In Cuba, one man started a satellite TV business four years ago. He purchased a satellite dish antenna, receiver, access card with the correct code for the signal, a signal amplifier, and cable all on the black market. He has since provided the satellite signal for his whole neighborhood through a network of cables over the rooftops. However, everyone on the network must watch whatever the satellite dish owner is watching. The provider does a survey periodically of his customers to learn their preferences and makes a programming schedule of telenovelas, Telemundo, HBO, talk shows, and "Sabado Gigante."

 

Although the average wage in Cuba is $15/month, the satellite customers receive help with their $7.56US monthly satellite TV bill from relatives in the US and from working side jobs.  About 90% of this particular satellite TV provider’s neighborhood residents are his customers. Cuban media is government operated and there has been a crackdown new satellite TV dishes being installed, by the equipment is easier to obtain now and satellite TV is spreading in Cuba. As the government takes down satellite TV cables, they are promptly reinstalled by residents.

 

Sling Media makes Slingbox, a product that routes signals from your satellite, cable box, or personal video recorder to your computer.

 

The Slingbox transmits signals to any computer in your house that has an internet connection, and to any computer globally that has a broadband internet connection. If you don't have your laptop with you, just "sling" your signal to a Windows-based cell phone or PDA like Palm Treo, HP iPaq or Motorola Q.

Sling Media makes it posisbl;e to stay tuned to your favorite programs around the world. The Slingbox is offered in three styles: SlingboxTUNER, SlingboxAV, and SlingboxPRO, depending on the type of programming and equipment you have at home. The Slingbox works with any of your subscriptions, special programming, and sports packages you have without any additional costs. If you can watch it on your home TV, Slingbox will channel it to your PC desktop, laptop, phone or PDA.

While numerous TV networks broadcast a variety of sports for millions of fans to enjoy, only satellite TV provides the premiere sports program choices that are exclusive to its subscribers. Satellite TV networks like DIRECTV also feature special programs for specific league play in specific sports. That is an offer that regular and Cable TV cannot make. Satellite TV subscribers see more games in a single season in their favorite sports and leagues than with anything offered on regular and Cable TV.

Satellite TV gives you the chance to see more games per week – even your favorite leagues – all in real time.  

 

Cable TV offers only a limited number of games in any league per season; such as probably 25% or less of NBA games. You only get to see a few highlights from other games. However, subscribing to satellite TV sports packages solves the problem — DirecTV offers NBA League Pass for 40 NBA regular-season games a week.