Cable vs. Satellite TV -- Which is Best?
by:
Brian Stevens
The come is on. Last year millions of Americans switched from cable TV to satellite TV.
Why? Once
you compare satellite TV to cable TV you'll learn the main reasons are cost, image quality, program choices, and client satisfaction.
Let's check out the differences ...
Cable vs. Satellite TV Fees
Cable TV fees across the country average $39.99 per month. In our area the cost for cable TV is $37.30 a month for 64 channels, plus $10.95 a month to add digital channels. Installation in one room is $39.95, plus $9.95 for each additional room.
Satellite TV fees from Dish Network are $31.99 per month for 60 channels, piece DirecTV charges $41.99 per month for 115 channels. Some
satellite TV providers presently
offer free satellite TV instrumentality and free installation in up to four rooms.
Cable vs. Satellite TV Programming
Cable TV in most areas offers about as galore channels as satellite TV, and is broadcast in analog (over-the-air) format. If you want to have digital image and sound you'll have to pay an additional fee, normally $10 to $15 a month.
Satellite TV offers much channels than cable TV (more than 250 channels), and much High-definition television (high definition TV) programming. All satellite TV channels are broadcast in digital format for the highest quality image and sound.
Cable vs. Satellite TV Instrumentality
With cable you only need cable boxes that connect the incoming cable line to your televisions. There is normally no charge or rental fees for cable boxes, however, If you want a digital video recorder, you'll have to pay an extra fee.
With satellite TV you need a satellite TV dish and TV receivers. Some
Dish Network and DirecTV offer that equipment, plus installation, for free. Dish Network wish give you a DVR (digital video recording) receiver or an High-definition television receiver at no charge, piece DirecTV charges $49.99 for DVR receivers and $299 for High-definition television receivers.
Cable and Satellite TV Dependability and Client Satisfaction
Cable TV outages average 3% to 5% per year. J.D. Powers and Associates ranks cable companies as nice to poor in client satisfaction.
Satellite TV outages average just about 1%. J.D. Power and Associates has graded the two satellite TV providers -- Dish Network and DirecTV -- higher in client satisfaction than any of the cable TV companies for the last five years
The Bottom Line
If you only watch a couple of shows a week, and you live in an area wherever
you can't get over-the-air TV and cable TV price less than $20 per month, then cable may be your better option.
If, on the another hand, you want the biggest variety of shows, movies, sports, and news for the least figure of money ... you want to watch your all your shows in digital video and sound ... and you want the option of observation them in HD format and recording them on a DVR receiver, then satellite TV is what you're looking for.
About The Author
Brian Stevens is a professional freelance writer and webmaster who has written extensively on free satellite TV systems. For much information on free satellite TV systems go to: http://www.thesatellitetvguide.com
This article was announce on August 14, 2005
