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What is Satellite TV for PC?

By R. Kayne
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 34,316
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Is Satellite TV for PC really a legal way to replace satellite dishes and high cable bills? Many online offers advertise special software for one low price of $39.95 US Dollars (USD) to $99.95, by which one can purportedly watch 3,000 – 4,000 channels, eliminating the need for monthly broadcast bills. The claim is that with Satellite TV to PC software, one only need install it, then watch TV on the PC, or stream it to a television, free. Unfortunately, the advertisements and claims are highly misleading, though like all successful scams, this one has an iota of truth.

There are basically two types of broadcast television: free to air and pay-for. Free to air broadcasts are normally limited to local broadcasts that anyone can pick up freely with a roof antenna. Prior to cable TV and satellite dishes, all television was free to air, everyone had roof antennas and no one paid for broadcasts. While this sounds great, there were also very few channels available. Cable brought consumers non-local networks creating a fatter channel lineup, better picture quality, and monthly bills, or pay-for TV.

With the advent of the Internet, many networks decided to make some of their free to air broadcasts available over the Internet as taped or live feeds. Most networks post tidbits of their daily live broadcasts as pre-recorded streaming videos; few if any networks stream entire 24/7 broadcasts live. The Public Broadcasting Station (PBS) makes many current and past documentaries available online, as another example of free TV content available.

Next we have pay-for stations like ESPN, Court TV and E! that might stream certain events live to the Internet, or make certain taped content available. However, pay-for networks do not stream their 24/7 broadcasts to the Internet. Streaming content is limited, and live streaming content is even more limited.

Finally we have premium channels like Home Box Office (HBO) and Showtime, which do not make their content available online except through certain promotions conducted from their own websites. For example, trailers for original series’ are typically available, and an opening season episode might be posted as a tool to encourage new subscribers, as in Fall 2007 when Showtime's website posted the second season premiere of Dexter.

So what does all this have to do with Satellite TV for PC? This software only provides links to websites that host TV content. Satellite TV for PC is not offering satellite or “live broadcast” TV like your cable or dish service, but online TV already available to anyone. Satellite TV for PC only loads a “remote control” interface that sits to the side of your screen. Clicking on a channel simply takes one to the network’s website. Satellite TV for PC software cannot replace free-to-air broadcast TV, much less cable or premium channels.

If this scam has a silver lining, it might be that the reaction to the Satellite TV for PC hustle has inadvertently shined a light on free websites that host links to television networks all over the world. Websites like WorldTVPC, InternetTV or WwiTV, link to online TV hosted internationally. Watch a daily newscast from Iraq, Italy, Croatia, or Egypt. Cruise the online TV universe all you want and hang on to that 50 bucks; it doesn’t cost a dime. Besides, you'll need it to pay your cable or dish bill.

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Discussion Comments
By anon166920 — On Apr 10, 2011

I did not know that this was a scam, but if you want to get your money back, all you have to do is call your bank or whoever holds the card that you used to purchase your software product and they will draw the money back from the product company. The bank does all the work for you. I wish they had someone to fish these scams off the internet. it is not right.

By robert86 — On Apr 06, 2011

Great post. Sorry to hear that you got ripped off, Eddie. It's always a problem, if they don't have a money back policy. Always go for at least 45 day money back, because you never know if you have a problem down the road.

By anon154110 — On Feb 19, 2011

Thank you so much for your article. You have provided facts and clarity on a very confusing issue.

By anon132885 — On Dec 08, 2010

satellitedirect is a total scam so be aware. i have lost £40. it is so misleading. when you realize it, it is too late. read and do not follow links. retype every link and find out if it works?

By anon118133 — On Oct 13, 2010

Thank you for clearing that up. I had a feeling it wouldn't be worth it. And, you're right: those sites are very misleading.

By anon113865 — On Sep 26, 2010

You can watch satellite TV on your PC anywhere and that's what I love most about this software.

By anon104321 — On Aug 16, 2010

Thanks friends for your comments, but I believe Satellite TV for PC is feasible. After all, VoIP telephony is making waves now. I think the problem here is that producers of this software are in a hurry to launch the product in the market rather than doing a perfect job and obtaining certification. It's only a matter of time when satellite dishes and cable will be history. --Patrick O.

By toyochi — On Jul 23, 2010

Thank you for this article. I almost purchased it.

By anon70999 — On Mar 16, 2010

i just recently too was part of this horrible situation of satellite tv and its affiliate click bank. in the process of getting my money back. god bless.

By anon67671 — On Feb 25, 2010

This is a scam, pure and simple. I used a program that was a "2009 Consumer Guides best." The fact that the magazine name was spelled wrong should have been enough, but what can I say, I'm cheap. And the thought that I could be saving $50 a month was enough for me to give it a try. Imagine my surprise when the Canadian news I was watching was from back in April of 2009! It's just taped stuff that they rebroadcast! Do not fall for this!

