As a general rule, accessing satellite TV programs is much the same as getting cable TV, but the big difference in getting it onto your PC is that there is no monthly charge. You just pay a one-time fee up front and get software that gives you the access to and lets you choose whatever TV program you wish to watch. However, there are no cables, so there are no installation fees or disruption to your home while the cables are being installed.The whole system is done over the Internet, just like you can get free phone calls using programs like Skype.



What to look for in the software

A Good Transmission Speed

A lot of the programs on offer say that they will work even with a slow 56 KBS connection. However, when you get down to that speed, the picture and sound quality will not be very good. If your connection is really slow to load up a web site with plenty of graphics, that will give you an indication that your speed is not up to scratch. You can also check by trying to watch a video on Youtube. If it keeps stopping to refill the buffer, then your speed is too slow. Therefore, the faster the speed of your connection, the better the sound and picture quality of the TV program you want to watch. A Broadband connection will give you much better audio and video quality.

10 Features you should look for when buying software to watch television on your computer.

1. How many channels can you access?

Although this may seem like a a case of the more channels the better, in reality this may not be as good as it seems. You will know that if you have any pay per view TV at present, there are times when you just feel that there is nothing to watch. Remember there are only just so many TV programs, and on a lot of the channels it is just the same rubbish going round and round, endless reruns of MASH for example. It is far better to look at the type of programs to which the software gives you access, rather than just the sheer volume, to make sure that it includes all your favorites. You may like movies, sitcoms, or sports. Make sure those are accessible.

2. Can the software be used from anywhere in the world?

Again, this is not such a big deal, unless you are a habitual globetrotter, or on a yacht going around the world. For most of the time you will be using the software in your own home.

3. Has it got a user-friendly interface?

This is probably more important than the first two. You will have seen that some TV remotes have so many buttons, more than the flight deck of a 747. They are incomprehensible to anyone whose teenage years are far behind them. With your satellite TV to PC package, see if it is intuitive enough to use without reference to an equally incomprehensible manual.

4. Is it compatible with all versions of Windows?

You may have Windows 95, 98, NT, ME, 2000, XP or Vista,( which will probably support this kind of software). Whatever you have, it is a vital check to see if the software you propose to buy will work on your version of Windows.

5. Will there be any extra hardware or TV card required?

You just want to download the software and start watching. Read the fine print to see whether you will need to buy anything extra to make the software work properly.

6. Does the software provide ongoing support?

This is like any software you buy, as you will have no doubt found out already, not all software works first time. You will need to check their support policy, find out if there is a help desk, or a users forum. As stated above, this should be second nature to you when buying any software.

7. Will there be any more charges?

When you have installed this software, you want to say goodbye to those monthly cable charges – after all, that's the main reason you got the software in the first place. Make sure there are no “upgrade charges” hidden in the small print. You should pay only a one-time fee to download the package with nothing further to pay.

8. How quickly can you be up and running?

It should only take a few minutes to download the software and start using it. You should be able to install the program and click - then instantly start watching international satellite channels on your PC.

9. Is it perfectly legal?

Obviously, the software should be 100% Legal - No hacking or code cracking!

10. Is there a guarantee?

Even if the software offers a money-back guarantee, you should know that with the internet there are plenty of guarantees given – the unscrupulous operators know that most people will not ask for a refund, so they give out guarantees without any intention of honoring them.