Satellite Tv vs. Cable

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DISH vs. CABLE

Since it's inception, cable television has consistently held a firm grip on the paid television market. Over the last 7 years, a battle has beem slowly developing between satellite tv companies and cable companies. The major satellite tv provider in the United States right now is Dish Network.

Satellite tv is a television service that utilizes satellites orbiting high above the earth to relay digital television signals to homes in the continental U.S. There are some major advantages to getting satellite tv service, but first let's talk about...

WHAT THE CABLE COMPANIES DO NOT WANT US TO KNOW

Over the past three years, cable rates have increased 21%. Over the past 5 years for which data is available, cable rates have increased 35%. These rates are increasing faster than the cost of inflation.
The average cost of cable is $40.11 per month for an analog receiver and $51.42 for a digital system. These amounts are provided by the Federal Communication Commission, you do not have to believe us. Moreover, these are the costs as of July 1, 2002, the latest date for which national averages are available. Given the cable industries most recent five year track record, both of these monthly rates probably are now three to four dollars more per month today. Check your cable bill!
On average, cable companies charge you an additional $10.00 per month per digital receiver. A digital system with two receivers from the cable company, therefore, will cost approximately $61.42 per month, on average. Dish Network offers these same services starting at $29.99 per month. Why would you want to spend over $30.00 a month more for these same services?
When is a digital system not a digital system? Probably when provided by your cable company. Many of the channels included in cable company digital systems continue to be transmitted through the analog system. Don't believe us, call your cable company and ask.
All systems offered by Dish Network are 100% digital. Prices start at $29.99 per month. This low price now includes service to two televisions. And, local channels are now included in this price, where available, at no additional cost.
Have you seen the cable company commercials claiming all satellite television is plagued by atmospheric conditions? What they do not tell you is that two-thirds of cable television stations are also transmitted by satellite. Moreover, cable reception is often beset by problems as the cable companies send the signal from relay station to relay station after having received the signal from satellite.
Dish Network is offering you up to four receivers free of equipment and installation costs.
Cable companies are aggressively laying fiber optic cable to homes. This will give customers the ability to have digital television. The problem is that many people in rural areas will never have access to the fiber optic cable. This results in pricing that keeps going up and up.
Picture and sound quality on the traditional analog cable is poor. Many times the pictures have a ghosting quality or snow due in small part from the fact the cable company has to send the satellite received signal from relay to relay.

WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE SATELLITE TV OVER CABLE?

Stable pricing structure - satellite tv service pricing remains fairly consistent without the continuous rate hikes. Besides for the national monthly average cable price of $40.11 for an analog receiver, you can have a two receiver Dish Network satellite system, which is 100% digital, and still save over $10.00 per month. You could go from an analog system to a digital system and save money. You could go from a one television analog system provided by the cable company to a two television digital system provided by Dish Network and still save the same amount of money each month.. At Dish Network, less is more or, is it more is less? Regardless, you know what we mean.
Tons of programming choices - satellite tv provides more programming for the dollar than cable. Studies have shown that on average, satellite tv services cost the consumer approximately 20% less than with cable tv.
You can't get cable service - If cable is not available or your off-air local reception is poor, or you want to get some of the cable type channels like A&E, Lifetime, or the History Channel, etc., satellite tv is the answer. Not to mention the picture improvement will bowl you over!
Detest the cable company - Many cable subscribers are reasonably satisfied with their service. However, many are not due to poor service, increasing prices, limited channel selection and many other reasons. Satellite tv is an excellent alternative. And, as competition is the bedrock of the American way, those you leave behind with cable when you switch to satellite tv, can only thank you for doing your small part to foster competition.
Ability to get local channels - The old canard that you need an alternative source to receive local channels is dead. You can receive ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox in most areas. And, if it is not yet available in your area, it probably will be soon as more areas are being added all of the time. Plus, local channels are now included in program packages at no additional charge.
Specialty channels - satellite tv offers you a wide array of foreign language, religious and other niche channels.
Pay-per-View and Music Channels - Satellite tv offers a wide range of both. All satellite tv systems have many channels of CD quality stereo music that can be plugged into a home music system, and, these audio channels are commercial free
Quality of Video and Audio - All satellite systems have excellent picture and sound through digital transmissions versus the 'snow' and 'shadows' frequently experienced with other methods of signal transmission.
Technological Leadership - satellite tv is on the cutting edge of Home Theater technology. Some Pay-per-View selections are already being broadcast in wide screen format and Dolby digital sound output is available on some satellite receivers. You can be sure that satellite tv will be first to bring high definition tv to the home.