With the transition to digital television, just around the corner, many are making a decision about improving your television service. The question now is why. Satellite or cable. We here at Digital Landing try to answer some common questions that are ready to make the leap.
Q: What is the service of Satellite TV? How?
Satellite service receive their television signals from satellites in geostationary orbit. Because staying in the same position relative to the surface of the earth, at any time after one (a plate of any kind usually) satellite antenna is directed, can be left unchanged thereafter. The satellite signals are transmitted from a ground station multiple satellite, which then transmit signals to Earth through large swathes of territory. Anyone with a satellite dish (antenna) and equipment appropriate signal processing (a set-top box of some kind, usually called a satellite receiver, which is required for each television station in which to see programming provider) that can "see" a satellite can pick up the signal. One antenna can feed multiple satellite receivers, but a physical cable is routed from the antenna to each receiver (inside the cable and satellite TV cables required for each television).
Satellite providers to control access to their networks including the special and encoding their signals encryption, and strict control of equipment that can read and play these signals to prevent unauthorized users to adjust and get service Free TV.The cost of satellite TV service vary mainly with strings that subscribers choose to pay. That said, both DirecTV and Dish Network (the two main satellite providers in North America) offer basic packages from $ 20 to $ 25 per month. Add-on options for HDTV, sports channels, movie channels, and so on usually cost between $ 8 and $ 25 per month each (or just season long subscriptions for sports like NFL football , NBA and so on). Many packages are available in the range of $ 30 to $ 55 per month, but it's easy to spend $ 100 per month or satellite television services more, especially if you like sports or movies, or both.DISH Network offers facilities to subscribers, free of charge, including DVR (digital video recording) or HDTV (high definition television) receivers. DirecTV charges $ 99 SDTV DVR receivers and $ 299 for HDTV DVR receivers (see offers).
Q: What is the service of cable TV? How?
Cable television service is essentially running a physical cable wide band in your home, usually some type of coaxial cable bandwidth (although some prices based on fiber optics becoming available on some markets). Cable companies manage several types of transmission equipment that combine essentially hundreds of channels of analog and digital TV in one cable that can be decoded and interpreted when passing on the type of set-top box. Cable companies control the hardware connected to your network very close, and only allow devices with known physical hardware addresses to access their signals. Although you can buy your own equipment in some markets cable, you can use this equipment until the provider indicates that your hardware and allows you to work with your signals. As with satellite TV set-top box is generally required for each TV you want to see the signal cable TV, and also requires a physical cable connection for each of these cases.
Most cable providers must also ensure that each hook-ups are "digital ready" before they can adapt boxes and signs of digital HDTV.The basic costs of cable television are generally in the same league as the basic costs of satellite TV - once $ 20 to $ 25 a month - but the cable TV providers are subject to taxes and fees (the satellite providers are not) local, and usually have to rent the boxes cable providers $ 3 per month per team (more for those who have digital capabilities DVR, or HDTV). In general, the cable will not only control, but also has the equipment that is used to display your calendar. Therefore, basic cable typically costs between $ 5 to $ 10 per month for satellites similar services, plus $ 3 per month and each decoder you have installed. You can skip additional decoders on TVs, but probably will not be able to receive all cable channels you pay on these series.
Q: What is the cost of cable and satellite television service compare?
Most experts generally exclude the cost equation slightly in favor of the TV, even if you have to buy the equipment that is used for receiving (and sometimes record) TV, whether on television or HDTV standard . This is because the cost of renting cable generally higher than those of purchasing satellite equipment over time, and due to the regular monthly dues and taxes that get stuck in the cable TV accuses also add the total cost. This gives only a slight advantage, however, and should not be the only factor involved in the selection.
Q: How to buy equipment costs compared to the cost of rent?
When satellite providers offer no equipment cost, generally require at least a commitment to the one-year subscription or a similar term contract. When you load the team, usually cost between $ 49 for a standard TV decoder base, up to $ 299 for a decoder that can record HDTV signals.Cable operators generally charge $ 3 per set-top box per month ($ 36 per year) for standard television equipment base, and up to $ 10 per month ($ 120 per year) for decoders that allow record HDTV signals. If you stay with any provider of more than two or three years, the cost of satellite services go a little lower than the cost of cable service because you usually pay the team somewhere in the second or third year of ownership, compared to the cost of cable. But these teams usually need to be replaced every five to seven years (or more often by fans of real hardware), so that the equipment costs are not a factor in the overall charge for any type of service .
Q: What types of equipment needed for the cable service? For the satellite service?
