Just a few years ago there was no cheap satellite television system. A decent system costs $2,000 to $10,000 for a TV satellite dish and the variety of electronic boxes that come with it. Not only that, it cost hundreds of dollars to have a large dish satellite TV system installed.

Today, because the satellite TV industry has become so competitive, dealers are giving away satellite TV systems to entice people to subscribe to their satellite TV service. Even the installation is free.

So when it comes to finding a cheap TV system, you’re in luck. They’re not just cheap, they’re free.

satellite television systems

Here’s what you get when you subscribe to DISH Network or DIRECTV satellite television service:

* A free satellite dish and mounting bracket.

* Up to four free satellite TV receivers plus universal remotes.

* Free professional installation of your system in up to four rooms of your home.

* Free DVR (Digital Video Recording) receivers so you can record your favorite shows.

* HDTV satellite TV receivers (optional) for high definition reception.

Note: DISH Network and DIRECTV offer extra freebies like a free DVD player and home theater system when you order their service. Click on the links below to see the latest offers.

Cheap satellite TV service

When it comes to satellite TV service, you can pay from $31.99 a month for 60 channels of programming, up to $93.99 a month for 215 channels.

Both DISH Network and DIRECTV satellite television service include the following:

* More than 225 channels of programs with digital quality image and sound.

* Up to 500 commercial-free movies per month.

* DVR (Digital Video Recording) so you can skip the commercials and record your favorite shows.

* HD programming (high definition).

* Up to 60 pay-per-view programs per day.

* Your local channels with digital image and sound.

* Commercial-free music channels with fully digital sound.

* Free and online customer support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Note: DISH Network and DIRECTV offer special introductory programming rates for new customers. Click on the links below to see current offers.

The bottom line

Getting the cheapest price for satellite TV depends on whether you want the cheapest service or you want the cheapest price per channel.

DISH Network has the cheapest satellite TV service. Its starter package, America’s Top Sixty, gives you 60 channels of satellite TV programming, including your local channels, for $31.99 per month.

DIRECTV’s Total Choice program package offers the lowest price per channel at $0.31 per channel ($41.99 ÷ 135 channels). In addition to the 135 show channels, you also get your local channels and 31 music channels.

If TV is your main form of entertainment and you want a wide variety of shows, movies, sports and news…if you’re tired of fuzzy reception and want digital quality picture and sound…if your cable bill is starting to match your mortgage payment, then I think you’ll find satellite TV to be a real bargain.