Cable TV vs Satellite TV

Popularity

Cable TV had been in the market for a very long time thus it is much more popular when compare to DISH Network and DIRECTV,

Both Dish Network and DIRECTV are listed top in J. D. Power customer satisfaction surveys for years while cables are normally left behind in the awards.

Satellite TV is much easier to install when compare to the messy cables on Digital Cable.

Satellite TV has no problem to install in any sort of location including apartment and town house.

To get satellite TV signals, all you need is the system itself and a clear sightline from the dish antenna to the southern sky. Nearly 98 % of all residences are able to have a dish antenna.

Customer Services

Installation

Coverage

Programming

Both cable and satellite TV support up to 250 channels. However, Dish Network serves comprehensive International programming; while DIRECTV is famous of their exclusive sports broadcast.

Thus, we conclude that satellite TV are better in term of programming choices.

DISH Network and DIRECTV offers 100% digital video and audio. Whereas only digital channels in cable comes in digital quality.

DISH Network montly pricing starts from $24.99/mo; DIRECTV $29.99/mo. In contrast, cable TV service costs a lot more than that when plus up the additional costs such as franchise fees, taxes, plus costs for any pay per view services, and equipment costs.

The cable TV providers normally offer a "lease" model whereby consumers pay a small percentage of their monthly bills to "lease" the set top box. On the other hand, satellite TV users normally get free satellite TV system but they will need to commit to 12 - 18 months on subscription contract.

Reviewing on the cost vs long term commitment, we think it would be fair to give a tie on this as both offer has its pros and cons.

Cable still is facing problems delivering HDTV.

Both Dish Network and DIRECTV offer HDTV programming. DIRECTV, with its single LNB (the receiving end on the Satellite Dish) will experience bandwidth problems as programming increasingly switches to HDTV. DISH Network has planned ahead and has launched innumerable programs to ensure unlimited bandwidth capabilities.

Picture quality

Pricing

Equipments

Sports Programming

HD Programming

TV Interactives

Digital Cable provides an electronic Program Guide. In general has less interactive features.

Satellite TV system has some unique interactive features such as Personal Video Recording (PVR) which allows you to pause and even rewind live broadcasts, as well as Electronic Program Guide, Instant Weather, and video on demand.

Both satellite TV and cable TV providers give excellent features when it comes to parental control functions.

Internet connection is one area where the true advantage goes to cable. 2-way satellite offerings do exist, however, at soonest, satellite is still several years away from a price, speed and quality that readily competes with cable's.

Cable earns more point in term of extra features and bundle services. Most large cable systems offer telephone, Internet and video services all bundled together and give huge convenient for their users.

On the other hand, satellite has less to offer when it comes to extra features or bundle services like phone. Satellite Internet is available but due to technical constrains, the service is not popular till now.

Parental Control

Internet Connection

Phone/VoIP services

Bundle service savings

Scores

11

7

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