How to Choose Between Cable and Satellite TV

Cable providers used to have a monopoly on expanded TV service, but satellite companies have brought competition to the marketplace. Now, dishes are sprouting like mushrooms on chimneys, balconies and roofs everywhere. Ask lots of questions before you choose a provider.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Price lists
• Channel packages

1. Contact local cable companies and satellite providers for their price lists. They'll range from $15 for the most basic cable service (just local channels) to $100 and more for premium packages. Be aware that companies may have separate costs for hardware-- control boxes and/or satellite dishes--and programming. Ask about all the costs, including contract commitments.

2. Check out the channel packages each provider offers. Decide what combination of TV channels, movies and sports is best for your household.

3. Ask satellite companies if they carry your local channels, especially if you live in a small town. Of the 210 Nielsen designated market areas in the United States, fewer than half can get local channels via satellite. And competing satellite providers don't necessarily provide local channels in the same markets.

4. Keep in mind that satellite TV generally has better broadcast quality than cable, but is more prone to interference from heavy snow or rain. Also, satellite service requires a south-facing surface on which to mount the dish.

5. Ask if high-definition (HD) programming is available--especially if you have an HDTV--and what it costs.

6. Check installation and per-room charges. If you have multiple televisions, you may need a cable or satellite box for each one.

7. Inquire about package deals. Cable companies sometimes offer broadband Internet service and cable TV packages at reduced prices (see How to Choose an Internet Service Provider), and satellite TV companies have packages with digital video recorder (DVR) companies (see How to Get a Digital Video Recorder).

Tips & Warnings

• The two major satellite TV providers in the United States use incompatible equipment. If you change services, you'll need to change the dish and box.
• Apartment and condominium dwellers should check with their property manager about mounting satellite dishes on the building roof. You don't need the approval to mount a dish on a private balcony or patio.

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[diryde]

on 2/13/2007 Dish Network offers local channels to 94% of the country, and DirecTV offers them to 96%, so saying that the two major satellite companies only offer the locals to half of the country is incorrect.