Nowadays, a lot of people are ditching their cable or satellite service and are instead relying on streaming services to watch their favorite movies and TV shows. Even though these services can be handy, however, there is nothing quite like having cable or satellite TV. With one of these television services, viewers can watch live sports, network television and other things that they can't get from their favorite streaming services. For families that like to watch television, it really is worth it to opt for either cable or satellite service. However, many people find themselves wondering which option to choose. Compare cable TV plans and satellite TV plans using Wirefly's comprehensive TV comparison tool.
As with most things, there are both pros and cons to cable or satellite television. For someone who is looking to sign up for new service or who is unsure of whether or not they currently have the best option, it's smart to compare the two.
For many people, the cost of service can make or break whether a person wants to pay for cable or satellite service. Comparing the pricing of the two options is a good place for many people to start when making their decision.
Cable television is often a bit more costly per month than satellite TV. However, there are generally multiple options to choose from. Someone who wants clear and easy access to local channels and who wants to enjoy a few cable channels can often opt for an affordable monthly package. However, someone who wants to have a huge channel selection or who is interested in premium channels, such as movie channels, might end up spending a bit more each month. Some cable TV providers do offer lower rates for new customers, however, particularly if customers opt to sign a contract for a specified length of time.
Many people believe that satellite television is the more affordable choice. For packages that include more channels, prices can be more affordable than cable TV service. However, adding options like movie channels can cause the bill to go up significantly each month. In many cases, the best rates are available through contracts, which require customers to maintain service through the satellite television provider for a certain length of time, such as one year or three years. If the customer opts to change providers during this contractual period, he or she may wind up paying high fees for breaking the contract. It is also important to pay attention to promotional rates; even though satellite television might be cheaper for the first year, for example, rates could go up significantly after this trial period. Some providers will work with customers to offer them the lowest possible rate after their introductory period, however.
The main reason why most people sign up for cable or satellite TV is so that they have access to lots of channels, so it only makes sense to compare channel options when comparing providers.
For customers who choose basic cable, there are generally only a limited number of channels. However, even the basic lineup almost always includes local channels, so for those who like watching network television or who want to be able to watch the news each night, even a basic package might be sufficient. Most cable providers offer various packages for customers to choose from, so those who have favorite channels and who want to ensure that they have access to them can often choose an applicable package.
Even the most basic channel packages through most satellite TV providers often include a lot of channels. However, the bad news is that many of these packages do not include local television channels. For those who prefer to watch national news stations, this might not be a problem. For those who like to be able to watch local news or who enjoy watching local channels for other reasons, however, it's likely that there will be an additional charge for including these channels in the satellite TV line-up. In some cases, local channels are not available for satellite television subscribers at all. For those who want a lot of premium channels, however, satellite TV might be the better choice over cable.
No one wants to go through a lot of fuss in order to get their service started. This is why so many people are curious about how the installation process works.
Many homes and apartments are already wired for cable television service. In some cases, customers may be able to set up their own cable TV without the help of a technician. In these situations, the customer may be able to pick up a cable TV box from the local cable store, or the equipment might be sent in the mail.
In many cases, customers do not have to worry about purchasing this equipment. Instead, they can simply lease this equipment as a part of their bill. When equipment fails or becomes outdated, many cable companies will swap out the equipment free of charge.
Even if a technician does have to come in to install the service, the process is generally quick and painless, making it easy for customers to have their service turned on quickly so that they can begin enjoying their cable TV as soon as possible.
The installation process for satellite television can be a bit more involved than the process for cable TV. If the home does not already have a satellite dish installed, this will need to be done. Some customers choose to do this on their own, but many find that it's a job that is better left up to a technician. In some cases, satellite TV is not an option because there is no way for the satellite dish to get a clear signal, such as if the property includes a lot of tall trees. Installation can be expensive, and it can be a long and involved process that can cause it to take that much longer for customers to get the service that they are looking for.
Some people do not mind signing up for contracts for utility services, while others like to avoid contracts whenever possible. It's important for consumers to check with their potential satellite or cable TV providers to find out if this is something that they will need to worry about.
Many cable television providers do not require their customers to sign a contract at all; instead, they often offer service on a month to month basis for customers who prefer it. For those who have bad credit or who simply do not want to be tied down to one provider for a set length of time, this type of service can be a better option.
Some cable TV companies do offer contracts, however. As a bonus for signing a contract, the customer might get upgraded service or a reduced monthly rate. For those who feel confident that they will stick with their service for a specified length of time, this can be a good option for saving money or getting better service for the cost. For those who are thinking about satellite TV because of the lower cost but who prefer cable, signing a contract can help the prices become a bit more in line with one another.
Many satellite television providers do require their customers to sign a contract for a certain length of time. Before signing the contract, the customer might have to undergo a credit check, and he or she might be declined for service or might have to pay a higher deposit if his or her credit score is not good.
Signing contracts for satellite service have their disadvantages, but as with cable, it can be a good way to get a good price.
No one wants to pay for unreliable service. When it comes to reliability, many wonder which is best: cable or satellite TV?
There is always the chance that a cable line could go down and affect cable television service. In general, however, cable TV is pretty reliable, and customers do not generally have to worry about service outages. Simply swapping out equipment -- such as getting a different cable box from the provider -- is often all that is needed in order to make service work again. This can be less complicated than dealing with issues that can sometimes go along with satellite TV service.
Many people have heard of the signal disruptions that can go along with satellite television service. If the wind causes the satellite dish to move even a little bit, service can be interrupted. Bad weather, such as storms, can also cause the service to stop working temporarily. In the event that there is an equipment malfunction, such as if the satellite dish itself has a problem, having the issue fixed can be a bit more complicated than repairing cable TV issues. In many cases, a technician may have to come out to make a repair, which means that customers may have to go a few days without service in the meantime, particularly during periods of bad weather.
Many people want more than to just be able to watch television. Many providers do offer bundled TV and Internet packages, and it pays for customers to compare their options when choosing a cable or satellite TV provider.
Many cable companies offer a variety of services, such as cable television, home telephone and high-speed internet. For those who want these services, bundling them through a local cable TV provider can make things affordable and easy. Many providers offer a discount for those who choose to go with all three services, for example, and it can be painless to only have one company to deal with rather than having to deal with multiple providers.
Some satellite companies work with local phone companies to offer bundled packages that include home telephone and high-speed internet. However, this involves having services from at least two different companies. Some satellite TV companies also offer satellite internet, but many do not. For those who are looking for a bundled package, finding a good option through a satellite TV provider can be challenging. Instead, customers may have to opt for satellite TV service through the satellite provider and may then have to contact a cable company or local telephone company to find out about the availability of other services.
In general, for those who are looking to be able to watch their favorite movies and TV shows at home, either satellite or cable television can be a good option. However, some find that cable TV is the better choice for their needs, while others prefer satellite TV. Comparing the two options and getting quotes from multiple providers is a good way to determine which option is best for each family and its individual needs.
