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** CABLE VS SATELLITE **
Years ago, TV channels were limited to the major stations and whatever your "rabbit ears" could pick up on UHF. Today, the majority of American homes have some form of advanced programming, provided by digital cable or satellite. Deciding between the two can be a confusing dilemma, further complicated by opinions from friends and family and the advertisements you see on TV. So, how do you know which one is the best decision for your home?
The first thing to consider is the ability to have either system. Digital cable can only be provided by lines run underground to a customer's home. Therefore, if you live in a less populated area, you may not have the lines running to your home, or have access to a large array of channels. Those living in a largely populated area by contrast are more likely to have access to and better programming options from their cable providers.
Satellite dish reception requires an unobstructed view of the southern sky, which can cause problems for some people living in apartment complexes with obstructed views of the sky or those living in heavily wooded areas. Also, because satellite providers offer uniform programming and service nationwide, with some minor exceptions in Alaska and Hawaii, the population of your area will not affect the array of channels available to you. Satellite also offers better picture quality in general.
Programming is another important difference between the two. Cable is more likely to offer many more local channels, since their market is limited to local consumers. However, satellite television is more likely to offer specialty channels that can appeal to a national audience, such as SoapNet or the Golf Channel. In addition, most satellite providers also offer special language programming, such as DISH Network's Latino Max, offering programming in Spanish, as well as English.
Cable and Satellite also differ in price. Dish Network offers a 50-channel package for 29.99 a month with local stations like UPN and WB available for an additional 5.00 per month. On average, the least expensive digital cable packages usually cost about 45 dollars per month. Both digital cable and satellite television can have extra costs added if you have more than one television you want to receive the service in your home, since each television would require a box with digital cable, or a satellite receiver with satellite television.
Some basic features you can expect to get with any satellite box include electronic program guides, parental locks, and automated timers. Some more advanced satellite receivers allow you to record programs without videotape, pause live television, and skip over commercials at the touch of a button. While some of these options can be offered with cable, you will need to check with your local provider to see what can be provided in your area and to find out if the features carry a special cost.
The bottom line is that you will need to compare availability, cost, programming packages, quality of picture desired and the availability of features you want, such as parental locks, to see which choice is the best choice for you.
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