For both services, each TV you want to see the program provider requires any decoder, which may or may not include some or all of the following: satellite analog TV signals (is completely digital, so it does not apply to cable ), the signals of digital television, HDTV signals, and digital video recording for TV standard (cheaper, more hours of TV recording device) and HDTV (more expensive, less time device TV recording). Please note that all HDTV is digital programming, and a growing number of TV channels are digital standard, the FCC mandates that all digital TV broadcasts in the United States will be February 9, 2009.
Q: What are the main differences between the television services via cable and satellite?
It's hard to say, because hundreds of cable TV providers that are a little different offers, and because even offers two main satellite providers also differ considerably. The conventional wisdom is that satellite TV offers more and better for-a-fee sports and entertainment packages and a wide selection of channels of high definition television, while cable stations offer more and better facilities (often turns all radio in the area of cable vision channels, and generally use one or more of its own including new stations, weather and public access programming).Look carefully at the stations included in their packages, and despite the importance of the availability of local channels when choosing between the two offers.
Q: How many channels are typical of cable signals? For transactions satellite?
Provides basic satellite typically include 40 to 50 channels, and bonus offers typically include from 140 to a maximum of 250 channels. Cable offers usually comprises at least 20 basic channels, and another 50-60 standard channels, with a maximum of 200 to 300 more channels available within the family, lifestyle, news and entertainment, as well as bouquets of additional channels for TV high definition movies, sports and more.Q: What features differentiate services cable and satellite? What kind of benefits resulting from each side?Satellite usually takes an advantage when it comes to entertainment (movies, simultaneous broadcasts concerts and specials) and sports (especially for "Season Pass" offer for all sports games such as football, basketball, hockey and NASCAR). Cable has the advantage of on-demand programming, infrastructure and equipment suppliers, it is easy to deliver broadcast programming and free support on request, and offer pay movies and other incentive programs.
Q: What types of service packages are available from cable providers? Satellite providers? Who else is involved?
When it comes to chains, suppliers to both satellite and cable apparently compete on the same playing field Both offer all kinds of family channels, lifestyle channels, sports channels, the news channels, movie channels and HDTV packages. In general, the cable has the advantage of the offerings of the local channels and services to the card, and the satellite has the advantage in sports and movie packages, as well as the high price of pay-per-view entertainment deals.These days, cable and satellite providers offer packages of a different type. Cable companies have invented the so-called "triple play" terminology, which offer TV, telephone and Internet access for households of one bill, usually at a discount depending on the items in this list. Satellite companies will be happy to offer the same combinations for their clients, although usually associated with communication companies for Internet and telephone services. You can get a real "triple play" of cable companies like Time Warner and Cox, for example. Last Dish Network or DirecTV for triple play, a company like AT & T or Sprint / Nextel also likely to participate in the provision of these services.
Q: The cable or satellite providers require service contracts or commitments?
Sometimes. Satellite companies require compromise and cable companies sometimes do. If you just sign up for cable TV, chances are you will not have to sign a contract. But if you combine other services in the agreement, such as the telephone or the Internet, the company will probably sign a contract.However even for satellites requires a commitment, you can often talk your way out of contractual obligations when you can make a big deal that you do not get the services they pay for, or have legitimate reasons to be deeply dissatisfied with the service.
Q: What happens to the equipment when you cancel your service?
In general, you will be responsible for the return of equipment in situations where the claimant equipped boxes, remote control, etc. that owns and don'ts. This usually means that you must take your computer to your own, or pay for a service call to the technical staff in the field are looking for the equipment at home. Otherwise, you receive a bill from a provider for this team, and usually includes enough zeros to command serious attention and prompt action (Author's Note: I recently moved and had to return the former home of the team, but I kept the same provider. Thirty days after the removal, a bill for $ 700 for a digital camera and an analog decoder and remote were presented and urged immediate action to prevent potential credit problems that could otherwise result).
Q: What is the difference between the availability of cable and satellite? What effect does this have on my TV signal?
The biggest difference between cable and satellite availability. The cable is only available in areas where the provider can run a cable to the house. Satellite is available anywhere you can put an antenna that can "see" one of the satellites orbiting satellite provider (which requires a line of sight to the satellite). In most metropolitan areas, the cable is a viable and attractive option compared to satellite. In most rural areas, satellite is the only option, because the cable is not available.If you adjust your antenna in urban, suburban or rural, a clear line of site to the satellite dish is an absolute necessity. In some cases, trees or other buildings may partially obscure the line of sight, and will have a negative effect on the quality of the signal. This can be especially annoying when the weather is bad, and strong winds moving trees in the line of sight when not normally a problem. Make sure the plate on the clearest line of sight to the satellite in order to minimize the effects of weather conditions or obstructions, casual or not.
