Is cable TV better or satellite TV? This debate has long been in process. The battle between the two keeps going on for decades. However, in this article, we are going to make it easy for you to choose one that meets your needs perfectly.
The choice could be tough and overwhelming but there are certain factors on which you can decide on which type of TV service should you opt for. Both cable TV and satellite TV have their own perks.
Numerous providers of said types are offering their amazing services. In this regard, providers like Grande TV offer their unmatched services. They are designed to suit your budget while you also can enjoy the various features such as 4K Ultra High Definition (UHD). The realistic images make the whole experience an exceptional one. So, if you are one of those who are looking for one of the best cable TV providers, then we recommend checking this provider out.
Now, without any further ado, let’s talk about the differences between cable and satellite TV so you can decide which one you should go for.
- Installation
When it comes to installation, cable requires less equipment. People living in townhomes find it easier because the chances of running into any issues are quite minimal, compared to satellite television.
On the other hand, satellite providers have to go to longer lengths to install a dish on the outside of your house. They also have to make sure that it must point in the right direction. To put it in a few words, the installation of cable television is way easier and also requires fewer technical issues, as compared to satellite television.
- High Definition
Both cable TV and satellite TV can provide high-definition channels. It all comes down to the provider you go for. America’s leading cable television providers make sure that you don’t have to watch your favorite shows on a fuzzy screen.
However, when we talk in general terms, satellite often has a better selection of national HD channels. On the other hand, popularly, you can find a better selection of local programs in HD when you sign up for cable TV.
When it comes to down to getting a package for cable TV, look for the ones that provide their services in 4K UHD. You can even bundle up your services and get extra perks of watching movies in high definition.
- Pricing
It could turn out to be quite daunting to choose between cable television and satellite television but if the price is one of your prime concerns, then the whole process could become relatively easier. Pricing varies depending on the contract and plans you sign up for. Many cable TV providers place a year or two contracts, which could put some customers off.
For this, satellite television might be a preferred choice of many as you don’t have to pay a hefty amount every month. In order to fish out the most impressive deal, you must look into the different packages offered by both services.
Cable TV may be a costlier option but if you bundle up your services with internet and home phone, then the final price may not look as huge as the standalone one. This could also save you time and money which is often wasted on finding different providers for each service.
- Channels
In this regard, both cable television and satellite television offer an impressively wide range of channels. From both television services, you can also score premium channels for free for a limited time.
After the trial period, you can start paying for the premium channels, if you want to. You can get a plan from both services that are perfectly tailored to your requirements and needs. Both services allow the viewers to get channels they tend to watch the most.
In addition to this, cable television and satellite television work to fulfill the demands of viewers. They deliver the programs which are most popular amongst the public and this makes the competition between the two quite tougher.
You will find more channels related to national news and sports on your subscription to satellite television. On the other hand, cable providers generally focus more on local news. Again, it depends on which provider you go for. Check out the TV channel lineups of all the leading cable and satellite providers of the USA and then make your decision based on that.
You can expect to have an excellent array of channels, movies, shows on your subscription of either cable TV or satellite TV. However, the selection between both requires smart thinking and a bit of research. You surely don’t want to miss out on your favorite channel only because you forgot to check out the channels offered by the provider you selected.
- Equipment
As we already said, cable television requires less hassle in the installation of equipment. In this regard, cable TV installation only requires wiring. You are required to install wiring inside your house. It runs from a trunk line in your area and then goes into a connection point to your home. That connection point is mostly a small exterior box. After this, the cable is taken to the wireless router and then to the set-top box. As a result, you get a cable TV connection that no one can see.
On the other hand, a satellite connection requires a dish that is attached to the roof or side of your house. They also need to be installed in the right direction so they can catch signals more easily. Also, satellite television is more prone to get damaged as the dish is exposed to various elements. Poor weather conditions or any external hit to the dish could end up creating technical issues for you.
This is why cable television is low maintenance job and less equipment goes into its installation.
Now that we have talked about the various factors you should look for in choosing the services of cable television and satellite television, let’s move forward and talk about the pros and cons of each connection.
Pros and Cons of Cable TV
Pros
- You can get more bundling options
- Cable TV has a high-reliability rate
- The channel counts are higher than satellite TV
- It requires less maintenance than satellite television
Cons
- It can be off-putting for people who have contract phobia
- The packages may be expensive
Pros and Cons of Satellite TV
Pros
- You can get a high HD channel count
- The cost is cheaper
- Satellite TV is more readily available, especially in rural areas
Cons
- Satellite TV subscription may come with poor contracts
- The reliability factor is quite low because the installed dish is likely to get damaged due to poor weather
Bottom Line
If you live in an area where cable TV is available, then we definitely recommend going for it as it is a more reliable option with multiple enticing perks. You also get value for your money. And hey, it can save you time and a considerable sum if you choose to bundle it up with other services.
On the other hand, people living in rural areas should choose satellite TV because you can enjoy HD channels and that too at affordable rates.
