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Cable vs. Satellite TV

In the US, consumers can receive television signals via antenna, cable, or satellite.  Determining which of these three services are best for you is the main decision.  If you decide on cable television, there is most often only one provider in a given area.  If you select satellite TV there are primarily two providers in the country; Dish Network and Direct TV.  As with any service it is best to compare the programming offered, the pricing, and unbiased feedback from customers to assist you in determining which service would best meet your needs.  The following is a summary of some of the key features of these services.

Television via antenna:  This service provides local stations at no charge to the consumer.  It does not provide "premium channels" and reception is dependent upon your location/proximity to the station transmitter.  The signal has a tendency to fade gradually and consumers therefore receive pictures of varying quality as distance from the transmitter increases or obstructions/weather interrupt the signal.

Analog Cable:  Analog cable can offer local channels as well as a large number of "premium channels" but there is a monthly fee for the service.  It is widely available although there are certainly rural areas without the service.  Reception is generally good and there are only occasional interruptions to service.  A contractual committment is generally not required for the service.  The fee for analog is generally less than that for digital.  There are numerous providers but which provider is used is generally dictated by location.  Cable offers the advantage of minimal equipment needs and the ability to take any service issues to them face to face as they are usually community based.

Digital Cable:  Digital offers a better quality signal than analog and additional "premium channels" (movies and sports). Cable is able to offer over 200 channels of programming.  High Definition is available if you get the HD box and have an HDTV.  Digital is not yet available in all areas.  The monthly fee for digital cable is higher than analog.  Again, although there are numerous providers of this service, the provider is generally determined by your location.  The company is community based allowing direct contact with their office.

Satellite:  Satellite TV, like digital cable offers a very high quality signal (DVD quality video) and is available virtually everywhere in the country. Satellite TV can even be used in tractor trailers and mobile homes.  Local channels are available as are premium channels.  Satellite TV, like digital cable can offer well over 200 channels of programming including commercial free CD quality music channels and channels from distant cities.   Fees for programming packages range widely but are consistently a few dollars a month less than digital cable with comparable programming.  High definition is available with an HD dish and receiver.  (equipment is generally provided free)  Satellite TV is not community based although the installer is generally local.  Despite the fact that this makes face-to-face contact less likely, customer satisfaction with satellite TV service providers has consistently been higher in surveys for over five years

To examine unbiased consumer feedback go to:

http://www.jdpower.com

(telecommunications; satellite/cable providers).

To see customer comments:

            http://www.consumerdemocracy.com

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