| With the move to Digital TV, right around the | | | | on this list. Satellite companies will gladly provide |
| corner, many are making a decision regarding | | | | the same combinations to their customers, though |
| upgrading their TV service. The question now is | | | | they must usually partner up with communications |
| what. Satellite or Cable. We here at Digital Landing | | | | carriers for Internet and telephone services. You |
| try and answer some common question for | | | | can get a true "triple play" from cable companies |
| those ready to make the leap | | | | such as Time Warner or Cox, for example. If you |
| Q: What is satellite TV service? How much does it | | | | turn to Dish Network or DirecTV for triple play, a |
| cost? | | | | company such as AT&T or Sprint/Nextel is |
| Satellite TV service gets its TV signals from | | | | also likely to be involved in delivering those |
| satellites in geosynchronous orbit. Because they | | | | services to you. |
| stay in the same position relative to the earth's | | | | Q: Do satellite or cable providers require service |
| surface at all times, once a satellite antenna | | | | contracts or commitments? |
| (usually, a dish of some kind) is properly aimed, it | | | | Sometimes. Satellite companies require |
| can be left as-is thereafter. Satellite signals are | | | | commitments, and cable companies sometimes |
| broadcast from a ground station to multiple | | | | do. If you are simply signing up for cable TV, you |
| satellites, which then broadcast those signals back | | | | most likely will not need to sign a contract. But if |
| to the earth across huge expanses of territory. | | | | you bundle another service into the deal, such as |
| Anybody with a satellite dish (the antenna), plus | | | | phone or Internet hookup, then the company will |
| the proper signal processing gear (a set-top box | | | | likely have you sign a contract.However, even for |
| of some kind, usually called a satellite receiver, is | | | | satellite where a commitment is required, you can |
| required for each TV set on which you want to | | | | often talk your way out of contractual |
| watch the provider's programming) that can "see" | | | | commitments if you can make a substantial case |
| a satellite can pick up the signal. A single antenna | | | | that you're not getting the services you paid for, |
| can feed multiple satellite receivers, but a physical | | | | or you have legitimate reasons to be profoundly |
| cable is routed from the antenna to each receiver | | | | dissatisfied with those services. |
| (inside the house, both cable and satellite TV | | | | Q: What happens to the provider equipment when |
| require cables for each TV set). | | | | you cancel your service? |
| Satellite providers control access to their | | | | Generally, you will be held responsible for the safe |
| networks by including special encryption and | | | | return of equipment in situations where the |
| encoding in their signals, and tightly controlling the | | | | provider has furnished you with set-top boxes, |
| equipment that can read and play back those | | | | remote controls, and so forth that it owns and |
| signals, to prevent unauthorized users from tuning | | | | you do not. That usually means you must return |
| in and obtaining free TV service. | | | | the equipment to them yourself, or pay for a |
| Satellite TV service costs vary, primarily | | | | service call to have their field service personnel |
| according to the channels that subscribers elect to | | | | come and pick the equipment up at your house. |
| pay for. That said, both DirecTV and Dish | | | | Otherwise, you will receive a bill from the provider |
| Network (the two primary satellite providers in | | | | for that equipment, and it generally includes |
| North America) offer basic packages for $20 to | | | | enough zeroes to command serious attention and |
| $25 per month. Add-on options for HDTV, sports | | | | swift action (Author's note: I moved recently and |
| channels, movie channels, and so forth usually | | | | had to return the equipment from the old house, |
| cost anywhere from $8 to $25 per month each | | | | although I stayed with the same provider. Thirty |
| (or come in season-long subscriptions for sports | | | | days after the move, a bill for $700 for a digital |
| such as NFL football, NBA basketball and so forth). | | | | and an analog set-top box and remotes showed |
| Lots of bundles are available in the $30 to $55 a | | | | up, and spurred immediate action to avoid |
| month range, but it's easy to spend $100 a | | | | potential credit problems that might have |
| month or more on satellite TV services, especially | | | | otherwise resulted). |
| if you like sports or movies, or both. | | | | Q: How does service availability differ for cable |
| Dish Network offers equipment to subscribers at | | | | and satellite? What effects does this have on my |
| no charge, including DVR (digital video recording) | | | | TV signal? |
| or HDTV (high-definition television) receivers. | | | | The biggest difference between cable and satellite |
| DirecTV charges $99 for SDTV DVR receivers, | | | | is availability. Cable is available only in |
| and $299 for HDTV DVR receivers (check for | | | | neighborhoods where the provider can run a cable |
| rebates). | | | | into your home. Satellite is available anywhere you |
