Satellite and cable television are becoming increasingly popular in many homes. Both of these technologies are allowing their viewers to watch their favorite network shows and sports events with ease. Though cable allows one to do this, satellite differs from cable greatly. The three main differences are picture quality, channel selection, and the monthly payment.
Satellite television differs from cable because of the different types of methods used to transmit signals in order to have a better picture quality. Instead of using radio signals, cable television delivers signals by a house-to-house method using a conductive wire called a coaxial wire. Satellite television picture is better than cable’s picture quality because most cable companies use a technique called video compression. Satellite television use over-the-air signals that are generally better than compression because of the limited distance video compression can reach. Bad weather can temporarily make a satellite picture quality fade, but this is really the negative aspect of satellite’s picture quality. Satellite television also requires a dish and a receiver. The satellite dish is a special kind of antenna designed to focus on a specific broadcast source. The receiver, on the other hand, is box that connects to the satellite antenna and decodes information coming from the satellite dish into video and audio signals. High-definition television is also becoming very common with satellite and cable television. Unlike satellite television, cable television high-definition television is limited to a few a select areas. In order to accommodate these large demands for HDTV, satellite retailers like Dish Network have expanded their bandwidth capabilities. DIRECTV will soon be able to offer over fifteen hundred HDTV channels.
Channel selection, for most individuals is a key factor in choosing satellite or cable television. Many cable companies offer the same channel package as satellite, but many satellite companies offer something a lot of cable companies cannot offer, With satellite television, east and west feeds are offered for sports channels like ESPN, Fox Sports, and other alternate sports channels. This alternate feed allows the satellite viewers the choice of either game. Of course, this type of choice might require an additional price. Cable television counters this offers by offering plans for around twenty dollars for individuals who want good reception without paying for the five-hundred channel universe. Cable, on average, offers one hundred eighty channels while satellite usually offers three hundred fifty channels. DVR or digital video recording is free with satellite while cable customers pay for this service. Along with satellite television comes attractive features like interactive shopping, personal video recording, and pay-per-view movies. Cable offers more local channels than satellite, but the signals are usually fuzzy.
The monthly fee is a big difference between cable and satellite television. With the cable company, the bill includes the local franchise fee. Cable pricing also includes local broadcasting. Satellite prices usually offers a better deal from the perspective of how much money is spent on a per channel basis. Additionally, some satellite companies offer price points below thirty dollars foe over fifty channels of viewing. Equipment pricing can be high initially unless a subscriber commits to at least a twelve months of programming. A twelve month commitment will typically ensure a lower initial cost. Overall, satellite is cheaper than cable television.
Picture quality, channel selection, and the monthly payment are noticeable differences between satellite and cable television. They may have some similarities, but the differences outweigh the similarities.