 Satellite TV vs. Cable TV
If you are trying to figure out which option - Satellite TV vs. Cable TV - is right for you, here are some things to consider:
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Availability of Service |
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Costs of Installation and Equipment |
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Monthly Fees |
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Picture Quality |
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Channel Variety & Programming |
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Local Channel Availability |
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Customer Service |
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Outages |
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Features |
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Internet |
Now there are two types of cable - analog cable TV and digital cable TV. Of course, digital costs more, but has three times as many
channels than analog cable and a superior picture quality, as does satellite. For comparison, we will be comparing digital cable to satellite.
Availability of Service
One of your first deciding factors will of course be availability of either service. If you area does not have local cable, luckily
satellite is available - either DIRECTV or DISH Network. Satellite is great for availability. Many places, such as new construction
or a less populated area, do not yet have cable available to them. You can install a satellite dish anywhere as long as you have a
clear view of the southern sky. Availability is usually one of the major deciding factors in the debate of satellite vs. cable.
Cost of Installation and Equipment
Satellite providers have many great free offers right now. You can get your equipment and installation for free, plus your first 3-4 months
of service for free. These offers are very hard to pass up. Cable, in most cases, charges for installation. Plus these fees vary by locality.
Monthly Fees
With Satellite, prices are consistent since the pricing is national.
Cable's prices are local and can vary significantly. Also, cable
prices generally increase every year, when satellite prices are much
more stable. Cable has
shown to have a higher cost per channel than satellite
TV providers. DISH Network starts at $29.99 a month for over 60 channels
with local stations such as UPN and WB included. The lowest digital
cable package generally costs over $45 per month.
You also need to consider the additional cost of extra
receivers for additional TV's.
Plus, cable TV can have many additional costs such as franchise fees, taxes, plus costs for any pay per view services, and equipment costs.
Local channels are included though. Most of the time, all the costs of cable outweigh the cost of satellite, so satellite TV can save you money.
Picture Quality
Satellite providers offer 100% digital high quality signals for crystal clear pictures and cd quality sound. Cable providers also tout
the same, although most people believe the satellite picture is much clearer. Cable's Basic and Expanded Basic services are all Analog
but you can upgrade to Digital Cable. However, when you upgrade, the analog channels will still be analog even though your equipment is now digital.
Channel Variety & Programming
Since satellite providers offer uniform programming and service nationwide, with variations for Alaska and Hawaii, the population of your
area will not affect the variety of channels available to you, as it would with your local cable network. Cable usually offers more local
channels since their market is limited to local customers. On the other hand, satellite television is much more likely to offer specialty
channels with a national audience appeal. Most satellite providers also offer special language programming like the DISH Network's Latino Max,
which offers programming in Spanish and English.
Digital Cable can support up to 260 channels along with pay per view services. Cable TV can have more local and community channel options.
Satellite TV has up to 500 available channels, many more channels than cable providers. Satellite tv also offers more sports programming and
international programming.
Local Channel Availability
You may purchase local channels with satellite tv for a low monthly fee, but many people do not qualify since they are within the range of
the local signal. If you are within range, the satellite companies are not allowed to offer or charge for the service. You can then pick up
these channels with an antenna.
Customer Service
Both Cable and Satellite TV offer online services such as viewing statements, modifying packages and making online payments to your account.
They also provide online user manuals and installation guides.
Outages
Don't worry about the weather with satellite service. Satellite providers say they lose signal less often than cable companies do.
Features
Satellite basic features include electronic program guides, parental locks, automated timers, and interactive features like instant weather,
video on demand, and personal video recording. DIRECTV offers DVR (Digital Video Recorder) and DISH Network offers PVR (Personal Video Recorder)
for recording programs without videotape, up to two at a time, pause live tv, and skip commercials. Some cable networks have this feature, but
it is subject to local availability. Digital cable offers parental control, but analog doesn't. Also, Cable providers are a somewhat behind in
HDTV services. Satellite providers offer more High Definition (HDTV) channels like HBO and ShowTime.
Internet
Satellite and cable both offer high speed broadband connections.
Bottom Line
The consumer only benefits from the competition among cable TV vs. satellite TV. Hopefully, consumers will soon start seeing lower prices,
more programming choices, and improved service. Make an informed choice in your satellite TV vs. cable TV decision. Review availability, costs,
programming, and features and find what's best for you!
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Satellite TV
