What Is The Difference Between Cable And Satellite Tv ?

Trying to decide what type of TV provider to use can be confusing and misleading. Everyone uses their television for different purposes. Some want to the television to keep up to date on the news and others just watch the television for movies and sports. Whatever you use your television for it is good to have all the information in front of your so that you can make the most educated decision about whether you want cable or satellite vision. So here are the facts for you. 

Equipment:

Although cable is the most widely used source for television, satellite is the fastest growing provider for cable. Now with 1 out of 4 home having satellite TV connections. This is because unlike cable, satellite can be accessed from anywhere, so small towns and rural areas can now access premium Television. Cable is connected through a receiver, there is one receiver needed for every television that is receiving digital cable and upon disconnection all of the equipment is returned to the company. Satellite requires the purchase of the dish but with the contract of 12 or more the equipment is provided to the customer free of charge. Boxes are also required with each TV receiving the signal and most of them include DVRs (Digital video recorders)within the receiver.

Reception:

Cable provides digital and analog signals to the television. Generally the analog reception has a weaker signal than digital and the signal provides a lower quality image and reception than digital. All satellite channels are digital, this means not analog signals are received and this allows for better quality and reception on all channels through satellite. Overall the reception through satellite is a more reliable source for quality and reception.

Pricing:

The price for cable television is not only for the provider but includes the local franchise fees and also local broadcasting as well. This makes it more difficult for cable companies to lower their prices for their customers. Satellite companies are able to give better deals to the customer due to the lack of local fees imposed on the company. Although the initial fees due to equipment can be higher but with a 12-month commitment ensure a lower cost up front and ultimately lower costs than cable.

Channels Quality:
Cable can support over 300 channels of programming but not all of the channels are high quality. Cable offers pay per view movies and most cable companies are offering video on demand as well. Although not all cable companies have the capabilities most have high definition TV services, which is becoming increasingly popular. Satellite can support of 250 channels but all of those are digital and high quality reception and Satellite services offer HD TV with compatible televisions. Most Satellite companies are also including more local programming to meet the demand of the customers.

In regards to controls on the TV, cable and satellite providers differ greatly. Cable has an electronic programe guide , video on demand and subscription services as well. Satellite on the other hand offers program guide, pay per view but it also has the added bonus of the DVR. The DVR permits the customer to record programs and once recorded you can rewind, fast forward and pause during viewing.

Although in the past cable has been the most popular provider in the past satellite is a rapidly growing service. The access to rural areas and the quality of the reception for every channel provides a clear image to every home. It is clear that the benefits of satellite are ever-growing to meet the customer's demands.