| Trying to decide what type of TV provider to | | | | provider but includes the local franchise fees and |
| use can be confusing and misleading. Everyone | | | | also local broadcasting as well. This makes it more |
| uses their television for different purposes. Some | | | | difficult for cable companies to lower their prices |
| want to the television to keep up to date on the | | | | for their customers. Satellite companies are able |
| news and others just watch the television for | | | | to give better deals to the customer due to the |
| movies and sports. Whatever you use your | | | | lack of local fees imposed on the company. |
| television for it is good to have all the information | | | | Although the initial fees due to equipment can be |
| in front of your so that you can make the most | | | | higher but with a 12-month commitment ensure a |
| educated decision about whether you want cable | | | | lower cost up front and ultimately lower costs |
| or satellite television. So here are the facts for | | | | than cable. |
| you. | | | | Channels Quality: |
| Equipment: | | | | Cable can support over 300 channels of |
| Although cable is the most widely used source for | | | | programming but not all of the channels are high |
| television, satellite is the fastest growing provider | | | | quality. Cable offers pay per view movies and |
| for cable. Now with 1 out of 4 home having | | | | most cable companies are offering video on |
| satellite TV connections. This is because unlike | | | | demand as well. Although not all cable companies |
| cable, satellite can be accessed from anywhere, | | | | have the capabilities most have high definition TV |
| so small towns and rural areas can now access | | | | services, which is becoming increasingly popular. |
| premium Television. Cable is connected through a | | | | Satellite can support of 250 channels but all of |
| receiver, there is one receiver needed for every | | | | those are digital and high quality reception and |
| television that is receiving digital cable and upon | | | | Satellite services offer HD TV with compatible |
| disconnection all of the equipment is returned to | | | | televisions. Most Satellite companies are also |
| the company. Satellite requires the purchase of | | | | including more local programming to meet the |
| the dish but with the contract of 12 or more the | | | | demand of the customers. |
| equipment is provided to the customer free of | | | | In regards to controls on the TV, cable and |
| charge. Boxes are also required with each TV | | | | satellite providers differ greatly. Cable has an |
| receiving the signal and most of them include | | | | electronic program guide, video on demand and |
| DVRs (digital video recorders) within the receiver. | | | | subscription services as well. Satellite on the other |
| Reception: | | | | hand offers program guide, pay per view but it |
| Cable provides digital and analog signals to the | | | | also has the added bonus of the DVR. The DVR |
| television. Generally the analog reception has a | | | | permits the customer to record programs and |
| weaker signal than digital and the signal provides a | | | | once recorded you can rewind, fast forward and |
| lower quality image and reception than digital. All | | | | pause during viewing. |
| satellite channels are digital, this means not analog | | | | Although in the past cable has been the most |
| signals are received and this allows for better | | | | popular provider in the past satellite is a rapidly |
| quality and reception on all channels through | | | | growing service. The access to rural areas and |
| satellite. Overall the reception through satellite is a | | | | the quality of the reception for every channel |
| more reliable source for quality and reception. | | | | provides a clear image to every home. It is clear |
| Pricing: | | | | that the benefits of satellite are ever-growing to |
| The price for cable television is not only for the | | | | meet the customer’s demands. |