| When speaking in terms of cheap, I'm not talking | | | | enjoy HD. Do you need the premium HD channels, |
| about low quality. I'm only speaking of cost | | | | or will you be satisfied with the free HD channels |
| effectiveness. If you pay for a service you should | | | | that come with basic programming? This is just |
| never have to sacrifice quality. The old saying | | | | an example, and the idea can be applied to all |
| "you get what you pay for" doesn't always hold | | | | other TV service options. |
| true for anyone willing to take the time to | | | | Cost of Equipment |
| compare the pros with the cons to find a suitable | | | | There are a lot of options these days for |
| service plan. | | | | equipment for your television service. DVRs, and |
| Tailor your TV service | | | | HD-DVRs are great, but are they worth the |
| Often times we look at a particular offer and | | | | extra money? You may be able to get HD |
| don't think to weigh our options. An offer given | | | | service without the DVR. If you must have a |
| by any television provider is most likely | | | | DVR, but don't need HD programming (as is the |
| prepackaged. It's a way for them to present to | | | | case with people who don't have an HDTV) you |
| you a fairly cost effective package that still | | | | might save a few dollars by getting just a bare |
| enables them to gain a profit. You very well could | | | | bones DVR. |
| be better off tailoring your own package instead | | | | Cost of Programming |
| of just signing up for a featured package. | | | | In the end it's the cost of programming that will |
| What are Your Habits? | | | | have the highest impact on what your monthly bill |
| The best place to start thinking about how to | | | | will be. Fortunately the satellite TV companies |
| tailor your service to meet your lifestyle is to | | | | know this and have packages for people who just |
| think about how you use the service. How much | | | | want the bare essentials. This is a good place to |
| TV do you really watch? Do you really need HBO, | | | | start when looking at programming, and then you |
| Showtime, or any other premium channels? Go | | | | can always work your way up from there if you |
| for the bare essentials, but do it in a way you're | | | | feel you need a little something more. |
| going to be happy with. For example, you may | | | | |