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 start at $19.99 per month for 40 channels, while DirecTV charges $41.99 per month for 155 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 (350 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. DirecTV also offers free DVR receivers (after a $99 mail-in rebate), and free HDTV receivers (after a $99 rebate).
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.
Cable Vs Satellite Tv
When considering cable vs. satellite TV it can be incredibly confusing, especially with so many commercials touting one system over the other. They both promise lots of perks such as pay-per-view and other features, and each service provider declares they are the best buy for your money. But there really is no comparison – satellite TV service providers simply give you the best value for your money across the country.
In order to understand what you are getting for your money, make sure you ask plenty of questions when you compare cable TV and satellite TV. Don't simply rely on advertising hype and your local cable service provider's promises.
Why is Satellite TV Better Than Cable? So Many Reasons!
Many people don't realize how much is offered with today's satellite TV systems, assuming that they will be expensive or difficult to install. Not so! In fact, most of today's top satellite TV companies such as service providers Dish Network and DirecTV, will come to your home and do the installation at no extra charge once you have a contract.
Your options are also greater with satellite TV vs. cable – most of the larger companies offer their services just about anywhere you can imagine, whether you live high in the mountains, remotely located from the world where no cable reaches, or in a crowded city. Being national companies rather than small, locally owned cable services also means you will benefit from quality service at lower prices. It also ensures you are getting the benefit of state-of-the-art technology. Many cable companies today are either replacing old cable or struggling to keep up while satellite TV providers are forging into the future.
Of course, in the final analysis, it all comes down to quality of programming and service reliability when you compare cable and satellite TV providers.
Here are a few things you should know about satellite TV:
FREE Equipment - Take advantage of a free satellite TV system and FREE installation. You can also purchase or lease your equipment depending on what is best for your needs.
TiVo - TiVo is available only through satellite TV providers and enables you to record, rewind and pause your programming.
HDTV - High Definition programming is always available and not dependent on location and company like it is with cable.
Pay-Per-View - There are twice as many Pay-per-View stations and the sports coverage is much more complete – with no black-outs for local stations.
Programming - There are more programming packages and options for you to choose from, so you can tailor something that suits your tastes.
Customer Service - Customer service ranks consistently higher than with cable TV.
Value - Value for the money is superior – dollar for dollar, you'll get more channels and a better variety of options with satellite TV than most other cable service providers can provide.
Cable Television vs. Satellite TV is an easy choice once you compare services and know the facts. Millions of people have switched to satellite TV providers DirecTV and the Dish Network and more sign up every week. The best value for your dollar is clear – Satellite TV.
Both Brian Stevens & Kevin Urban are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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