4 Tips for Deciding Between Cable and Satellite TV

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by: AndiBeark
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Word Count: 469
Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 Time: 11:09 AM
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There once was a time when neither cable nor satellite TV existed. The only way you could watch TV was with some kind of antenna that would ‘catch' the signal out of the air and make it into something you could see. But all that changed in the 1970's when it was discovered you could broadcast TV directly to your television through a cable. Thus was born Cable TV.

Broadcasting television via satellite had been capable since the mid 1960's, but didn't become a standard until the 1980's when cable companies started using satellites to bring in a wider variety of content. Big dish satellites began popping up all over the place when people discovered you could watch that same content for free. Then the content providers like HBO, etc. began encrypting their broadcasts. Eventually, big dish users could no longer watch TV. However, this led to the innovations that became small dish set-ups. Several companies entered the business, but now only 2 remain in the US.

Now you have basically 2 types of choices. Cable TV from whatever local vendors you have, or satellite TV. How to choose between those can be a conundrum, but here are some selections you can use to decide.

First, if you live outside the areas where the local cable company has pulled wire, you'll have to get satellite. However, if you don't have a clear view of the Southern sky, because of a mountain or trees, you may have to wait for the cable company.

Next, if you need to bundle your services like internet and telephone into one package with your television, you may need to choose the cable company. However, satellite companies do work with the telephone companies to build package deals too, so satellite may still be a better choice.

Thirdly, you'll have to sit down and study the costs involved. Both satellite and cable companies do offer basically the same channels, but they can be packaged quite differently. This could lead to you paying more for one service or the other, based on what channels are in which package.

Lastly, what equipment you have to rent versus what is given to you free could be a deciding factor. A lot of cable companies will rent you the boxes and remotes, etc. for a monthly fee and charge you less for the packages, while satellite will give you the equipment and amortize the cost out over time with your packages. It really works out to about the same cost.

Circumstances, need and cost will all play a part in your decision to get either Cable TV or satellite. Whichever you choose, you'll definitely be glad you did, with the super picture quality and the variety!.

About the Author

Dissatisfied with her cable provider, Andi Beark decided to check out the world of satellite television. A little surprised by the results, she found she could get more HDTV channels from DISH Network than she could from her regular provider. DISH Network offers great packages on their movie and sports channels as well as free HD. Check out everything you have been missing at DISH!