Some of you may still be confused about cable and satellite television. You ask yourself, “Is there really any difference between the two or are they just one and the same?”
The truth is, both are the same in some ways and different in several aspects. Their similarity lies in their use of digital technology to deliver numerous channels of various genres to homes across the globe. They are also both capable of providing high definition programming.
Satellite television has a wider coverage in that it can be accessed by homes located in urban and even rural areas. This is its major advantage over cable which normally is limited to town centers and cities where the cable can reach.
Quality wise, however, satellite TV may have the edge over cable. But bear in mind that its reception can also be easily affected by bad weather such as when there’s heavy rain or snow. This is the reason why a dish needs to be installed in an area with no obstructions to ensure your television receives the channels you have subscribed to.
In terms of tools, satellite television makes use of a box and a dish that need to be set up in the right and open position without any obstructions. The installation process is normally paid. Meanwhile, cable TV as its name suggests, utilizes a box provided for free and cables to enable subscribers to receive a wide range of channels.
In terms of price, the digital satellite TV service is more expensive. This is so because of the high definition programming being offered and the additional cost of purchasing a digital video recorder (DVR) which allows subscribers to record programs that they can watch at a later time.
Despite its high cost, however, satellite television has the highest level of customer satisfaction. This is in terms of the quality of channels and programming as well as the services provided.
Sports fans also enjoy the advantage by subscribing to this digital TV service. Packages being offered usually include a wide variety of sports channels which means subscribers have a wide choice as well.
As competition increases between satellite and cable TV providers, the gap is gradually being bridged. Both now offer very similar programming packages and are committed to providing high definition channels as well.
Satellite TV has gone a long way since the first signal was relayed in the year 1962. The Telstar satellite situated over North America was the one that received the first satellite TV signal from Europe during that year.
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About the guest author:
Raymond is a freelance writer for technology blogs who prefers satellite TV over cable. Visit Satellite TV HQ if you’d like to know how you can avail of such television service.