Are you in the market for new TV service?
Are you not sure whether to go with cable or satellite TV?
Don’t worry. We are going to break down the debate satellite vs cable TV for you. Keep reading, and you’ll know which is best for you.
The Pros and Cons of Satellite TV
Let’s start with satellite TV. Satellite TV means TV programming uses a signal sent from the satellite in space to your satellite TV receiver. Typically people in rural areas use satellite TV.
The pros of satellite TV are accessibility, cost, and quality.
You don’t need cables for your signal. The system instead uses a satellite to relay the signal from point to point. Your satellite needs a clear view of a given hemisphere. You need to install the reception dish, set up, and pay for your service, and you’re good to go.
If budget is your concern, then satellite is definitely for you if you’re debating cable vs satellite TV. A satellite can sometimes seem strange but cost-effective, and companies like Charter offer it for dollars less than cable a month.
Both options will give you a large range of programs, but if you want the best quality or are an HD connoisseur, then satellite does the trick. Satellite services give you a much better picture quality because there’s a shorter distance for the signal to go and less degradation as a result.
Now that we’ve covered the positives, let’s look at the negatives. The cons of a satellite are the reliability and the hardware.
Even though satellite TV’s picture quality and accessibility are great, they aren’t always the most reliable due to poor weather. It’s common for the signal to go in and out during severe weather or have a choppy vision during severe weather.
Often, satellite users have to install their satellite dishes themselves and desire help setting up. The dish is bulky and takes finesse to place just right since you need a clear sightline to open sky. Luckily, there are resources to help you with satellite installation.
The Pros and Cons of Cable TV
Cable TV is more common these days. Cable TV is delivered to you through copper wires instead of a signal, making it less susceptible to weather-related issues.
The pros of cable TV include shorter contracts, reliability, and equipment.
Unlike satellite, you can often cancel or change your contract more freely. This also reflects at a higher monthly cost. Cable TV allows you to drop the satellite dish’s complicated install, making equipment sometimes install as easy as plugging in a cord and connecting it to your TV.
The biggest pro to cable is that your signal is usually the same in great weather as it is bad since it is carried through a cord. However, you can sometimes sacrifice the quality of the picture for consistency.
The cons of cable TV include price and accessibility.
As mentioned above, cable is typically pricier but also harder to have access to. If you are in rural areas or your home doesn’t have cable hookups, you won’t be able to install a cable service.
Have You Decided on Satellite Vs Cable TV?
You are now an expert when it comes to the debate satellite vs cable TV. So, it’s time to consider what is most important to you.
Is it price? What about TV picture quality? Or is it signal reliability?
These will help you determine which is best for you and allow you to make a confident choice.
If a satellite is for you, check out local antenna services for all the information you need to get started.