The Big Debate: Cable Vs. Satellite TV

What is the biggest issue in America today?  It’s not what you’re thinking…all of that stuff is international!  In America, people are only thinking about two things: the economy and their precious television set.  As you know by now, February 2009 will mark the end of analog broadcasting (unless the President convinces congress to push back the transition date).

What you must realize is that all of these issues, from the technology of digital transmission to government-funded programs started for the change, to requests for postponements, are all related to the economy.  Satellite TV and cable TV industries have a lot to gain from this change, as does the government and American broadcasting networks.  For a time, it seemed as if everyone was benefiting from the change…until the government-funded coupons ran out.

Now you are faced with an important decision: should you wait for free DTV (which could be months away, depending on the status of your coupon) or should you subscribe to cable or satellite TV?  It’s easy to see the advantages of cable and satellite TV—these options offer you more than just the status quo.  Cable and satellite TV offer uncut, uncensored entertainment along with a wide variety of programming for all ages.

However, your primary concern is which one is better?  Which one is worth paying a good amount of your first paycheck every month?  Let’s consider a few major advantages and disadvantages to both options.  The first advantage of satellite TV is that it is less expensive than cable.  Satellite TV is the more competitive industry, as cable still has more subscribers overall, and providers tend to offer lower rates as an incentive to switch over.  Satellite TV technology is cheaper to exploit than cable technology.  The only disadvantage to satellite TV from a cost standpoint is that you may have to sign a contract for a long period of time.  This is because the satellite company usually does not charge initial fees for the satellite equipment, and must make that money back over a period of time.

Satellite TV does require the installation of a satellite dish, which must be given a full view of the southern sky.  Cable TV does not require this equipment, but instead involves the setup of cable converted boxes.  Cable TV may have some convenience features in its list of pros, however it charges more money for fewer channels and fewer benefits overall.  Satellite TV has exclusive sports programming as well as more channels than cable does.  Programming wise, satellite TV is identical to cable with more channels to boast, and there is also programming On-Demand, Pay-Per-View, and Digital Video Recording available. 

February 2009 is fast approaching.  Now is the best time to make plans for the future of your entertainment.  Even if the DTV switch is delayed for a while, eventually Digital Broadcasting will be the industry standard.  Why pay for something you are currently watching for free?  With cable or satellite TV you get what you pay for—more channels, higher-quality entertainment and perfect digital quality content.