Jul 10 2009
Compare Satellite TV And Cable TV - Which Is Truly Better?
Cable TV and Satellite TV Comparison
Comparing cable TV to satellite TV is like comparing cassettes to CDs. Cable TV still utilizes outdated analog technology, while satellite TV uses state-of-the-art digital technology. And that’s just for starters.
Here’s a comparison of cable TV vs. satellite TV:
Cable TV and Satellite TV Fees
Cable TV
Fees for basic cable programming average $30 to $40 dollars per month depending on what company you choose and where you live. In my neck of the woods it would cost me $37.30 per month to acquire 64 program channels, and if I preferred to acquire digital channels I’d have to pay an additional $10.95 per month.
Satellite TV
DISH Network prices start at $29.99 for 230 satellite TV channels including 60 Sirius radio channels. DIRECTV prices start at $29.99 for 155 channels including 50 XM satellite radio channels. And both satellite TV providers broadcast all their programming in digital format so you do not have to pay extra for it.
As for price increases, cable fees have gone up 41% as 1998, while satellite TV fees have only gone up only 8%.
Cable TV and Satellite TV Equipment
Cable TV
Cable TV equipment consists of a cable that runs from a main junction box to the cable box that connects to a television. DVR (digital video recorders) cost extra, and basic installation varies from $25 to $75 or more depending on where you live. Where I live installation would cost me $39.95 for one room, and $9.95 for each extra room.
Satellite TV
Satellite TV equipment consists of a satellite TV dish and receivers. DISH Network and DIRECT would give you a free dish and up to four free receivers when you subscribe to their service. Installation is free in up to four rooms of your home.
You also have the option of acquiring a free DVR so you could record your favorite shows, or a free HD (high definition) receiver so you could watch your shows in high definition.
Cable TV and Satellite TV Quality and Reliability
Cable TV
Cable TV broadcasts some of their programming in digital format and some of their programming in analog format, so picture quality could vary from sharp to fuzzy. Cable TV blackouts average 3% to 5% a year, and in most areas if you have a problem with your service you have to call for assist during business hours.
Satellite TV
DISH Network and DIRECTV’s blackout rates are less than 1%. And if you do have a problem, both companies have toll-free and online customer service available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
J.D. Power and Associates has ranked DISH Network and DIRECTV number one and number two in customer among all satellite TV and cable TV providers for the last six years. They are also number one and two in the latest American Customer Satisfaction Index.
Bottom Line
If you only watch a few shows a week and you could check a cable company that charges less than $20 a month, then cable TV might be your best option
But if television is your primary form of entertainment, and you are looking for the most programming options with the best picture quality for the lowest price, then satellite TV is what you prefer.
