Since 1997 DirectTV (Tel: 296-7681, Fax: 296-7684, E-mail: galaxia@racsa.co.cr) has been available in Costa Rica. With this system you can receive up to 100 channels. The cost has dropped considerably. The basic cost is an $89 installation fee and $23 monthly for the basic package. For the complete movie package including movie and sports channels the cost is around $45 monthly.

DirectTV systems purchased in the U.S. will not work with the satellite systems in Costa Rica or the rest of Latin America. NFL and NBA sports packages are now available. Members with Direct TV pay-per-view can now order over 30 first-run movies per month for about $3 each. Call 201-7171 for more information.

Most radio stations play Latin music. However, there are four English language radio stations that play pop, oldies and modern rock. Both foreigners and younger locals listen to these stations since they play a lot of past and present hits. Many of the bus drivers play rock music that the English stations play. Radio Dos 99.5 FM plays Top -40 music from the 1960s, '70s, '80s and '90s. Radio 107.5 FM, the country's only all-English radio stations offers 100 percent rock from all of the decades. Super Radio 102.3 specializes in the oldies. Radio 95.5 plays a great selection of tasty jazz and fusion.