3 Differences between Satellite and Cable
Technically speaking, digital Cable TV and Satellite Television have a lot in common. Still, there are a few major differences between the two services.
Both use the same digital technology and offer hundreds of channels. These include movie channels, pay-per-view, and a variety of popular sports and other channels. Both offer HD programming and continue to expand.
Here are 3 differences between satellite and cable TV:
1. Price.
Price is perhaps the most critical difference because customers are extremely price conscious. A recent survey conducted by Strategy Analytics found that about 47 percent of cable customers said they’d switch providers for a 10 percent discount on their service. Over two-thirds said they would jump ship for a 20 percent discount.
With a lot of people feeling cash-strapped many are looking for ways to cut back. Those yearly expenses can add up. But so can the cost of entertainment. Tried going to a movie theater? You can be out $60 for one trip – for a family of 3 just getting some popcorn and drinks. Plus it’s tough to please everyone.
The consensus is that Satellite is cheaper and providers are quick to argue over this point. Ads shown during the Grammy Awards said “DISH TV” is cheapest of the satellite providers. The ads said that celebrities were charging more for commercials on DIRCTV, driving up the cost. Then it said, “On average DIRECTV customers spend over $175 a year more than “Dish Network” customers.”
The ads were later pulled after celebrities complained. I guess it’s not very good PR for them to be heaped with criticism for raising cable TV prices in homes across America. Still that’s not the entire story as various shows are charging more per subscriber and passing the cost along to customers.
Of course to the person buying, it’s important to pick the package that offers both the channels you and your family want for a price that is affordable.
Chances are prices for cable TV will keep going up because the price to upgrade the system is higher than simply adding another satellite in the sky.
2. Availability.
For most people this isn’t an issue – but it depends on where you live. It’s easier to get satellite if you live outside of major metros. That’s because satellite is not confined to an actual cable. And it’s more expensive to upgrade cable than it is to add a new satellite. Still, most places can get both. Be sure to check though – some places just won’t have cable coverage.
Again, let me point out that you should note the type of programming you want. You might want local sports coverage or it might be more important to you to have HBO. So the type of programming you watch and who offers it factors in to which service you choose.
3. Equipment.
Cable TV requires a box for each of the TVs you want to have cable. The boxes usually don’t cost anything or are available for a small fee. Satellite requires physical hardware – an antenna that attaches to your house.
If you’re trying to choose cable over satellite hopefully this gives you some comparison points. There are differences and the package that works for you depends on your preferences. If it’s mostly price you’re after (quality being equal) satellite wins. After that it’s based on where you live and what channels you like to watch.
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