Q: How do TV (HDTV) offers high definition satellite and cable providers compare? Who has the advantage?
For both types of providers, you usually get HD set up to allow you to view HDTV signals in the first place. This tends to add to your monthly recurring fee equipment (cable or satellite) or equivalent purchase costs (satellite). Then you need to register for one or more packages HDTV so you will have some HD programming to watch. Of the two types of providers, you can join several types of HD programming (basic package of HDTV, HD movies, HD sports, on demand or pay-per-view HD programming). In general, cable stations further up on HD channels somewhere between 80 and 120 stations, the two major satellite providers offer HD 140 or more stations. Note that these stations are divided into several packages of channels, so there will be additional costs for most or all of them). Therefore, the advantage of HD TV right now.
Q: How does the installation of satellite over cable?
When it comes to cable installation usually comes in the account of the initial configuration. The cable operator will usually send an installer to make sure the cable is connected and working properly at all points to establish your account. In general, there is no additional charge for this service. You can return to the office of a cable provider to exchange computer after the initial installation.Satellite may be another matter. Although most have mounts have an option for a professional installation, costs can be associated with this service. However, it is strongly recommended to have the antennas, cables and decoders installed professionally, fresh or not. Sometimes satellite providers waive installation costs through promotional campaigns, or in exchange for commitments on long-term accounts. Read the terms and conditions carefully and ask questions about the installation and commissioning in the context of their overall basic research before committing. In all cases, the installation is even more important for the satellite cable, antenna and proper positioning accuracy is the key to getting the best possible signal.
Q: How does the service and support for cable vs. satellite? Which of these experiences more cuts?
According to JD Power and Associates, Satellite customers consistently rank the two major satellite providers among the best of all business when it comes to service and support. Cable operators are worse, tend to get notes in the range of fair to poor for most customers. In addition, cable operators have reported dropout rate of 3 per cent at the national level, while satellite providers have reported dropout rates of less than 1 percent. Most experts agree that the satellite cable beats when it comes to customer service and services and in terms of availability and time of general availability.
Q: How important is digital cable or satellite?
Because satellite TV is completely digital and cable can offer both analog and digital TV through its broadband infrastructure, we can say that digital television is more important for the satellite. In addition, the requirements of the FCC that all signals are transmitted digitally February 9, 2009 does not apply to cables and cable signals are not transmitted through the air in a conventional sense. Most cable companies are more aggressive anyway due to the superior quality and ease of digital manipulation, as opposed to analog technologies. Because digital HD is, by definition, most of the growth and innovation in this area occurs, the market is at the head of the cable be too satellites capable and competitive in digital programming companies.
Q: How to access local cable before satellite channels?
In general, the cable companies make arrangements with all local television stations to transmit their signals by cable instead offering cable services to its customers. Local access to the satellite varies greatly, so you can expect access to local channels in most metropolitan areas, but the availability of the station in rural areas depend on what stations are active in the broadcast domain, and if the satellite company has taken steps to collect and understand the power of satellite signal through its antenna. Often local access channel will be equal for both systems, in some cases, the cable can carry some or all of the local channels while the satellite can lead to some of the same channels as few or.
Q: How to add assemblies to the service of cable TV?
For satellite TV service?Most services offer cable TV add extra for each decoder you use, and additional costs apply for digital signals (channels, including high definition television) and DVR capability. Costs range from $ 3 per month or less for set-top boxes, and go up as you add features and digital media. Providing services of satellite TV Most include up to four hook-ups in the cost of basic services. Often it is because you have to buy your own decoders and / or DVR (see question # 2).
Q: What if I want to use a digital video recorder with cable? With satellite service?
In general, you can rent a DVR from your cable provider or buy a standard or HD DVR from a third party, such as TiVo. Purchases can be expensive: standard models TiVo TV HDTV models start around $ 300 and $ 800 and also come with a monthly service commitments.With satellite service, you can often buy your own DVR provider right rather than going to a third party. Third parties such as TiVo offers are also available at the same price as their wired counterparts. Given the relatively high cost of such equipment, which is often cheaper to rent than to buy in this case.
Q: In general, this type of service has the advantage: cable or satellite?
Because more and better offers HDTV, more sport and leisure offers interesting and a better record for service and support, most experts give an advantage over cable TV. But for packages "triple play" (television, telephone and Internet services) are attractive, or for which access to local channels or on-demand services is important, satellite cable pulls ahead. They certainly do the job, and neither has an absolute advantage over the other.
