Most people probably think that sports is the reason that many people get a satellite dish for receiving TV broadcasts. But in addition to dozens of sports channels, there are some interesting channels if you're interested in educational material for your children or getting a little culture for yourself. In addition to TV, you can get commercial free, digital music. On the DIRECTV Network, depending on the package you opt for, you can get:

Animal Planet: essential for animal lovers

Classical Masterpieces: classical music performances (audio only)

Fine Living: "inspires and empowers people to live better through informative and entertaining lifestyle programming."

Hallmark Channel: original movies, television events, series, dramas from Hallmark

The  Learning Channel (TLC)

Lifetime Real Women: true-to-life stories about women

National Geographic Channel

Oxygen: for women, by women

PBS Kids Sprout: including a certain purple dinosaur

Science Channel

Women's Entertainment (WE): programming for women; hosts include Diane Lane, Cindy Crawford, Vanessa Williams, Naomi Judd and Diane Lane

Foreign language programming is available.