| Q: What is cable TV service? How much does it | | | | can put an antenna that can "see" one of the |
| cost? | | | | satellite provider's satellites in orbit (this does |
| Cable TV service basically entails running a physical | | | | require a line of sight to that satellite). In most |
| broadband cable into your household, usually some | | | | metro areas, cable is a viable option and worth |
| kind of high-bandwidth coaxial cable (though some | | | | comparing to satellite. In most rural areas, satellite |
| fiber-optic-based offerings are starting to become | | | | is the only option, because cable isn't available. |
| available in some markets). Cable TV companies | | | | Whether you set up your satellite dish in an urban, |
| operate various types of broadcast equipment | | | | suburban or rural setting, a clear line of site to the |
| that essentially combine hundreds of analog and | | | | satellite from the dish is an absolute must. In |
| digital TV channels into a single cable that can be | | | | some cases, trees or other buildings may partially |
| decoded and interpreted when passed into the | | | | obscure that line of sight, and will have a negative |
| right kind of set-top box. Cable companies | | | | effect on signal quality. That can be particularly |
| monitor the hardware attached to their networks | | | | vexing when the weather gets bad, and high |
| very closely, and permit only devices with known | | | | winds move trees into the line of sight when |
| physical hardware addresses to access their | | | | they're not ordinarily a problem. Be sure to get |
| signals. Though you can buy your own cable | | | | the dish situated with the clearest possible line of |
| equipment in some markets, you can't use that | | | | sight to the satellite, to minimize the effects of |
| equipment until the provider reads its hardware | | | | weather or obstructions, occasional or otherwise. |
| address and enables it to work with their signals. | | | | Q: How do high-definition TV (HDTV) offerings |
| As with satellite TV, a set-top box is generally | | | | from satellite and cable providers compare? Who's |
| required for each TV set on which you want to | | | | got the edge? |
| watch cable TV signals, and a physical cable | | | | For both types of providers, you must usually |
| hook-up for each such box is also required. Most | | | | obtain HD-capable set-top boxes to permit you to |
| cable providers also have to ensure that individual | | | | view HDTV signals in the first place. This will |
| hook-ups are "digital ready" before they can | | | | usually add to your recurring monthly equipment |
| accommodate digital set-top boxes and HDTV | | | | costs (cable or satellite) or equivalent purchase |
| signals. | | | | costs (satellite). Then, you must sign up for one |
| Basic cable TV costs are generally in the same | | | | or more HDTV packages so you will have some |
| league as basic satellite TV costs--again $20 to | | | | HD programming to watch. From both types of |
| $25 a month--but cable TV providers are subject | | | | providers, you can sign up for various types of |
| to local fees and taxes (satellite providers are | | | | HD programming (basic HDTV package, HD |
| not), and you must generally rent set-top boxes | | | | movies, HD sports, on-demand or pay-per-view |
| from cable providers for anywhere from $3 a | | | | HD programming). Generally, most cable stations |
| month per device (more for those with digital, | | | | top out on HD channels somewhere between 80 |
| HDTV or DVR capabilities). In general, the cable | | | | and 120 stations; both major satellite providers |
| company not only controls but also owns the | | | | offer 140 HD stations or more. Note that these |
| equipment you use to watch their programming. | | | | stations are split among various channel packages, |
| So, basic cable generally costs anywhere from $5 | | | | so there will be extra fees to obtain most or all |
| to $10 a month more than satellite for similar | | | | of them). Therefore, satellite has the HD edge |
| service, plus $3 a month and up for each set-top | | | | right now. |
| box you have installed. You can omit the set-top | | | | Q: How does installation compare for cable versus |
| boxes on the additional TVs, but you will probably | | | | satellite? |
| not be able to receive all the cable channels you | | | | When it comes to cable, installation generally |
| pay for on those sets. | | | | comes as part of initial account set-up. The cable |
| Q: How do the costs for cable and satellite TV | | | | company generally sends an installer out to make |
| service compare? | | | | sure the cable is hooked up and working properly |
| Most experts generally rule the cost equation | | | | at all outlets when you establish your account. |
| slightly in favor of satellite, even when you have | | | | Generally, there is no extra charge for that |
| to buy the equipment you use to receive (and | | | | service. You can return to a local cable provider |
| sometimes, to record) TV, be it standard | | | | office to swap out equipment after the initial |
| television or HDTV. That's because the costs of | | | | set-up. |
| renting cable equipment generally exceed those | | | | Satellite can be a different matter. Though most |
| for buying satellite equipment over time, and | | | | account set-ups have an option for professional |
