Cable vs Satellite TV: pros and cons of satellite TV compared to cable TV

Cable television or Community Antenna Television refers to television, FM radio programming and other services that are provided to consumers through fixed coaxial cables. It distributes channels through different frequencies without separate wires for each. Unlike this, Satellite Television uses powerful antennas for broadcasting audio-visual signals, which are further picked up, by smaller antenna of the viewers. In between this satellite television stations increase the line of site by broadcasting the signal to a satellite orbiting the Earth, which in turn broadcasts the signal to the satellite dish.

Satellite signals are considered truly digital because they are first generation signals straight from broadcaster while cable signals are fourth or fifth generation because they reach the viewers after transmitting from sub-station to sub-station. This results in crisp and clear pictures for satellite viewers along with CD sound quality. Unlike past, satellite television today provides more than 250 channels like MTV, ESPN, movies, sports and even HDTV programming. In comparison to increasing cable rates it also do not fell heavy on the pockets giving its viewers the option of choosing the package according to their preferences and priorities.

Cable television has brilliant two-way Internet connection at affordable price and speed and quality, which is years ahead of satellite television in comparison. Satellite TV can be affected by poor weather conditions, snow, rain, and squally weather but the weather doesn’t affect the quality in case of transmission by cable. Cable television has an upper hand over convenient customer service while Satellite TV services are available halfway across the nation.

Earlier satellite television was difficult to manage because of its heavy set up but now with the simple set-up and variety of packages to offer it is constantly gaining ground. It is no more a hassle-return-policy for its viewers. The sheer advantage of Satellite TV is its sports packages like MLB Extra Innings, NBA League Pass, NFL games to name a few.

With various attractive luring and free packages continuously offered by both the satellite and cable television final choice certainly rest on the viewers which should be made giving due consideration to their needs, priorities and budget.

If you've decided that satellite TV may be the choice for you, here are a couple of leading companies to consider. eXpert Satellite deals with DirecTV and VMC Satellite does Dish Network.