The battle between satellite TV and cable TV has been going on for decades. However, it all comes down to the differences between their pricing, installation, equipment, etc. If you are looking to get yourself one of these services, then we suggest that you should keep reading because we are going to break them down into their various components to see which one could suit you the most.
Cable TV and satellite TV have their own distinct perks that you can take advantage of. Many leading providers offer their unmatched services that could make the watch experience so much better. In this regard, RCN TV offers amazing channel lineups and combines powerful viewing options with umpteen entertainment choices and that too while giving its viewers excellent picture quality. Having said that, the competition between the two could be tough but we are here to discuss all the ways in which both satellite TV and cable TV facilitate their customers by being better.
Below are some of the differences between satellite TV and cable TV.
1. Installation
Hands down, cable TV installation is way more flexible than satellite TV. It requires less equipment to install. Also, the chances of encountering any technical issues are quite minimal. Many people who live in townhomes also find it way more convenient to have cable TV installed in their apartments, as opposed to satellite TV.
This is primarily because satellite TV requires way more steps for installation. The providers have to install a dish on the outside or roof of your home, which is again not easy for people living in townhomes. Moreover, they also need to make sure that the antenna is facing the right direction and there are no obstacles that could disrupt the signals.
All in all, cable TV installation requires minimal effort and also involves fewer technical issues when we compare it with satellite television.
2. Equipment
On the whole, the installation of equipment process of cable television requires less hassle than the satellite TV. This is due to the fact that cable TV only needs wiring for installation. All you need to do is install the wire inside your home. Said wire runs from a trunk in the area you live, go into the connection point to your home. This connection point is typically a small exterior box.
After this step, the cable is then taken to the wireless router and then again to the set-top box. Now, you can finally sit back and watch your TV because after these steps the cable television has successfully been installed in your home, and the best thing about it is that no one can even see the whole wiring.
Now, contrary to this, satellite connection requires a lot more effort. You will need to get a dish and attach it to the roof or side of your home. After that, you will need to make sure that it is installed at the right angle and direction so it could catch signals easily.
Even after that, you must know that satellite connection is always going to be vulnerable to any kind of damage. Poor weather conditions or any other external factor could disrupt the dish and create technical issues.
This is why cable television does not only require less equipment and installation hassle but it is also a low maintenance job, overall.
3. Pricing
If pricing is one of your main concerns while opting for a specific television connection, then we suggest checking out some of the satellite TV options because, on the whole, satellite television may come with a lower price point than cable television.
Generally, pricing varies depending on the provider you choose to go with, the plan you get, or the contract you sign. Many people could easily be put off at the thought of signing away their year or two to their providers. This could also mean that you could be charged extra if you decide to terminate the contract. Typically, cable TV providers ask their customers to sign a contract with them and the pricing may be higher in that.
In this situation, people tend to prefer satellite TV over cable television so that they don’t have to pay a handsome fee every month. However, you can still fish out great deals in cable television. All you have to do is look very carefully at the complete packages offered by the providers and the perks that come with them. For example, cable television may look costlier on the surface but if you choose to bundle up your services with internet and home phone, then you can end up saving a lot more than you anticipated.
4. High Definition
Satellite TV and cable TV both deliver amazing picture quality results. They offer channels in high-definition, which makes the viewing experience a lot better. However, at the end of the day, the difference definitely comes in who you choose to be your provider.
Major cable television companies deliver futuristic pixel quality without any fuzzy screen issues. But if you decide to go with the providers that already do not have good reviews, chances are that you could end up with poor quality in channels.
Moreover, when we look at the difference between the high-definition of the two connections – cable television and satellite television – satellite offers a better range of national HD channels. While on the other hand, the cable offers a better selection of local programs in high-definition.
5. Channels
When it comes to the wide range of channels, both television types provide an impressive lineup. You can get yourself a pretty amazing selection of channels even on the trial period of premium channels. After the said period, you can pay for them, if you want to.
In addition to this, you don’t have to settle only for the channels that the providers give you. You can get the ones that are perfectly tailored to your watch requirements and needs. Both services allow their users to get the channels that they most frequently watch.
This means, if you are a news junkie, then you can get a wide range of various leading news channels. Or if you are one of the biggest fans of sitcoms, then you can sit back, relax and watch Comedy Central day and night.
Both television providers work to fulfill the demands of their viewers. They know that the competition is high and this is why they deliver the channels that are most popular amongst the general public. On the whole, however, satellite TV offers more channels that are related to national news and sports. While cable television primarily focuses more on local content.
In the end, you can have an incredible array of channels regardless of the television type that you choose. Because it also partly comes down to the provider you go with. However, you will have to be very careful and mindful because you don’t want to get stuck with the channels you don’t watch.
Final Words
The battle between the two – cable TV and satellite TV – may never end and we might never know which one is better. Nonetheless, there are some key differences, that are mentioned above, between the two that might help you in deciding which one fits your criteria the most.
