June 11, 2008 – 5:57 pm
Trying to decide between satellite vs cable TV? Both have their benefits and their flaws, so you have to compare the two and see which will work best for you.
Overall
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| Cable TV is easily the most popular and prevalent household video entertainment medium in the country. |
Satellite growth is occurring rapidly (1 in 4 homes have satellite) and has had an impact on cable growth across the country. |
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Equipment
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| Cable TV equipment is much simpler to install and use then satellite equipment. Cable TV only requires a digital cable TV reciever box, per TV which will be using the service. You are charged for each of the digital cable TV reciever boxes, on a monthly basis in most cases. If the cable contract ever comes to an end then you will have to give back each of the boxes that you where using. Most cable companies will also offer an additional Digital Video Recorders (DVR) service equipment plan, which will require an additional fee. |
Satellite TV equipment is a bit more complicated. The equipment includes a satellite dish, or set of dishes, that must be placed outside. You must also have a satellite TV box for each TV in use. Satellite TV equipment is usually purchased by the user up front, or sometimes when you sign up for a contract of over 12 months the company will give you the equipment. Most satellite TV receivers do come with Digital Video Recorders (DVR). |
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Programming
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| Cable TV can have over 300 channels of programming, most of which are of digital and require a digital receiver. Cable offers more local channels in every city and a higher volume of pay-per-view movies. Additionally, many cable companies now offer video on demand, which has an array of movies and TV shows that can be viewed for free, as well as ordered. High Definition TV (HDTV) services and channels are quickly becoming available among most cable companies. |
Satellite TV can have over 250 channels of programming, all of which is of digital quality. Satellite TV offers less local channels and may not have local channel availability in some areas. Satellite TV offers HDTV services to subscribers with compatible TVs. |
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Reception Quality
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Cable TV offers both analog and
digital channels. Analog signals are less strong and are generally of a
lower quality than digital. Digital channels offer crystal clear images
and reception. |
Satellite TV channels are
100% digital quality and offer better reception across the
channel lineup than cable, although satellite reception is far more
dependent upon weather than cable. |
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Pricing
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Cable TV pricing includes local
franchise fees. Cable pricing also includes local broadcasting.
Satellite pricing usually offers a better deal from the perspective of
how much money is spent on a per channel basis. You can also expect to have fees for each additional feature once you jump up from basic plans. |
Satellite TV companies
offer price points below $30 for over 50 channels of viewing. Equipment
pricing can be high initially unless a subscriber commits to at least
12 months of programming. A 12-month commitment will typically ensure a
lower initial cost. |
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Features & Controls
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| Digital cable TV offers an electronic program guide, video on demand, and subscription services on demand in most areas. Most cable companies offer Digital Video Recorders (DVR) service, as well as High Definition TV (HDTV) services for additional fees. |
Digital Satellite TV offers electronic
program guides, pay per view, DVR functionality including the ability
to record programs and rewind, fast forward and pause them during
viewing, and HDTV when the subscribers TV is compatible. |
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Posted in Articles, Satellite vs Cable
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