Cable TV vs. Satellite TV - The Great Debate by Kevin Dixon

I don't claim to be an expert but I will give you my honest opinion as I see it based on my own experience and the experience of others that I have talked to about this subject.

There remains a longstanding debate between satellite TV and cable TV. There are pros and cons to both cable TV and Satellite TV systems but I think it basically boils down to this:

1. If cost is the most important factor, Satellite TV usually is cheaper but not always. With Dish Network you can get a package as low as $19.95.

2. If quality is your most important factor, Digital Cable TV is your best option.

I know that this is really simplified but that is how I see it. Now lets get a little bit more into the details.

Most of the time, cable TV is virtually immune to high frequency interference problems because the signal is shielded by the coax cable. Whereas, a satellite signal can be interfered with by nearby high frequency signals or even a strong thunderstorm.

Also, since cable TV uses a physical connection, you are more likely to get a stronger signal with a higher signal-to-noise ratio than with a satellite signal. This means that your digital processor has to work harder with satellite causing the occasional freeze frame and breaking of the signal.

In addition, because Cable TV is transmitted via coax cable, it can more than handle the high bandwidth needed for large rates of data transmission. This is why you can watch high definition TV, surf the internet on your broadband cable modem and talk on the phone with Digital Phone Service all at the same time.

On the downside, Cable TV is not available everywhere, whereas Satellite TV is available anywhere with a clear line of sight. But Cable TV is rapidly expanding in the US and Europe . Cable TV currently reaches over 78% of American households and continues to grow.

It seems cable TV is everywhere these days. In the broadcasting sector, unlike struggling Terrestrial, cable TV is showing steady growth across-the-board

As the second-largest cable company in the United States, Time Warner Cable owns and manages the most advanced cable TV operations in the country. To think of Time Warner Cable as simply providing cable TV service seems quaint anymore.

Another advantage to cable TV is that if you happen to be able to get it in your neighborhood, you can usually bundle a few different services with it like broadband internet and Digital Phone.

Another downside to cable is that the price of cable TV is increasing while Dish Network prices are stable and even below that of cable TV.

Time Warner Digital Cable offers over 250 all digital channels, with On Demand, Free DVR, HDTV, Digital Sports package, local channels, Premiums On Demand and Parental Controls starting at $39.95 a month.

If Time Warner is not available in your area, this website will help you find and compare broadband services available in your area http://www.best-broadband-offers.com


Satellite PC TV

Alternatively, there is a third option - Satellite TV on your PC. PC Satellite TV is one of the newest and coolest things that have come out since cable TV in the seventies. Moreover, the competition from this new technology would force down the current prices of cable and satellite TV, and high speed Internet. Looking for the best free satellite TV system and satellite TV service. For more information see http://www.timewarnercablespecial.com/Satellite_TV_4_PC.html.

Until online media can offer a good alternative way to view live events, I don't think cable TV is going anywhere.
About the Author

Kevin Dixon is a professional consumer reviewer and has several websites. You can see more in depth reviews and special offers of cable TV services at http://www.timewarnercablespecial.com.