Choosing Between Cable or Satellite?

Below is a side by side comparison of cable and satellite. All you have to do is decide which one best suites your needs.

Equipment

Cable TV – You will need one receiver per television for digital programming and usually equipment is required to be returned upon disconnection of the service.

Satellite TV – A satellite dish that must be installed outside and have a clear view of the southern sky. Each TV will require a set top box. Satellite equipment is usually purchased by the user up front or can be given to them with a 12-month commitment or greater.

Programming

Cable TV – Has as many channels as satellite TV and is broadcast in analog (over-the-air) format or digital format.

Satellite TV – All channels are broadcasted in 100 percent digital format which gives you the highest quality picture and sound.

Reception

Cable TV – Depends on if you have analog or digital service through the cable company. Analog signals are less strong and are generally of a lower quality than digital. Digital channels offer crystal-clear images and reception.

Satellite TV – With its digital format it provides a brilliant, crisp picture quality everytime.

Interactive TV

Cable TV – HDTV is offered for theater quality image. DVR is offered so you can pause, rewind and record live shows. Movies-on-demand is offered so you can order movies from your couch. Pay-per-view is also offered so you can watch as you go.

Satellite TV – HDTV is offered to give you the best, clearest picture quality. DVR lets you watch TV how and when you want. Pay-per-view is also offered so you can watch as you go.