By anon63681 — On Feb 03, 2010

I had been used to watching TV with satellite dish like many people. As you know, I should pay $90.00 every month, It's expensive but you have to pay. Last week, my friend recommend the software SatelliteDirect, which means I can watch TV on PC. Most importantly, it is much cheaper and useful.

I only need to pay $49.95 for one-time fee and can watch over 3,500 TV channels worldwide including movies, sports, comedy, news, music channels, documentaries and much more. All I need is a PC or laptop with an internet connection.

I'm a newbie, so I worried it will be very cumbersome. Afterwards, I followed the steps they gave and finally find it is really as easy as 1,2,3.

It's really amazing, you can have a try.

By anon62972 — On Jan 29, 2010

If you used a credit card or your debit card to buy it you will have the listing and a phone number in your statement, that you can dispute.

Also I've checked this scam out. What you get is foreign TV channels, not worth watching and low quality at that too. Don't buy it!

By anon54779 — On Dec 02, 2009

I found a site that offers legitimate satellite TV for PC programs and it offers a money back guarantee. Just because some (you fill in the blank) are not honest, doesn't mean all are dishonest.

By anon46091 — On Sep 22, 2009

Great post. Sorry to hear that you got ripped off Eddie. It's always a problem, if they don't have a money back policy. Always go for atleast 45 day money back, because you never know if you have a problem down the road.

By p0ck3taces — On Sep 15, 2009

I was actually referring to using the money back on other products. There are good reviews of satellite tv for pc products online. It's the product I decided to use and love it.

By anon43503 — On Aug 29, 2009

p0ck3taces

"Almost all of the satellite tv for pc programs are sold through clickbank and clickbank has a no questions asked money back return policy. I have gotten my money back from them every time I have asked, which has been quite a few times."

Thank you. That tells me to avoid them, because if you have used their services and have used their money back policy 'quite a few times' then you haven't been satisfied, and have been dissatisfied quite a few times.

By anon42873 — On Aug 24, 2009

thank you for the heads up. my boss wants me to find something like this for him. he does not like dish at all. from a lot that i have read today is that it's just like an online site, but you have to pay for it and a lot of it does not work.

By p0ck3taces — On Aug 23, 2009

Hey guys, Almost all of the satellite tv for pc programs are sold through clickbank and clickbank has a no questions asked money back return policy. I have gotten my money back from them every time I have asked, which has been quite a few times. Honestly, all these programs with "satellite tv for pc" or "streaming satellite" "digital tv for pc", anything like that in the title, are scams... I have bought some and so have my friends. They are all scams...

That being said, I have found a program/producer I do trust and use. The program is called John Q TV. I would recommend giving that a choice if you have been scammed in the past or are looking for something that can get you satellite channels on your pc. Good luck guys, P0ck3ts

By anon37510 — On Jul 20, 2009

If you've been scammed, you should contact Clickbank. Three companies sell through them: iSoftwareTV, SatelliteSoft and SatellitePCBox.

As a clickbank affiliate, I took a look at all three and promoting them until I did further research (thank God). What I don't like about their websites is that you can't really access them right away - you have to email them. And when you want to download the software, they contact you by email to do so. It just all sounded to fishy to me. Glad I avoided it (or worse, promoted it).

I'm sure if it's not working or is of bad quality and doesn't live up to their guarantees, Clickbank would want to know. You might be able to get their full contact information. Also one of their websites states that Clickbank itself will return your money if you complain within 60 days. Don't know if that's true but it's worth a try.

By mauriceJ — On Apr 15, 2009

Well it all depends on where you get it from, but usually I'd have to agree with everyone.

Tv on Pc

By stonyb — On Feb 22, 2009

Satellite tv for pc?

Unfortunately I subscribed to this bad deal and I must say that if anybody out there is thinking of paying for this scam; think again!!

They cannot even come close to providing what they claim and most of what is available is low res grainy or cubey!

If you are considering a subscription to this almost useless service, take my advise and save your money.

By alhia — On Dec 11, 2008

Hello. Do you have any information on what to do if you've been scammed, or how to find contact information for these people? Yes i did fall for the scam, purchased the 50 satellite tv for pc software, which didn't work. I've been doing research on how to contact them and how to get a refund, and have come up with nothing solid. Looked up the old and bogus new info on who's who for the domain name. Came up with TM applicant info, which I'm following up on. From here not sure where to go. Help?! Thank you!

By anon21598 — On Nov 18, 2008

Thank you for this article. I almost purchased it.

By anon12361 — On May 04, 2008

No offense but I think most of them are SCAMS! The only one i've seen that actually works and heck I still use it today is WorldPCtv

By eddies50 — On Feb 16, 2008

sat tv for computer = ripoff

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