Satellite TV Information

Satellite TV vs Cable

• Satellite TV systems offer features that are not often available with cable. On-screen Electronic Program Guides allow users to interactively browse to see a detailed description of every show that's on at any hour of the day up to two weeks in advance. Further, parental lockout features allow users to control what their children can watch. Many of these features are also available with digital cable.



• Satellite TV systems carry more total programming than most cable systems. This means more choice for consumers. Currently, DISH Network has the capability to provide over 500 channels of television, internet and data services via satellite on a single dish. Bandwidth availability and an ability to attract niche audiences nationally, allows them to broadcast a spectrum of American programming and foreign language channels, from Arabic to Russian. In many cases, cable companies don't have the available bandwidth to provide this level of service.



• In many cases, satellite TV can save you money versus cable TV. The amount will vary depending on where you live and on what services you buy. Most satellite customers, however, get better value for what they spend on television programming. This means more channels per dollar. Additional savings are realized in monthly subscription rates for Satellite TV which have increased less than 10% during the last 5 years (from 1998 through 2003).



• Employing the latest technology, Satellite TV has improved the television viewing experience by adding features that make it easier and more enjoyable to watch. Pay-per-view movies are broadcast with Dolby Digital Sound encoded, when available, to provide the best theatre quality sound experience.

  Some of the newest features of satellite receivers allow for interactive shopping and utilizing Digital Video Recorder technology such as TIVO. An integrated digital hard drive in the receiver allows for pausing live TV and effortlessly recording programs without videotape.




• A satellite user often gets multiple channels for the price of one with many popular subscription services.



• A complete small dish satellite TV system can usually be installed for under $200 or in many cases for free. With careful shopping an entire system can often be purchased and completely installed, for $39.95 or less per month.



• Satellite companies are offering HDTV programming and adding more programming as soon as it becomes available.



• A satellite TV subscription similar to basic cable service can be purchased for around $29.95 per month.

Cable does offer a few advantages over satellite systems.

• Initial equipment costs are lower for cable.



• Cable installation is easier and the equipment is supplied by the cable company (for a fee) although professional installation is normally an affordable option for satellite systems and often included in the purchase price.



• Equipment updates are normally done by the cable company.



• Broadband Internet access is being deployed on many cable networks.