| because the regular monthly fees and taxes that | | | | installation, charges can be associated with that |
| get tacked onto cable TV charges also add to the | | | | service. Still, it is strongly recommended to have |
| overall cost. That confers only a slight edge, | | | | antennas, cables and set-top boxes professionally |
| however, and shouldn't be the only factor | | | | installed, charges or not. Sometimes, satellite |
| involved in your selection. | | | | providers waive installation fees as part of |
| Q: How do costs of equipment purchase compare | | | | promotional campaigns, or in return for |
| to rental costs? | | | | longer-term account commitments. Check the |
| When satellite providers offer equipment at no | | | | terms and conditions carefully, and ask about |
| charge, they generally require at least a one-year | | | | installation and set-up as part of your overall |
| subscription commitment or a contract of similar | | | | background research before making any account |
| duration. When they charge for the equipment, it | | | | commitments. If anything, installation is even more |
| usually costs anywhere from $49 for a basic | | | | important for satellite than for cable; proper |
| standard TV set-top box, to as much as $299 | | | | antenna positioning and aiming is key to obtaining |
| for a set-top box that can record HDTV signals. | | | | the best possible signal. |
| Cable operators generally charge $3 per set-top | | | | Q: How do service and support compare for |
| box per month ($36 a year) for basic standard | | | | satellite vs. cable? Which of the two experiences |
| TV devices, and up to $10 a month ($120 per | | | | more outages? |
| year) for set-top boxes that can record HDTV | | | | According to JD Power and Associates, satellite |
| signals. If you stay with either provider longer | | | | customers consistently rank both major satellite |
| than two or three years, the satellite service | | | | providers as among the best of all companies |
| costs come out somewhat lower than the cable | | | | when it comes to service and support. Cable |
| service costs because you'll typically pay off that | | | | providers fare worse, typically receiving grades in |
| equipment somewhere in the second or third year | | | | the fair to poor range from the majority of |
| of ownership, as compared with cable TV costs. | | | | customers. Also, cable operators report outage |
| But such equipment generally needs to be | | | | rates of 3 percent nationwide, while satellite |
| replaced every five to seven years (if not more | | | | providers report outage rates of less than 1 |
| often for real equipment aficionados), so | | | | percent. Most experts agree that satellite beats |
| equipment costs do continue to factor into the | | | | cable when it comes to customer support and |
| overall burden for either type of service. | | | | service and in terms of overall uptime and |
| Q: What kinds of equipment are required for cable | | | | availability. |
| service? For satellite service? | | | | Q: Does digital TV matter more for cable or |
| For both services, each TV set on which you | | | | satellite service? |
| want to watch provider programming requires a | | | | Because satellite TV is all digital, and cable can |
| set-top box of some kind, which may or may not | | | | deliver both digital and analog TV across its |
| include any or all of the following: analog TV signals | | | | broadband infrastructure, you might say that |
| (satellite is all-digital, so this applies only to cable), | | | | digital TV matters more for satellite. Also, FCC |
| digital TV signals, HDTV signals, plus digital video | | | | requirements that all broadcast signals be digital by |
| recording for standard TV (less expensive, more | | | | February 9, 2009, don't apply to cable because |
| hours of TV recording per device) and HDTV | | | | cable signals aren't broadcast over the air in a |
| (more expensive, less hours of TV recording per | | | | conventional sense. Most cable companies are |
| device). Note that all HDTV programming is digital, | | | | converting aggressively anyway because of the |
| and an increasing number of standard television | | | | higher quality and easier manageability of digital as |
| channels are also digital; the FCC mandates that all | | | | opposed to analog technologies. Because HD is |
| U.S. TV broadcasts will be digital by February 9, | | | | digital by definition and most of the growth and |
| 2009. | | | | innovation is occurring in this area, the |
| Q: What are the primary differences between | | | | marketplace is driving cable companies to be as |
| cable and satellite TV services? | | | | capable and competitive in digital programming as |
| That's tough to say, because the hundreds of | | | | the satellite companies. |
| cable TV providers that exist all have somewhat | | | | Q: How does local channel access compare for |
| different offerings, and because even the | | | | satellite versus cable? |
| offerings from the two primary satellite providers | | | | Normally, cable companies make arrangements |
| also differ substantially. Conventional wisdom is | | | | with all local broadcast television stations to carry |
| that satellite TV offers more and better for-a-fee | | | | their signals on cable wherever they offer cable |
| sports and entertainment packages, and a | | | | services to their customers. Local access on |
