You’ve heard of both cable TV and Satellite TV but what are they? How do they differ? Which is better? These are all the questions that we will be answering here to clear some of your doubts. First things first, what are they?
What is Satellite TV?
Satellite TV, like the name suggests, uses a satellite to deliver programs to the dish antenna on your rooftop. For this to work effectively, you need to have a clear view of the sky so your antenna can catch the signals and you can watch TV. The setup consists of a dish and signals processing device that can catch the signals and then project them to your TV screen.
What is Cable TV?
Cable TV uses a coaxial cable to provide the user with TV services. The setup consists of a modem that is connected to these cables and your TV. This is how you can watch TV.
Now that we know the basics, let’s move on to the details.
How Are They Different?
Satellite TV is widely available and is most commonly found in rural areas where you do not get access to cable TV and fiber optics. Satellite TV costs are generally low but their installation costs are high as their gear is expensive.
Cable TV is also widely available due to becoming a popular option. The installation costs for cable TV are not so high and are sometimes free, depending on the service provider. The devices needed for cable TV are also easily manageable which makes this option pocket-friendly.
Which Is More Reliable?
Satellite TV is a risky option, especially if you live in a place with harsh weather conditions. It is more prone to the weather disrupting its connection. Nevertheless, if you are looking for something that is not too costly, this is the right option.
There may be only a few satellite service providers but they are pretty good ones. DirecTV has amazing offers and attractive packages. You can find satellite service providers in your area and buy services from them on BuyTVInternetPhone. It provides you with unmatched satellite TV services that fulfill your needs and are pocket-friendly.
Cable TV is less likely to be affected by harsh weather. It is only affected if there is a big fault like a wire/ broken cable. It can be pocket-friendly but sometimes costly as well, depending on the channels you want.
What Are the Benefits of Satellite TV?
Let’s talk about the popularity of satellite TV and see why people have started using it more.
Availability
Satellite TV is not affected by the distance of homes from each other and so, it is a much better option for those living in the countryside. Since there is a high chance of fiber optics and cable TV not being available in rural areas, the only option is satellite TV. The signals from space are directly transmitted to the dish in your home.
Reception Quality
The reception quality for the channels is impeccable. Most, if not all, channels are in HD quality or at least of standard resolution. If that is the case, it may be a slight problem for those that like crystal-clear qualities for videos.
Set-up
Satellite TV gear and hardware may be costly, but it is also like an investment. If you were to shift homes or areas then you don’t need to worry about purchasing new equipment. You can use the same equipment and get a new service provider if your old one does not provide in the area.
Bundles and Packages
Just like cable TV, satellite TV offers bundles and packages where you can get 2-3 services together for a discounted price. You can get internet services and telephone services along with TV services. However, this does not apply to all satellite TV service providers. Some of them do not provide internet services.
What Are the Drawbacks of Satellite TV?
While there are pros, there are also cons. So, let’s see what these cons are.
Unavailability of Local Channels
One disadvantage of satellite TV is that there might be unavailability of local channels. With cable TV, local channels are a part of the basic package so it can easily be accessed but with satellite TV, it gets a little harder. You can check out the channels list before buying a package to find out if they are available or not.
Internet Connection
Another issue could be not providing an internet connection. Not all satellite TV service providers sell internet services and so, it becomes a hassle for some users. Instead of buying everything from one service provider, they have to go through the trouble of buying from two.
Bad Weather
Satellite connections are easily affected by bad weather and this can be problematic. In case of storms and heavy rain, there is nothing you can do except wait for the service to go back up.
Conclusion
While cable TV and fiber optics are pretty good and preferable options, satellite TV holds its own and provides quality channels and variety. There cannot be a clear answer to which is better as they are both good in different ways. The decision is ultimately on the availability of the service and your needs.
