Satellite Television: Is It For You?
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The move is on. Last year millions of Americans switched from cable TV to satellite TV.
Why? When you compare satellite TV to cable TV you'll discover the main reasons are cost, picture quality,
program choices, and customer 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, while DirecTV charges $41.99
per month for 115 channels. Both satellite TV providers currently offer free satellite TV equipment and free
installation in up to four rooms.
Cable vs. Satellite TV Programming
<> Cable TV in most areas offers almost as many channels as satellite TV, and is broadcast in analog
(over-the-air) format. If you want to have digital picture and sound you'll have to pay an additional fee, usually
$10 to $15 a month.
Satellite TV offers more channels than cable TV (more than 250 channels), and more HDTV (high definition
TV) programming. All satellite TV channels are broadcast in digital format for the highest quality picture and
sound.
Cable vs. Satellite TV Equipment
<> With cable you only need cable boxes that connect the incoming cable line to your televisions. There is
usually 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. Both Dish Network and DirecTV offer that
equipment, plus installation, for free. Dish Network will give you a DVR (digital video recording) receiver or an
HDTV receiver at no charge, while DirecTV charges $49.99 for DVR receivers and $299 for HDTV receivers.
Cable and Satellite TV Reliability and Customer Satisfaction
<> Cable TV outages average 3% to 5% per year. J.D. Powers and Associates ranks cable companies as
good to poor in customer satisfaction.
<> Satellite TV outages average about 1%. J.D. Power and Associates has ranked the two satellite TV
providers -- Dish Network and DirecTV -- higher in customer 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 where you can't get over-the-air TV and
cable TV costs less than $20 per month, then cable may be your best option.
If, on the other hand, you want the biggest variety of shows, movies, sports, and news for the least amount of
money ... you want to watch your all your shows in digital video and sound ... and you want the option of
watching them in HD format and recording them on a DVR receiver, then satellite TV is what you're looking for.
There remains a longstanding debate between satellite TV and cable TV. If you're not sure whether to go with
cable TV or satellite TV, this article will help you start to formulate a comparison of what each has to offer.
This article will not attempt to tell you which is right for you. You should be able to determine that for yourself
when you have a more clear understanding of satellite TV and cable TV. Some of the major topics of
consideration are availability, picture and sound quality, programming choices and cost.
The direct competition between satellite TV and cable TV has brought many positive results for consumers of
both. Satellite TV and cable TV companies have begun to offer more services and programming while cutting
prices on equipment, installation and programming. It is important to note that with cable TV in particular,
programming and price can vary by region so the final decision may come down to what you find out from
your local cable TV providers. In some cases you may get a big discount from a local cable provider if you
show them that you can get your desired programming you want for less via satellite TV.
Consensus is that satellite TV has more programming options than cable TV, though less local
programming. Cable TV is often, but not always, cheaper. Installation can be costly for satellite TV or require
a long contract for free installation.
If you live in a rural area, chances are good that cable is not even an available option to you. In that case you
will have to find a satellite TV provider. If you live in an area without a direct line of sight to one of the satellites
or without a convenient dish mounting location, it may be impossible to get satellite TV. If there is a possible
workaround, the satellite TV provider may hit you with additional installation charges to make it possible to
point the dish at the satellite.
