Cable Vs. Dish Network
A rivalry between Dish Network and cable has subsisted for as long as the two have existed collectively. Is it fair to say one is better than the other, or is it a matter of choice? Looking closely at the differences between the two can help you decide which is best suited for your family and entertainment needs.
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Installation
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Dish Network works through a satellite dish. The dish is often attached to a house or apartment building for best reception. The exact location will vary based on any objects that may obstruct the signal, such as trees or adjacent buildings. Cable programming is provided through an in-ground cable that is pre-installed in most homes and buildings. The location of the cable jack is normally pre-determined but can be moved if a consumer wishes without obstructing reception.
Channels
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The number of channels available to a Dish Network customer is 286; this includes movie channels, adult channels and HDTV channels. The number of channels available through cable TV will vary depending on the company that is used, but on average most companies carry 180 channels. The main difference in available channels is Dish Networks advantage in sports broadcasts. It offers all NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL games as well as college basketball and football games.
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Price
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A large deciding factor is the difference in price. Dish Network packages can start as low as $19.99 a month. A basic package with cable TV is on average $39.95 a month, depending on the company providing the service. In addition to the monthly cost for service, Dish Network will charge an additional $5.99 for local channels in certain areas. Cable TV is obligated to offer all local channels for free.
Reliability
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For many years cable TV advertised that its biggest advantage over Dish Network was its reliability. Today those statistics have changed. Though satellite reception is still effected by the weather, such as a strong wind or rain, on average, it is very reliable. Cable TV is still considered more reliable, but its programming has an equal share of outages.
Extras
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Cable TV has been able to overcome its lack of channels by offering other services. Most cable companies are able to provide telephone and Internet services through the same cable used to provide cable TV. Dish Network does offer bundle packages that include the Internet but the service is outsourced to another company. Because of the outsourcing, most bundles will require a long-term commitment.
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References
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