Satellite v Cable: The Winner Is...

The Dish On Satellite TV Versus Cable TV

A fierce battle is carrying on between satellite TV and cable TV in America. While cable has lots of option with numerous providers, satellite also has lots of choices but only two providers – DishNetwork and DirectTV. The choice between the services is such a close call that it boils down to preference. Some cable fans quickly point out that satellite is a fair-weather friend and some satellite fans boast of satellites versatility in channels. You be the judge and weigh each side.

In the United States, satellite TV subscribers have a choice between Direct TV and DishNetwork. Cable TV providers, on the other hand, are more abundant. Most cable subscribers choose either basic cable or digital cable. Digital cable has many more options than basic cable. Both satellite and cable hook up with DSL Internet service, HDTV, TiVo, parental control and other fun features. However, to get these services, you'll need extra equipment. Satellite TV scores one up on cable in this round: high definition reception automatically comes through satellite TV, whereas cable TV currently makes customers pay extra for this reception. This advantage will soon end once HD is mandatory on all new sets and all channels will come through HD. The time-line for this change in the United States is anticipated by the year 2007.

The more options the better, according to many subscribers. Satellite wins hands down in this arena, although cable undoubtedly carries lots of channels. Many fans of satellite TV believe its reception is crisper and love the fact you can interact with many channels. You can also watch a satellite sports channel and turn off the broadcaster or watch a sports event and leave out commercials. Cable TV may soon catch up since it's trying out a few new interactive channels such as Time Warner Cable's interactive games and sports news.

Cable TV doesn't limit all you TVs to broadcasting the same channel on every TV. You can watch different channels on different TVs. This isn't so easy to do with satellite TV. You need a separate receptor box to get a different reception than what's showing on a different TV. However, one receptor box can be hooked up to as many as 6 sets. The satellite TV providers are now offering these boxes for free rather than charging for additional boxes in the past. Even though cable TV comes through a cable line hooked up to your TV, cable seems to win in this department.

While weather can sometimes affect cable reception, a lot more can interfere with satellite TV signals. A satellite TV dish needs to be obstruction-free to the south of where it's placed (reception of satellite TV comes from the South). Most subscribers have their dish located either on their roof or porch. While some homeowner associations and landlords try to ban this placement, homeowners and renters have FCC regulations on their side.

No one can say for sure who's winning in the battle between cable and satellite. The call appears very close. Whichever service you decide has more to do with your preference for one option or another since the costs even look close and the issues look pretty upfront. So, which side are you on?

About The Author
Copyright 2005 Frederick Greystone. All rights reserved.
Frederick Greystone is the owner of RGW Satellite Inc which one of the best resources for information on satellites on the internet. Be to take a look at his complete archive of articles: http://www.rgwsatellite.com/

DirecTV vs. Dish Network -- Which Is Better?

The satellite TV systems and services offered by DirecTV and Dish Network are almost identical -- both offer more than 250 program channels, all-digital programming, HDTV (high definition TV) options, and DVR (digital video recording) capabilities.

So when you compare DirecTV to Dish Network you'll discover the biggest differences between them are the subscription fees and programming.

Here is a blow-by-blow comparison of DirecTV vs. Dish Network ...

Satellite TV Equipment

Direct TV offers free satellite TV equipment (the dish and receivers), and free installation in up to four rooms of your home. If you want a DVR receiver you will be charged an additional $49.99. The charge for HDTV receivers is $299.99.

Dish Network gives you free satellite TV equipment and free installation in up to four rooms of your home. You can get a DVR receiver or an HDTV receiver at no charge.

Satellite TV Programming

DirecTV offers 255 program channels, including movie channels, music channels, pay-per-view movies and events, sports packages, and international programming. Programming packages start at $41.99 per month for 115 channels.

Dish Network offers 256 program channels, including movie channels, music channels, pay-per-view movies and events, sports packages, and international programming. Programming packages start at $31.99 per month for 60 channels.

Customer Service

DirecTV has excellent customer service with 24/7 online support, and 24/7 toll-free telephone support.

Dish Network also has excellent customer service with 24/7 online support, and 24/7 toll-free telephone support.

Customer Satisfaction

DirecTV is ranked #2 in customer satisfaction among all the cable and satellite TV providers.

Dish Network is ranked #1 in customer satisfaction among all the cable and satellite TV providers.

The Bottom Line

Both DirecTV and Dish Network offer top-of-the-line satellite TV equipment and all-digital programming for the best picture and sound available.

Dish Network's basic programming package is cheaper than DirecTV's, but DirecTV's Total Choice has a more channels.

Dish Network has more movie packages and foreign programming, while DirecTV offers more sports packages.

About The Author
Brian Stevens is a professional freelance writer and webmaster who has written extensively on DirecTV and Dish Network. For more information on DirecTV vs. Dish Network, go to http://www.thesatellitetvguide.com/directv-vs-dish-network.htm.

Voom through Dish Network

In earlier decades, cable television was an added incentive to America's households. Now, it's considered more of a mainstream commodity. While current technology is continually advancing, television's development has closely followed suit. Further, cable television has reached some fierce competition. Today, high-definition television satisfies millions of customers daily with its clear, lifelike pictures and surround sound. Specifically, Voom through Dish Network will give you a reason to why you may never go back to cable television again.

Available only through the Dish Network, Voom features a wide collection of channels that will pique your individual taste and interests, all at the click of your remote. Forget that you're in a movie theater and realize you're in the comforts of your home, watching television through the advantage of Voom. Here are some channel highlights on what you can look forward to when you become a Voom subscriber.

The Majestic HD- Watch timeless movies as The Majestic HD captures Hollywood classics featuring your favorite movie stars.

Equator HD-Travel to exotic places, explore different cultures, discover rare and wild animals and observe beautiful landscapes all around the world with Equator HD.

Monsters HD-Halloween may be a one-month festivity, but Voom celebrates spooky entertainment with Monsters HD all year around.

Rave HD- Relive your favorite artist's concert or enjoy backstage access of world concerts featuring top artists like Sheryl Crow, Tori Amos and Peter Gabriel.

Ultra HD- Receive fashion tips from some of the world's renowned make up artists or get a front row seat to New York runway shows when Ultra HD exposes you to the fashion world.

Gallery HD- Whether its modern-day masterpieces to historical art, follow a tour guide around to a collection of art museums around the world.

Animania HD-From the familiar Pink Panther and Felix the Cat to the new Rapido or Smiley, Animania HD entertains young children and the children at heart through a playful, colorful display of cartoon animation.

Overall, Voom features over 35 variety channels, boasting the widest range in HDTV programming. For your viewing pleasures, let Voom through Dish Network enhance your television viewing.

About The Author
Stephanie Tuia
To find out how you can get Voom through the Dish Network, contact them toll-free at 1-866-556-0842 or visit http://www.dishnetworkproducts.com/articles/voom.php for more information.