Satellite TV usually gets looked over at most college households. Many landlords and students are under the impression that systems are cumbersome, difficult to install, and require large amounts of re-wiring and equipment upgrades. Nothing could be further from the truth. With the new advances in mini-dish technology, satellite TV is a great option to consider for college renters wanting to bring HD TV into their homes.

First, talk to your landlord about the possibility of getting satellite TV. He or she may have had a tenant in the past that used a satellite system, and existing mounts and wiring may be present. With this in mind, ask your landlord about their approval, and get it in writing if possible. An installation contractor may require this if minor wiring work needs to be done. If your landlord expresses doubts about having a system installed, assure them that the system is completely removable and will be only a minor addition to the home. You can also add that the system will actually add value to their rental, since they can offer two possibilities for TV service to their tenants.

High definition sports have never looked so good as on satellite TV. HD imagines come in crystal clear, and without many of the service disruptions that older systems had issues with. Your favorite sports programming, including College Gameday and NFL Sunday Ticket are available on satellite TV. Some aren't even available on cable! Your programming choices are as varied as your imagination. With more channels available in HD than ever before, there's never been a better time to switch. Bear in mind that some cable companies often advertise that they are "all digital." This is NOT the same thing as HD! You usually need to purchase a separate programming package in order to receive high definition signals. Although a particular box and dish are required with satellite, the variety of channels and the cost usually trump that of cable providers.

Cost and programming plans are of chief concern to college students. Satellite TV offers a variety of programming plans to meet nearly every budget, and almost all include a wide array of local channels for your specific area. Pricing plans for satellite are straightforward, and are usually free of deceptive introductory offers typically found with cable. Also, many cable companies force you to buy several products (e.g. internet, phone, etc.) in order to receive their best rates. Satellite provides competitive rates regardless of the amount of service you order.

So, the next time you're looking to rent a home for your Sophomore, Junior, or Senior year...or even if you're just a college kid at heart, consider satellite TV and compare with the cable company. It's easy to install, easy to remove, and sets up your landlord with more options to advertise to tenants. It's a win-win!