Home Entertainment - Satellite TV & Cable TV

Ever since the early nineties, personal entertainmentSatellite providers have electronic program guides,
items such as television has been on a growthparental controls, video on demand and automated
rampage. Most people over the age of thirtytimers, as well as more advanced systems that offer
remember when you needed a good set of "rabbita DVR (Digital Video Recorder), which allows
ears" on top of the set just to get your local networkprograms to be recorded without videotape, PVR
channels. Today, however, hundreds of channels are(Personal Video Recording), which allows you to pause
available to you just about anywhere you live andand even rewind live broadcasts and HDTV (High
there is more than one way to get those signals. YouDefinition Television). Although these same features
have a choice between conventional (analog) Cable,are often offered by Cable companies, availability to
Digital Cable, and all-Digital Satellite Television. But howthe consumer is dependent upon the local provider.
do you know which one is best for you? Below is aInternet - Satellite television offers many of the same
breakdown of each system and how they comparefeatures that Digital Cable does. For example, the two
to each other, so you can choose the right signal formajor dish networks - DirecTV and Dish Network -
your home and budget. Conventional Cable is by farboth offer their own version of high-speed internet
the least advanced of the three and offers you thethrough broadband. DirecTV has DirecWay , and Dish
fewest features. In an effort to compete with SatelliteNetwork has partnered with EarthLink to bring
television providers, most Cable companies are makinghigh-speed internet to their customers. In terms of high
a strong push to get their customers on their Digitalspeed internet technology, the dish networks are still a
systems. Digital Cable television has many advantageslittle behind Cable TV. When it comes to Cable TV
over conventional Cable, including high-speed internetyou can either purchase or rent the cable modem and
access and video on demand, as well as hundreds ofthere are usually several packages to choose from
Cable channel choices. Because of the land lineswhen it comes to speed. Parental Control - Both
necessary to deliver and receive the Cable cableservices come with parental control features which
signal, there is a strong, well-established infrastructureallows you to control what shows your children can
to support the Cable system. Since you need a Cablewatch. Warranty - All providers should offer a 12
line to receive a signal, if you live in a less populatemonth warranty from the day of activation and 24
area you may not have access to Cable television orhour customer service. Types of Satellite TV When it
have a limited number of channels to choose from.comes to Cable TV your are limited to whatever
Here's a helpful list of how Cable TV and Satellite TVprovider owns the rights to the particular area you live
compare in certain areas: Availability - Cable TVin. When it comes to Satellite TV you have at least
requires a service technician to install it, but is nottwo providers to choose from - DirecTV and DISH
available in some rural or sparsely populated areas.Network. DirectTV Receivers When it comes to
Satellite TV is available anywhere in the United States,choosing your Direct TV programming package there
including Hawaii and Alaska. It is recommended that aare several to choose from, but all operate using
qualified technician install the dish, but you can install itDirecTV programming. You can get DirectTV
yourself. can be done by yourself. Equipment - Cablereceivers with TiVo DirecTV which integrates any
TV requires a set-top box for Digital servicesDirecTV programming package with up to 35 hours of
(generally at no extra cost) and Satellite TV requires aDigital recording without videotape. It allows you to
satellite dish and receivers (which can run you severalrecord two different shows at the same time and to
hundreds of dollars). DirecTV, unlike Dish Network,pause and replay live television. Then there's DirectTV
does not make you purchase equipment directly fromreceivers with UltimateTV which allows you to enjoy
them. Most popular manufacturers make dishes andnot only DirecTV programming, but UltimateTV
receivers that are compatible with the DirecTVServices from Microsoft as well as DVR, live TV
system. When purchasing DirectTV equipment youcontrols, interactive TV, and Internet access. DirectTV
should weigh the options between manufacturers, thereceivers with DirecTV with AOLTV connects directly
functionality provided by the different systems andto your TV show so you can view complementary
overall cost. A note of caution is that the dishes andWeb sites while watching TV. DirectTV receivers with
receivers must work together in order to receive theHDTV DirecTV enhances the reception of the TV
mix of features you have purchased because this cansignal and allows you to take advantages of High
complicate things considerably so be sure to checkDefinition Television and Dolby Digital surround sound.
that what you are getting matches what you need.There are two ways you can receive high-definition
When it comes to purchasing a system all prices areprogramming via DirectTV. The first is to purchase an
subject to promotions and availability and will vary fromHDTV set with the DirectTV System receiver built into
retailer to retailer. Programming - Both services offerthe television or to purchase a DirectTV multi satellite
hundreds of top-rated channels, but Satellite televisionsystem receiver and connect it to a
offers many unique channels like internationalhigh-definition-ready Digital TV. DirectTV Packages
entertainment and special packages like NFL SundayDirect TV offers 3 basic packages: TOTAL
which gives you access to games all over the country.CHOICE® with Local Channels - Over 130
include period A big disadvantage for Satellite is theChannels, $39.99/mo TOTAL CHOICE® PLUS
inability to offer local network stations without a fee. Inwith Local Channels - Over 150 Channels, $42.99/mo.
fact, in some areas, they are not available at all.TOTAL CHOICE® PREMIER with Local
Services - Historically Cable has had problems withChannels - Over 210 Channels, $90.99/mo. DISH
outages, but this is usually offset by the fact that theyNetwork You can usually get a good deal when
have a fleet of technicians available 24/7. If a satellitesigning up for the Dish Network satellite service like
dish is properly installed it requires very littlehaving the system installed in up to four rooms of your
maintenance and is not usually affected by Motherhome with no upfront fee. DISH Network offers 3
Nature. Cost- As Cable continues to push Digital Cable,basic packages with optional local channels and other
the cost of Cable continues to escalate with anpremium services. Americas Top 60 offers 60
average package costing around $50 per monthChannels for monthly price of $29.99 Americas Top
compared to Satellite programming which averages120 is the most popular programming package on DISH
around $30 to $40 a month. Beware of additionalNetwork. It also includes more than thirty
costs on a Cable bill like franchise fees and taxes,commercial-free, CD-quality music channels and a
which depending where you live can quickly raise yourdozen Public Interest Channels. Monthly price: $34.99
monthly bill. If you're a TV junky and want all theAmericas top Top 180 has something for everyone -
premium stations and pay per view that will raise your9 commercial-free movie channels, sports, 4 channels
monthly bill by $10 to $20. Transmission and Receptionfrom Discovery, as well as including the entire
Quality - All of Cable's basic and expanded servicesAmerica's Top 120 Entertainment package. However,
are currently analog, but you can upgrade to DigitalA DISH 500 is required to receive all the channels in
Cable, just know that the analog channels will remainthis package. Monthly Price: $44.99 Cable providers
analog even though you have digital equipment.offer several packages including a basic, premium and
Satellite TV is 100% digital, which in general meansdigital package with prices starting around $24 and
better reception. Satellite reception can weaken fromescalating into the hundreds.
bad rain and snow storms. Interactive Services -