunning high-definition, offering up to five times the resolution of standard-definition. In fact, some satellite TV stations are high-def exclusively. Please keep in mind that just because something's digital doesn't mean it's HD. The term "digital" simply refers to how the signal gets into your home. A digital signal can include both high-definition and standard-definition programs.

You have two satellite TV providers to choose from: DIRECTV and DISH Network. Both services offer a variety of programming packages, from a basic selection of channels, to premium movie channel and sports packages, and a full range of Spanish-language programming. For up-to-date information on the programming packages each service offers, take a look at the DIRECTV and DISH Network websites.

Local channels

Ever since the Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act of 1999 was signed into law, satellite TV providers have been able to offer local stations in many areas across the nation. (Previously, many satellite TV viewers could only receive their local channels via antenna or cable.) Currently, Dish Network offers local channels in over 175 cities, and DIRECTV offers them to over 90% of U.S. households. To find out if you can get local channels from DIRECTV, visit this page and punch in your zip code. For Dish Network's local channel availability, take a look at their website.

Is your home satellite TV-ready?

To receive the satellite signal, your site must have a clear view of the southern sky, free of signal-blocking obstacles like trees, buildings, and hills. Once your system is installed, you can activate programming by calling your service provider.

Keep in mind that DIRECTV and Dish Network are not currently available in Puerto Rico, Canada, or Mexico, and that you may need a special dish to receive programming in Hawaii or Alaska.

Also note that bad weather can sometimes interfere with the satellite signal, causing interruptions in service. The good news is that this is fairly rare, and usually only happens during periods of heavy rain, heavy snow, or other extreme conditions.