Satellite TV vs. Cable Television
For cable television, you would
normally have to live in the city or very close to the city limits
in order to be able to get cable services. For
satellite tv all you need is a clear view of the southern sky.
A few of the other differences are listed in the comparison chart
below.
| Satellite
TV vs. Cable Television |
Cable
|
Satellite
TV
|
|
Quality of Picture |
Cable
offers digital programming for an extra charge. However,
some channels are still in the analog format.
|
Satellite
TV offers 100% Digital programming for no additional charge.
|
| Cost |
Cable
TV is generally more expensive than Satellite TV. Additional
taxes and fees apply.
|
Satellite
TV is cheaper than cable and you can usually get more channels
for less money.
|
| Programming
& Channels |
Offers
over 200 channels if you can get the digital cable package.
|
Dish
Network has the capability to broadcast over 500 channels.
|
| Equipment |
You
need a converter box in order to receive digital cable.
Your equipment is leased from the cable tv company.
|
Requires
a converter box and a satellite dish mounted outside of
your home. Current deals allow for free equipment.
|
| Availability |
Not
as available in rural areas but is available in most larger
cities. Cable is constantly expanding it's viewing areas.
|
Can
be used anywhere there is a view of the southern sky. Rural
areas can easily receive satellite as long as there are
no obstructions.
|
| Commitment |
Most
cable companies allow you to cancel anytime.
|
To
receive free equipment, a satellite provider needs a commitment
of time.
|
| Local
Programming |
Includes
all local television stations for no additional charge.
|
Often
has an additional charge to receive local channels and may
not offer all local stations.
|
The next logical step (If you
decide to get a dish) would be to compare
the free satellite deals that are available from Directv®
and Dish Network. Although they are similar in many ways, there
are some details of these offers that you should consider.
Key Points of Difference Between
Satellite TV and Cable Television
Availability - Over 98%
of all households can get satellite tv while cable coverage varies
by location. If you live out in the woods then satellite tv is
the only way to go.
Digital Service - We live
in a digital world. With satellite tv you get a 100% all digital
service and with cable television you often have to pay extra
for this.
Package Deals - Take a
look at the programming packages that are being offered by your
local cable company. Compare that to what you can get with a satellite
dish. If one or the other has an especially attractive programming
package then you may want to go with that.
Signal Quality - Cable
television signals, even at their highest quality, are sent out
from their original source to a regional receptor base. The signal
is then sent to the local cable companies receiver and then it
is finally relayed to the tv in your home. All of that transfer
can really disrupt the quality of the signal. In contrast, satellite
tv signals are delivered straight from the source right to your
dish. Once there they are converted into digital signals that
your television receiver can read. The end result is that you
will get better picture quality with a satellite dish.
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