The choice between cable and satellite can sometimes be challenging. There is a lot of information presented by satellite providers suggesting that they can provide greater service at a better price point. However, before you make the decision to switch to satellite, consider the following comparisons between these two services.
1. More Programming :
Cable has the capacity to support over 300 channels compared to over 250 for satellite. Nearly all the channels are capable of offering digital quality or higher, plus cable offers a wider range of local channels and a larger selection of pay-per-view movies. In addition, most cable franchises offer some variety of video-on-demand service, which provides a library of shows and movies capable of being viewed whenever the consumer wishes. Satellite tends to offer less local channels, and may not offer any local channels at all in some areas. They do offer HDTV service comparable to many cable franchises.
2. Rain, Rain, Go Away :
Satellite boasts a completely digital quality signal, and claims to offer better reception than cable has, but satellite signals be impacted by weather patterns. So unless you enjoy planning your TV viewing times based on the temperament of the clouds, cable is probably your better bet. In addition, much of the reception issues related to cable were due to analog signals, which many cable franchises are abandoning in favor of purely digital broadcast, meaning their reception will be on par with satellite, without the weather concerns.
3. Less Equipment :
Cable TV is a significantly simpler setup than satellite, with the only requirement being one receiver per television for digital programming. The equipment is generally loaned and returned at the end of the contract. Conversely, satellite equipment includes the dish or a set of dishes, all of which must be placed outside and have clear access to the southern sky. In addition, they require a box for each TV. This equipment is usually purchased by the user, either at the initial setup or paid over a contracted period of time.
4. Creative Control :
Digital cable offers a wide range of options that put you in charge of your TV viewing. Electronic program guides let you find what’s available now, many of which are highly interactive, plus video-on-demand services, and a range of pay-per-view movies and events as well. Plus a lot of cable services offer a large selection of music channels. In many areas, you can get DVR functionality as a part of your box, allowing you to record, reward, fast forward, and even pause favorite shows while watching them. This is on par with what satellite tends to offer.
5. Price Points :
Satellite frequently claims to offer a better price point overall than cable, but take into consideration that you are often required to pay upfront for expensive dish equipment if you choose satellite. If you want a cheaper package, you are generally required to sign a year or longer contract and pay over time for the equipment. Cable may be slightly more expensive on a per-channel basis, but the price is equalized when you take equipment and contracts into consideration and a savvy consumer can often get an even rate through cable.
Summary :
Overall, cable offers the biggest bang for your buck, which is why cable continues to be the national leader in digital television service. Sites like cable-tv.com can get you started. So if you enjoy your TV service working just as well on the rainy days as it does on the sunny ones, desire local content along with HDTV, and enjoy the flexibility of video-on-demand, cable is probably your best bet.
