Free is a four letter word in the Satellite TV business. You probably have seen the advertisements for a free satellite TV. Some vendors that carry the top two satellite TV providers - Direct TV and Dish Network - even tout free equipment like a satellite TV receiver and TV satellite dish. The question for many consumers is what really constitutes free satellite TV.

The definition of free can be paraphrased as something that costs nothing or is gratis. In other connotations, free can mean not enslaved or not obstructed. So, if you want to take the meaning of free literally, in regards to free satellite TV, it could be construed as not being enslaved by a price tag. Sounds like a winning plan, does it not? However, the term free can be a bit misleading at first when you are in the market for satellite TV system.

For the most part, the equipment like the TV satellite dish and the satellite TV receiver is free. And depending on the marketing promotions the two major providers have, you may also find that you get the high definition version of the satellite Dish Network or the Directv Tivo for free as well. The holidays are the best times to hook up with one of those sweet deals.

The free part ends with the equipment in many cases. The programming and other services will cost money. For instance, with Directv, you have to pay a deposit, depending on what your credit rating holds. However, that is refunded to you or applied towards the programming package you choose, whether it is a basic Family package or the programming package with all the movie channels included.

With the Dish Network, there is usually a charge for activation. However, as with Direct TV, it is credited towards your desired programming package. Even though Dish Network may have less programming choices for the sports fanatic, they more than make up for it with a free digital recording or high definition satellite TV receiver. They even have a larger, overall selection of HDTV programming.

Directv HDTV receivers cost extra as does the Directv Tivo option, unless of course, you hit upon one of those infrequent marketing promotions offering the option for free, as mentioned previously. With Direct TV, they offer more for the sports fan as far as play-off programming package deals. And music lovers can enjoy over twenty music channels alone!

The bottom line is that the word free basically means the same with both major satellite TV providers - the Dish Network and Direct TV. You have got to research the promotions they both have to offer as well as their programming packages. Just remember, free is a four letter word, one that is spoken, well freely, in the satellite TV market. Ask your questions, read the fine print and find out exactly what their 'free' means to you and your pocketbook.