Satellite Television or Cable Television?

Because satellite television and cable television are very different, choosing between the two depends on the features you value most, as well as how much you can afford to pay.

When it comes to cost, satellite television has an edge over cable television. In general, cable television fees start at about $40 a month, a cost that increases as you add more digital channels to your package.

In addition, many cable television companies charge an installation fee of approximately $40, with an extra cost of about $10 for installing cable in additional rooms.

In comparison, satellite television costs about $30 to $40. Many satellite television providers offer free equipment and will install satellite television in multiple rooms for free.

Cable television doesn't require a lot of special equipment: Most providers just require that you have a cable jack in the wall and some cable to connect the jack to the television. A cable box is required for digital cable television. The cable box, a device that decodes the incoming digital television signal before it reaches the television, is generally provided free of charge.

Satellite television equipment is also often provided free of charge. However, proper installation of a satellite dish requires a clear view of the southern sky, which can be difficult to attain in urban centers, especially if the satellite dish owner is renting an apartment. There's also the slight risk that a satellite dish could be damaged or stolen.

In addition to the satellite dish, satellite television requires a satellite receiver. Again, many providers offer receivers free of charge.

Both satellite dishes and cable boxes are available for high-definition television. Cable television currently charges extra for digital channels. In contrast, many high-definition channels are included in a satellite television package.

Both satellite and cable television services offer digital video recorders (DVRs). While cable television usually charges additional monthly fees for DVRs, satellite television providers may provide digital video recorders free of charge, or they may require users to purchase DVRs.

If you agree that having more channels and programs to choose from is better, then satellite television wins the viewing contest, offering anywhere from 250 to 500 channels.

Alternatively, if you don't feel you need 500 channels, cable television still offers a wide range of channel choices. In addition, cable television usually offers local channels that may not be included in a satellite television package.

In general, cable television has more service interruptions: On average, cable interruptions occur three percent to five percent of the time throughout the year, depending on the service. Satellite television has far fewer service interruptions: only one percent over the period of a year.

In terms of availability, satellite television beats cable. Cable television is only available in regions where the service provider has existing cable infrastructure. An uninterrupted view of the southern sky is all that is needed for satellite television.

Ultimately, the choice between cable television and satellite television comes down to personal viewing habits and preferences.
An apartment dweller who only watches a few shows a week might opt for cable television. Chances are there's a pre-existing cable outlet in the apartment, and the landlord won't charge anything for installation. Some landlords want a deposit for satellite dish installation. After all, it's being attached to their walls.

If, however, you live in remote rural areas, satellite television might be your only choice. Large families with different viewing habits get more selection with satellite television, and free installation in multiple rooms helps prevent disputes over what to watch. Avid television watchers and high-definition TV owners will also get more out of satellite television than cable television.