Settling the Debate Once and for All: Should You Go With Cable or Satellite?

People love to sit back and relax while watching their favorite television program after a long day at work. With many options available today, how does a person know whether to go with cable or satellite? Each has benefits and drawbacks that need to be considered.

The Benefits of Cable

Individuals often choose cable as they don’t want their television service to be interrupted due to current weather conditions, a problem often seen with satellite TV. The programs are delivered to subscribers through radio frequency signals that are transmitted through fiber-optic cable light pulses or coaxial cables. This method helps to prevent service interruptions.

Subscribers typically find they have a variety of cable packages to choose from and can select the one that best meets their specific needs. Furthermore, most packages can be purchased on a month-to-month basis as opposed to signing a long-term contract. For those who love local HD programming, cable wins hand down. Where cable truly stands out, however, is in customer satisfaction, according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index.

The Drawbacks of Cable

One major drawback to cable is the cost. Subscribers pay more for the convenience of cable than they typically do for satellite. In addition, cable service is often limited in remote and rural areas due to the method of delivery. Individuals need to keep this in mind when comparing the options and determine if cable service is even available for them.

The Benefits of Satellite

People who feel they are paying too much for cable may decide to try satellite television. The cost of this type of service is generally less and the programming tends to be similar. One major advantage of choosing satellite, however, is individuals who love a variety of sports or specialized technical programming will find they have more options when this service is selected.

In addition, satellite television is available anywhere as long as the dish can be installed facing the south. For those who own a high-definition TV, satellite is the preferred choice thanks to the larger selection of national HD channels. Some of these channels are included in the basic programming, and subscribers choose a package based on those they must have or would like to have.

The Drawbacks of Satellite

In order to have satellite TV in the home, a dish must be installed on the property. Some people find this dish to be unsightly and state it detracts from the appearance of the home. In addition, as the dish is located outside the residence, it is at risk of being damaged by the elements or a stray object flying through the air.

Signal interference remains a concern for many, as nobody wants to be in the middle of their favorite show or sporting event only to lose the signal and miss an important part. In addition, some people don’t like to sign long-term contracts. Individuals who fall into one of these two categories will find cable to be the better choice. Finally, some landlords will not allow tenants to install satellite TV as they don’t want the unsightly dish on their premises. Improper installation is also a concern, as it may lead to roof leaks that damage the home.

Take the above into consideration when deciding whether you should go with cable or satellite. If there is any doubt, go with cable first. There is no long-term commitment, allowing subscribers to try the service and see how they like it. If a person isn’t satisfied, he or she can always change to satellite and sign a long-term contract.