Cable Television versus Satellite: Which is Really the Best Deal?
With traditional televisions soon becoming obsolete, many people who don't already have some type of cable or satellite service will be forced to subscribe to one, unless they opt for a special converter box. If you will soon face the decision of whether to subscribe to cable or satellite service, one important determining factor will probably be the cost. According to the outlandish commercials advertising cable service for the popular Comcast Cable, cable service is superior to satellite as far as price and service. When it comes to pricing, there really isn't a big difference in cable and satellite service. Both services offer similar packages and channels for about the same price. The more channels you want, of course the more money you'll pay. Satellite service typically offers some of the premium movie channels as part of a lower-priced package, as opposed to cable, but otherwise there is no big difference in prices. You can always choose to take advantage of the specials that cable and satellite providers offer for new customers, and save a great deal initially.
Whenever a new customer subscribes to satellite service with either Direct TV or Dish Network, a credit check is performed. If your credit is decent, you will receive free equipment and installation, while paying as low as $30/month for a basic package. On the other hand, if your credit is not so great, you will have to pay a minimum of $200 up front, with a credit or debit card, and then the company will refund the money over a 2-year period of time by giving you a small credit each month. If your credit isn't so great or if you simply don't have the money to pay upfront, you may want to choose a different alternative.
Another issue dealing with satellite service is weather related. Satellite service is notorious for being interrupted during a heavy rain and/or storm. Now while cable service has been known to be interrupted during certain storms, it's a proven fact that cable can withstand more extreme weather conditions than satellite service can. So, if you live in an area where inclement weather occurs frequently, you may want to subscribe to cable service instead of satellite.
If you're strongly leaning toward satellite service, you may want to think twice before making a final decision unless the technician can install the dish in an inconspicuous location. Just about everyone has seen the cumbersome satellite dishes, which can really make your home appear more like a landing for aliens. Many landlords, especially those with apartment buildings, don't allow their tenants to have satellite service, because they don't want the unsightly apparatus causing their properties to appear less attractive.
It's ultimately up to you which service you decide to choose, cable or satellite, and it all boils down to exactly what type of service you desire. You must remember that you can always opt for a converter box if you choose not to pay for television service at all. The converter box will cost between $40 and $70, but the federal government is allowing up to 2 coupons per household, worth $40 each, which can offset the price of the box. All you have to do is call 1-888-DTV-2009 for more information.
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