| |
Cable
TV |
Satellite
TV |
| Popularity |
Very
popular, and although Satellite is rapidly growing,
Cable remains more popular. |
Very
popular, has impacted Cable's growth significantly. |
| Equipment |
Requires
a set-top box for digital services. |
Satellite
dish and receivers. |
Transmission
and Reception
Quality |
Cable's
Basic and Expanded Basic services are all Analog but
you can upgrade to Digital Cable. However, when you
upgrade, the analog channels will remain Analog even
though you have digital equipment. |
100%
Digital which in general means better quality reception.
However, TV reception can be subject to interference
from heavy rain, snow or nearby trees. |
| Programming |
Digital
Cable can support up to 260 channels, option packages
along with pay per view services. Cable TV can have
more local and community channel options.
Cable players are a bit behind in HDTV services. |
Satellite
TV has more channels than cable providers. It offers
more international and sports programming.
High Definition (HDTV) channels available like HBO and
ShowTime. |
| Pricing |
Cable
TV can have a lot of additional costs such as franchise
fees, taxes, plus costs for any pay per view services,
and equipment costs. Local channels are included.
|
Usually
if you add up all of the costs of cable, satellite
TV can save you money. In general you get more channels
per dollar spent. However, local channel packages
are not included. Normally its requires a higher initial
costs but if you commit to 12 months of services you
can get free equipment and installation.
|
Parental
Control
(Your
children can only watch what you want them to watch)
|
Yes
(available with Digital Cable) |
Yes |
| Interactive
Services Support |
Digital
Cable provides an electronic Program Guide. In general
has less interactive features.
|
Has
some great features that are not available on Cable.
For example, Personal Video Recording (PVR) which allows
you to pause and even rewind live broadcasts. Also has
features like the Electronic Program Guide, Instant
Weather, video on demand. |
| Internet
|
Yes,
high speed Broadband Internet connection. |
Yes,
but is slower and has a higher setup fee. |
| Online
Customer Services |
They
both offer online services such as viewing current and
prior statements, adding packages and making payments
to your account.
They also provide online user manuals and installation
guides. |
| Warranty |
All
providers should offer 12 months of warranty from the
day of activation and a 24 hours customer service line. |
