All satellite systems contain some of the same things: a dish used to receive channel signals, a receiver to interpret the signal, and a many different choices. Unfortunately, not all satellite systems include the great value that makes the Dish 500 such a great system to own.

If you are the kind of person that thinks you could never afford satellite TV, think again. Dish Network makes it easy to own the Dish 500 system.

First of all, they give you all of your equipment free. You may have to purchase the system, which is carried at Sears, and then wait for your rebate. Second, they give you free installation as well! The only requirement is that you sign up for 12 months of programming, which, you are probably going to do anyway.

Be advised, it can take several weeks before the installation crew can arrange for an appointment. I couldn't wait to hook up my system, so I went ahead and mounted the Dish on my own, but waited for the install to check everything out before I activated it.

Mounting the Dish If you plan to mount the Dish on a chimney, you can either purchase your own chimney mount from a store like Best Buy, or buy one from the installation crew. If the view from your roof is obstructed, you can still mount the Dish in the yard or the side of your house. The installation crew is very knowledgeable and can help you with this step. Apartment residents: See your landlord for information regarding your dish policy.

Installation Once again, the installation crew can do everything here for you. After the Dish is mounted and connected to your television, the receiver will run some diagnostics and go through some signal strength tests. These are all very easy and take approximately 10 minutes. Finally, you will have to call the 800 number to activate your Dish.

Programming There are 3 main programming packages, each with additional add-on channels. You can view the package lineup at the Dish Network website. Whichever package you choose, you get a lot of bang for your buck.

The online programming guide shows everything on from the current minute clear into the next day. By pressing the 'Info' button on your remote control, you can view a description of the show, ratings, cast, and length. Retrieving this information can take anywhere from 5-20 seconds. The program guide can be customized, so you can edit which channels you want displayed. The Themes menu displays programming related to the category that you select, so you can see what's on for your two-year old or see which pay-per-view movies are playing. Movies generally play 7-8 months after their release at the theaters. The cost is $3.99 per movie, and you can watch the movie for the entire day.

Like all satellite systems, the Dish500 is susceptible to stormy weather. You will most likely lose your signal during thunderstorms, but only during severe storms with dark clouds. Any other time, you view the picture with perfect clarity.

If any problems should arise customer service is only a phone call away.

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 30.99/month