COMPARE AND CONTRAST NETWORK AND CABLE TELEVISION

Compare and Contrast Network and Cable Television

Compare and Contrast Network and cable television

Millions of Americans are switching from cable TV to satellite TV. When you compare satellite TV to cable TV you'll discover the main reasons are cost, picture quality, program choices, and customer satisfaction.

Most cable companies now offer digital cable. Digital cable is usually a hybrid where some cable channels are analog and others are digital. All satellite TV channels are always sent as a digital signal. While the rates of cable TV vary, the average cable subscriber pays $50.00 monthly (http://www.dish-network-vs-direct-tv.com/satellite-info-versus-cable.htm). However, many cable companies offer bundles that include cable TV, digital phone, and cable internet, often at substantial savings. Where as the average cost of satellite service is about 4% less than cable. Satellite subscribers save an average of about $2.00 monthly compared to cable. Additional charges are usually added for installation and equipment. These charges range from $30 to $80. Free equipment and professional installation are offered by most satellite retailers.

Although digital cable signals may pass through several substations, the reduction in image and sound quality is minimal. The quality of the image and sound of cable vs. satellite TV is determined by how much the digital signal is compressed. The image and sound of satellite TV are digital quality. However, during heavy storms the satellite signal may fade temporarily.

While the innovation of HDTV is increasing, cable HDTV is still only available in a few select areas. Outside of the digital cable box and remote, usually no other equipment is necessary. Most satellite retailers offer free HDTV options. To accommodate increased HDTV programming, Dish Network has expanded their bandwidth capabilities. DIRECTV will soon be able to offer over 1500 HDTV channels.

At the present time DVR is also available only in limited areas. Like HDTV, DVR also requires subscription to digital cable. Most satellite retailers also offer free DVR options. Satellite DVR is available throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

Depending on the cable provider, up to 90 channels may be available. Approximately 250 channels may be available with satellite TV (http://www.satellitetvjane.us/satellitetv_cabletv.html). Local channels are available wherever cable TV is offered. Unlike the local channels through satellite TV are available in most cities. You should check availability with your satellite retailer before subscribing. In addition to premium movie channels, most cable providers offer some sort of pay-per-view service. Some have launched a new technology that even allows subscribers to watch pay-per-view programming "on demand". Satellite providers offer pay-per-view as well as premium movie channels like HBO, Cinemax, Showtime, Starz, and many others.

Parental controls are available from most cable providers. Parental controls are also available from both Dish Network and DIRECTV. High-speed cable internet is as much as 50 times faster than dial-up. Most cable companies offer internet service. High-speed satellite internet is only 10 times faster than dial-up. Satellite internet is available from Directway.

Cable TV is available in most cities. However, most rural areas are not ...