| Cable and satellite have been competing for over | | | | few more. Both methods of television offer either |
| a decade trying to capture the American | | | | digital or high definition channels, and are |
| audience. Each has their own strengths and | | | | competitive for the most part concerning special |
| weaknesses that contribute to the overall | | | | offers and features. |
| impression of the consumer. | | | | Availability is another important issue. Cable |
| Cable television generally offers more channels | | | | television is not offered everywhere, as one |
| than satellite. This is not the end of the story, | | | | needs to be hooked up to a cable line system. |
| however. The number of channels available varies | | | | Most American cities offer cable. In many |
| greatly depending upon the customer's location | | | | circumstances, however, suburban towns and |
| within the US. A New York City apartment will | | | | outlying areas from cities cannot receive cable. |
| have access to more channels than, say, a small | | | | For these people, satellite is the only option. |
| town in Tennessee. Cable does offer a mountain | | | | Satellite can be received just about anywhere in |
| of channels, but the customer has no say in which | | | | the country because it does not depend upon |
| channels they want and don't want to receive and | | | | lines, but rather microwave signals from a satellite. |
| pay for. Contrastingly, satellite TV offers fewer | | | | On the other hand, those who own condos or |
| channels, but still more than 200. These channels | | | | townhouses may not have the option of satellite |
| are available across the United States and the | | | | television because the dish requires an exterior |
| amount does not vary based upon the size of the | | | | wall on which to be mounted. This area is a |
| town. What can vary is what kind of channels the | | | | toss-up between the two. Satellite is available to |
| customer wants to receive. Satellite offers | | | | everyone, but impractical for some. Cable is |
| packages geared toward more sports channels, | | | | available only to those in cities, but is practical |
| children's programming or movie channels. One can | | | | where satellite is not. |
| personalize their package to suit their own | | | | Both cable and satellite have their pros and cons. |
| preferences in television. | | | | Both offer features that the other does not, and |
| Features are an important aspect of television | | | | have problems which the other does not. These |
| today. Viewers want to be able to interact with | | | | issues seem to balance the options out making it |
| their TVs in a sense. Cable television often offers | | | | the consumer's decision as to which one is best |
| interactive program guides, parental controls and | | | | for that individual. Their amenities and downfalls |
| pay-per-view movies. Satellite usually offers a | | | | make it too difficult to place one as objectively |
| similar line-up of features, and sometimes even a | | | | superior to the other. |