Fight Club--Satellite TV vs. Cable TV

by Judi Sandall

Not since HBO's first live satellite TV broadcast of the 1975 'Thrilla from Manila' slugfest between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier has such a grueling battle been waged. Satellite TV and cable TV both offer special packages, free installation and equipment, and TV commercials that tout one or the other as being the best choice. So how do you decide which one is right for you?

Let's look at the different options available with each choice and take a stab at clearing up the evaluation process. The following five evaluation criteria should provide you with the information you need to make an informed choice:

• Programming
• Image quality
• Features
• Equipment
• Cost

Programming
Satellite TV can support over 250 programming channels with an amazing number of subjects in a huge array of languages. If you're looking for sports events in Spanish, children's programs in Arabic, or movies in Chinese, there's a satellite package or dedicated channel available. Satellite TV also provides all-digital music channels and more HD (high definition) programming than cable TV. Satellite television services offer hundreds of channels along with niche networks for every taste, from 24/7 non-profit coverage to seasonal packages for baseball, basketball, football, hockey, and soccer aficionados.

Cable TV, which can support over 300 channels, is required to provide local access programming in most major cities, so you can view your hometown city council meeting as well as other local events.

Image Quality
Broadcast exclusively in digital format, satellite TV channels provide better image and audio quality than cable TV--even with a digital upgrade. Cable TV channels are broadcast primarily in analog (over-the-air) format but most cable TV providers now offer digital cable and HD--for an additional monthly charge. Severely inclement weather may temporarily affect satellite dish reception but overall satellite TV outages (1½ % per year) are still significantly lower than cable TV outages (3-4% per year) according to a J.D. Power and Associates survey.

Features
Both satellite TV and cable TV offer DVR (digital video recorder) capability, which allows the viewer to record and pause live TV when the bases are loaded, Derek Jeter swings for the fence, and the phone rings. Satellite TV viewers get the DVR option free, while most cable TV providers charge for this option. Major cable TV providers also charge for their video on demand service, which allows the viewer to select from the company's video library.

Equipment
Satellite TV requires a satellite dish to pick up signals and a TV receiver to decode them. To receive HD programming, you also need an HD satellite dish. Some satellite TV providers offer equipment and installation free to encourage cable TV subscribers to make the switch.

Although Cable TV requires only a cable box and cable--and an HD box if you want HD--there has to be existing cable service in your area. Remote or sparsely inhabited areas may be out of luck.

Cost
A number of factors contribute to the cost difference between satellite TV and cable TV. Cable TV providers must continuously replace outdated cable to carry greater amounts of data. Satellite TV, without the data limitation of cables, can concentrate on improving the delivery of technology.

Because most cable TV providers cover smaller service areas, their local viewers must absorb operating costs while satellite TV providers can distribute the cost of doing business over their entire customer base.

The final factor that contributes to the cost disparity between cable TV and satellite TV providers is the lack of competition for most cable TV providers. The General Accounting Office found that in communities with only one cable TV provider, rates are approximately 15% higher.

Summary
Whether you ultimately choose satellite TV or cable TV depends on which system best meets your viewing style and your pocketbook. To comprehensively evaluate your options, make sure you list all of the bells and whistles you want from your TV service provider, look at the options that are available, shop around for special deals, and then choose the solution that's right for you.

Sources
Consumers Union
EzineArticles
General Accounting Office
J.D. Power and Associates

About the Author
Judi Sandall has more than 20 years of experience as a technical writer; she also writes ad hoc articles on a variety of subjects of interest. She is a graduate of the State University of New York, with a BA in English Literature.