| Americans spend longer hours watching TV year | | | | broadcast analog and OTA formats only; however |
| after year. That's why cable and satellite providers | | | | now they offer digital cable as well because of the |
| work hard in giving the best service possible. For | | | | growing demand for digital channels - which can easily |
| those who can choose any type of provider, let's | | | | be offered by the satellite TV providers. |
| compare satellite TV against the cable TV service to | | | | Getting a digital cable service from a cable provider |
| gather which one's the better. | | | | means paying an extra $10 or more every month. |
| Cost of Watching Television | | | | That's because digital cable is a premium product of |
| Comcast and Time Warner Cable are two good | | | | cable companies unlike satellite TV providers who |
| examples of cable providers who have strong subs | | | | offer them at normal base prices. Satellite providers, |
| count in the US. Their price ranges vary dramatically | | | | like Dish Network and Direct TV, offer more than |
| from $29.99 to over a hundred bucks, depending on | | | | 120 channels up to 285 and more. |
| the location of every subscriber. They may get 40 to | | | | Limitations |
| more than 150 program channels according to their | | | | Considering the basics, Satellite TV is clearly the |
| viewing preferences and monthly TV allowances. | | | | better choice. However there are other factors at |
| Cable providers charge the installation on every room, | | | | stake which need to be considered before choosing |
| equipment and other charges which may be an | | | | a provider. These factors include the location, viewing |
| additional $40 (for each room). | | | | preferences and finances. |
| Satellite offers are basically cheaper because of the | | | | If the subscriber lives in a built-up area, satellite TV |
| more up-to-date technology they use. For instance, | | | | reception may be poor. The subscriber may live in a |
| Dish Network and Direct TV can offer a minimum of | | | | location where there are cable companies |
| 120 channels for $20 to $25 each month. That's with | | | | monopolizing the market, in which case cable TV may |
| free installation charges, free of the satellite TV dish | | | | be the easier choice. |
| and free satellite TV receivers which the subscriber | | | | If the subscriber wants a cheap package where |
| can choose from HD DVR, HD, DVR or standard | | | | analog format and fewer programs are acceptable, |
| receiver, depending on the chosen package. | | | | then cable TV is the obvious short-term alternative. |
| Programming Choices | | | | Ultimately, satellite TV is still the cheaper option if this |
| The selection of channels varies according to the | | | | subscriber wants to save money on TV viewing in |
| program package being used. Cable TV used to | | | | the long run. |