As TV goes, I watch my fair share. I have a room in the basement dedicated to the audio visual experience. Movies, network television, home videos, and reruns of the X-Files on DVD; I love them all. (Speaking of which, when did that Fox guy get younger than me, exactly?) I'd be the perfect television and video expert if not for the fact that I really enjoy bad science fiction and horror movies, so therefore can't really be trusted. I have some thoughts on Direct TV, or as the trade name says, "DirecTV".

DirecTV is a direct broadcast satellite (DBS) service based in El Segundo, California, USA. The direct TV network transmits digital satellite television and audio to households in the United States, the Caribbean, and Latin America (with the exception of Mexico). DirecTV is owned by DIRECTV Group, which in turn is controlled by Liberty Media, which is not controlled by space aliens (unless you ask the right people).

From an oh-so-boring technical point of view, DirecTV typically uses a fixed 18-inch diameter dish antenna to receive its signals. This is an upgrade of sorts from the traditional 18-24 inch elliptical originally used that was not able to accommodate the higher bandwidth requirements of additional programming. New technical challenges are being addressed by the installation of a dish that has five LNBs for HDTV programming and local channels in selected markets. These systems receive signals from up to five separate satellites in both the Ku-band and Ka-band. Phew, that was hard.

But why choose DirecTV over the competition? Like its competitors, DirecTV offers high definition television (HDTV) and interactive services. Additional benefits to the brilliant picture include substantial sports coverage, state of the art video hardware with built in video recording functions, superior service, and plans for hundreds of high definition channels; and let's face it, "content is king". Exclusive to DirecTV is their clever mixed channels. Mixed channels allow up to 8 live channels on one screen; covering sports, news, and entertainment programming at a glance. Add the XM satellite radio and the groundbreaking musical events and you have a winning package.

It's not true that weather frequently interrupts direct TV reception. DirecTV claims it delivers a digital signal 99.96% of the time, rain or shine. My experience with digital cable is no better or worse than with direct TV, in my opinion; although, I'm obviously not keeping track to two decimal places (just one). Furthermore, DirecTV offers local channels to nearly 94% of US households. There are communities in my city that depend on satellite TV for local broadcasts because cable is not available, this is a plus. In fact, it's said that cable is available in only 98% of US homes and DirecTV is available in 100%. DirecTV offers lots of high definition (HD) programming and services; boasting about 900 hours of HD programming each week. All channels, whether HD or not, are 100% digital quality. Sound quality us superb. Finally, DirecTV has exclusive video on-demand partnerships, and only their customers can view FX series television before it airs elsewhere.

I think direct TV is a terrific option. Digital quality is superb, and the high definition television channels are spectacular. Because I love watching TV, how it arrives, how it looks, and how it sounds are extremely important. DirecTV offers many quality options and features that you would be wise to explore further. Just mind the space aliens.

How to Throw a Super Bowl Commercial Watching Party

About 10 million of the people who watch the Super Bowl are tuning in just for the commercials[1] and even many of those who watch the game skimp on bathroom breaks so that they don't miss the ads![2] If you and people you know find yourselves glued to the tube during commercials, why not make an event of it?

Steps

Send invitations however you’d like. And, since this is an ode to the ads, remind your football-loving friends that the commercials come first and the game a distant second (unless of course you are a die-hard fan of one of the teams playing). If it’s a small party with close friends, a simple phone call will do. For larger parties, or if you really want to set the commercial-watching mood, consider filming your own faux-commercial/invitation (don’t worry about high-quality production techniques, the low-brow effect adds to the charm). Then upload it to YouTube or another online video sharing service, and send a link of the video to your friends via an e-mail invitation. Set an RSVP date that allows you enough time to prepare for food, drink and other requirements.

If you have friends whose favorite football team is actually playing the Super Bowl, give them plenty of warning that this is a commercial-watching party. If their team starts winning the game, they’ll be in good spirits, but if their team starts losing, you might have a mood dampener on your hands. In other words, invite these types of people only at your own risk.

Decorate your place. Instead of footballs and team colors, consider displaying the logos of this year’s Super Bowl advertisers.

Provide food. With all those commercials for snack foods, soda and beer, your guests are bound to get hungry. Have fun with the menu, and consider stocking the snack table with products that have bought airtime in recent Super Bowls. Don’t forget to stock plenty of alcoholic drink options, as these are generally advertised during the Big Game.

Need a cake? Of course you do. Since most sheet cakes are conveniently shaped like a TV, consider having your local cake decorator create an ode to the ads with a semi-high definition rendering of a TV displaying your favorite Super Bowl commercial (with or without the cool photo-converted-into-icing technique).

During the game, gather your guests and play a variety of commercial-related games.

Ad Checklist - See the video below.
Ad Trivia - Do an Internet search for "super bowl commercials trivia" and quiz your guests!
Ad Bingo - Make a list of 25-30 things you're likely to see in a Super Bowl commercial. Print several copies of a blank Super Bowl ad bingo card (PDF) and fill them in randomly with items from your list. To save time, you can visit this website which will automatically generate bingo cards that you can print.

Example Super Bowl Advertisement Bingo Game Card

Tips

Consider getting TiVo or some other type of DVR. The ability to pause and rewind the commercials is priceless, especially when people who are ignoring the game will have to scramble to get back into the room for sudden commercial breaks. (HINT: The great thing about TiVo and most other DVRs is you don’t need to subscribe to the monthly service to be able to pause and rewind live TV—at least for now.)
If you want to cut food and drink costs, it’s perfectly acceptable to ask your guests to bring their own beer. You can also ask them to bring a covered dish and/or snack to share with the masses. To avoid ending up with 14 bowls of spinach dip, consider making a list of food and drink needs and allowing guests to pick and choose what they’d like to bring.
Don’t forget to clean up the place a little bit beforehand. That includes clearing off as many horizontal surfaces as possible (like coffee tables and end tables). With lots of people in your house, each with a drink and a plateful of snacks, space to put things can fill up pretty quickly.
Be aware that this works best with an American broadcast of the game because Canadian corporations simsub or simulcast their own advertising content during commercial breaks. Many of the best Superbowl commercials are not aired during the game in Canada.

Warnings

If you’re serving alcohol, or if your friends are bringing their own, make sure there are enough designated drivers on hand to get your guests home safely. As host, it is your responsibility to make sure your guests don’t drink and drive. That may mean offering yourself as a driver or the guest bedroom for potential overnight stays.
Spills and runaway meatballs will happen. Be prepared by keeping some cleaning supplies on hand.

Things You'll Need

TV
Seating for everyone
Food and drinks
Plates, cups and utensils
Emergency clean-up gear
Games
Commercial voting ballots
Computer with internet access (optional)
A nearby bathroom so if necessary, no one will miss anything.

DZ: Santa's Helper Babe in the Dude Zone

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