How to Compare Satellite TV to Cable or Broadband TV

We love television and the more channels the better. But what type of delivery service will best suit the couch potato's needs? Satellite services beam programs into space where they can then be transmitted globally anywhere a receiver box is available to convert these signals to a television format. Cable TV involves laying cables from service providers to all subscriber locations. Typically, most residential properties are cable-ready, implying that the cable has already been taken care of at the time of construction. Broadband TV also uses a cable to transmit programs to television sets. However, it achieves two purposes (TV and Internet) from the same infrastructure so users save on installing separate equipment.

Instructions

1. Start by comparing the prices. As satellite TV requires defined infrastructure without the need to install cables or payment of additional taxes to the government, users of satellite TV enjoy watching more channels with minimal cost of installation.

2. Look at the picture quality. Satellite TV offers digital picture and sound quality which is usually not the case with cable or broadband.

3. List the additional features service providers offer. Sometimes dish subscribers can get free equipment including a digital video recorder (DVR) if they opt for a time bound contract.

4. Decide what kind of package is right for you. Cable service providers promote low cost monthly packages to suit your needs and budget. Consumers have the option of viewing pay-per-views and premium channels for a small fee and many offer free broadband connection.

5. Inquire about any equipment required to begin service. Satellite TV requires installing a dish antenna. Consumers interested in viewing high definition (HD) channels need a larger dish. Aside from a technician activating the cable connection at the time of subscribing to a service, the low end cable TV subscriptions do not require any equipment.

6. Determine the situations in which the transmission may be unavailable. Satellite reception might be interfered with by stormy weather, trees, tall buildings and power outages. Cable TV is available constantly unless there is a power outage, tampering of cables at construction sites or some other problem at providers' site.

7. Talk to people subscribing to various services and get their feedback.

Tips & Warnings

• Call local providers and compare what they say with the research you do.

• See if a local cable operator also provides free Internet connection.

• Some satellite TV providers offer free equipment and installation. This option typically requires customers to agree to a year's subscription.

• Cable operators may advertise a deal cheaper than that offered by satellite TV providers. Such offers are usually valid for smaller durations or require long term subscriptions.

• Satellite TV for several television sets requires subscribers to buy extra receivers because one unit usually accommodates only two sets.