| Trying to decide between DIRECTV satellite TV | | | | recorder) receiver. If you want to watch your |
| and cable TV? Here's a comparison of both TV | | | | programs in high def, you can get a free HD |
| providers that will help you make up your mind. | | | | receiver. |
| Best Programming | | | | Most cable companies give you free cable boxes. |
| DIRECTV has more than 265 satellite TV | | | | Installation of these boxes varies from company |
| channels broadcast in all-digital format. They also | | | | to company, and can either be free or cost you |
| have nearly 100 channels broadcast in HD (high | | | | $75 or more depending on the cable TV company |
| definition). Their programming includes national | | | | you choose. Most cable companies offer DVR and |
| networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, The CW), movie | | | | HD compatible cable boxes, with prices varying |
| channels, sports channels, news and weather | | | | from company to company. |
| channels, special interest channels, international | | | | Best Prices |
| channels, pay-per-view channels, and XM satellite | | | | DISH Network's prices start at $29.99 per month |
| radio channels. | | | | for their 45-channel Family Package, and go up to |
| Cable companies average 180 TV channels which | | | | $57.99 for their 265-channel Premier package |
| are broadcast in either outdated analog format or | | | | which includes 73 XM satellite radio channels and |
| digital format. As HD gains in popularity most | | | | 31 movie channels. |
| companies are adding HD channels. Programming | | | | The average price for cable TV is $39.99 a |
| includes national networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, | | | | month for a basic cable program package. In my |
| The CW), movie channels, sports channels, news | | | | neck of the woods our local cable company |
| and weather channels, special interest channels, | | | | charges $46 a month for a 59-channel package. |
| some international channels, pay-per-view | | | | Best in Customer Satisfaction |
| channels, and music channels. | | | | DISH Network is ranked highest in customer |
| Best Equipment | | | | satisfaction among all the satellite and cable TV |
| DISH Network will give you a free satellite | | | | companies in the U.S. |
| system that includes a dish, receivers, and | | | | Cox cable has a number two ranking in overall |
| remotes, plus they will install your system at no | | | | customer satisfaction, while the other cable |
| charge. If you want to record your favorite | | | | companies rank below Cox and DISH Network. |
| programs you can get a free DVR (digital video | | | | |