| broader selection of HDTV channels, while cable | | | | satellite varies to a great extent, so that you can |
| TV offers more and better local stations (they | | | | expect access to local channels in most |
| will often rebroadcast all of the OTA channels in a | | | | metropolitan areas, but station availability in rural |
| viewing area on cable, and usually operate one or | | | | areas will depend on what stations are active in |
| more stations of their own including news, | | | | the broadcast area, and whether or not the |
| weather, and public access programming). | | | | satellite company has made arrangements to pick |
| Look closely at the stations included in their | | | | up and include the signal feed from those stations |
| packages, and weigh the importance of the | | | | in the satellite feed available through your antenna. |
| availability of local channels when choosing | | | | Often, local channel access will be same for both |
| between the two offerings. | | | | systems; in some cases, cable may carry more |
| Q: How many channels are typical for cable | | | | or all of the local channels, whereas satellite may |
| offerings? For satellite offerings? | | | | carry only a few or some of those same |
| Basic satellite offerings typically include 40 to 50 | | | | channels. |
| channels, and premium offerings usually include | | | | Q: What does it cost to add sets for cable TV |
| 140 to as many as 250 channels. Cable offerings | | | | service? For satellite TV service? |
| typically include at least 20 basic channels, and | | | | Most cable TV service offerings add an additional |
| another 50-60 standard channels, with as many | | | | charge for each set-top box you use, and |
| as 200-300 more channels available in family, | | | | additional costs apply for digital signals (including for |
| lifestyle, news and entertainment bundles, plus | | | | HDTV channels) and for DVR capability. Costs |
| additional channels for HDTV, movies, sports and | | | | start at $3 a month or so for set-top boxes, and |
| more. | | | | go up as you add features and digital support. |
| Q: What offerings differentiate cable and satellite | | | | Most satellite TV service offerings include up to |
| services? What kinds of advantages result on | | | | four hook-ups in the basic service cost. Often, |
| each side? | | | | that's because you must purchase your own |
| Satellite usually takes the edge when it comes to | | | | set-top boxes and/or DVRs (see question #2). |
| entertainment (movies, live concert simulcasts, | | | | Q: What if I want to use a digital video recorder |
| and special programming) and sports (especially | | | | with cable service? With satellite service? |
| for "season pass" offerings for all games in sports | | | | Generally, you can either rent a DVR from your |
| such as football, basketball, hockey and NASCAR). | | | | cable provider or purchase a standard or HDTV |
| Cable takes the edge in on-demand programming | | | | DVR from a third-party company such as TiVo. |
| because the providers' equipment infrastructure | | | | Purchasing can be expensive: Standard TV TiVo |
| makes it easy to deliver rebroadcast of free and | | | | models start at approximately $300 and HDTV |
| for-a-fee programming on demand, and to deliver | | | | models at roughly $800 and also come with |
| pay-per-view services for movies and other | | | | monthly service commitments. |
| premium programming. | | | | With satellite service, you can often buy your |
| Q: What kinds of bundled services are available | | | | own DVR right from the provider instead of going |
| from cable providers? Satellite providers? Who | | | | to a third party. Third-party offerings such as |
| else gets involved? | | | | TiVo are also available at the same prices as their |
| When it comes to channel lineups, both satellite | | | | cable counterparts. Given the relatively high cost |
| and cable providers apparently compete on the | | | | of such equipment, it's often less costly to rent |
| same playing field. Both offer all kinds of family | | | | rather than buy in this case. |
| channels, lifestyle channels, sport channels, news | | | | Q: Overall, which type of service has the edge: |
| channels, movie channels and HDTV packages. | | | | cable or satellite? |
| Generally, cable takes the edge on local channel | | | | Because of more and better HDTV offerings, |
| offerings and on-demand services, and satellite | | | | more sports and interesting entertainment |
| takes the edge on sports and movie packages, | | | | offerings, and a better record for service and |
| as well as for high-ticket pay-per-view and | | | | support, most experts give an edge to satellite |
| entertainment offerings. | | | | over cable. But for those to whom "triple-play" |
| These days, both cable and satellite providers | | | | packages (TV, phone, and Internet service) are |
| offer bundles of a different kind as well. Cable | | | | appealing, or for whom access to local channels or |
| companies invented the so-called "triple play" | | | | on-demand services is important, cable pulls ahead |
| terminology, wherein they deliver television, | | | | of satellite. Both will certainly do the job, and |
| telephone and Internet access to households on a | | | | neither has an absolute edge over the other. |
| single bill, usually at a discount from individual items | | | | |