Angie's List is the nation's premiere provider of consumer reviews on local service companies, including cable and satellite TV services.

With all the commercials for pay TV flying around the airwaves, it’s hard to know which TV service is best for your pocketbook.Good research is the key to getting the best pay TV deal. While it may seem tedious, you’ll maximize both your savings and your TV offerings.

Angie’s List steps to negotiation for the best pay TV deal:

• Check availability: Some areas don’t yet have a full array of pay TV options. Check out all that’s available to you and then fully research each one so you can more easily use the different offerings to your best advantage.
• Know the details: Some basic packages start as low as $20 but there may also be fees for receiver boxes, DVR’s and installation and other things that could escape your notice. As you are comparing service providers, ask for an itemized listing of charges, equipment rental fees, etc… so you’re comparing fairly.
• Read the fine print on promotional offers: That free DVR or low, low price for a few months may be great, but read the fine print so that you understand what your costs will be when that promotional period has expired.
• Contract or contract-free service: Cable and fiber optic companies often tout contract-free service, while most satellite companies require a 1-2 year commitments, depending on the programming package you choose. Know when your contract ends and any early termination fees associated with canceling it.  
• Bundle the services: While pricing for cable and satellite service are fairly comparable, one of the best ways consumers can save these days is by looking for opportunities to bundle multiple services, like high-speed Internet, TV and telephone. You’ll have to know what getting out of existing contracts will cost you to determine savings.
• Channel choice: What do you want from your television? How much TV do you really watch? Do you watch premium movies or follow a certain sports team that requires you to buy a special package? Figure that out first and then choose the tier or package that matches your actual viewing habits. If you don’t watch many movies, it might be cheaper to skip those channels and either rent or go out to a movie rather than paying every month for something you never use.
• Don’t be afraid to negotiate a better deal: Keep an eye out for special promotions. Have examples of one or more competitor’s lower prices or better service deals and call the company’s consumer retention department. Record the name of the person you’re speaking with and note the date and time you called. These details will increase your credibility if you need to follow up later. Be prepared to end your service if you can’t get a better deal.