Directv and Dish Network TV Compared to Cable
Satellite tv or cable tv? The costs are not always easy to compare. Cable tv cost approximately $40.00 a month and you only get 64 channels. If you want digital channels you pay an extra fee (about $10.00 a month to add digital channels). Installation charges are for one room and each additional room costs extra.
Dish Network costs $31.99 per month for 60 channels and Directv costs $41.99 per month for 115 channels. You get free equipment and free installation for up to four rooms with either satellite tv provider, as long as you commit to at least one year of service.
Directv and Dish Network are 100% digital which in general means better quality reception. The downside is reception can be subject to interference from weather - heavy rain, snow or even nearby trees.
Cable's basic and expanded basic services are all analog but you can upgrade to digital cable. However, when you upgrade, the analog channels will remain analog even though you have digital equipment.
Direct Tv and Dishnetwork have more channels than cable providers. They offer more international and sports programming. Both offer High Definition (HDTV) channels available like HBO and ShowTime.
Digital cable can support up to 260 channels, option packages along with pay per view services and usually has more local and community channel options. However, cable is behind in offering HDTV services, while both Dish Network and Directv offer the lastest in hdtv.
Cable tv can have a lot of additional costs such as franchise fees, taxes, plus costs for any pay per view services, and equipment costs. Local channels are included.
Usually if you add up all of the costs of cable, Direct Tv or Dishnetwork can save you money. In general you get more channels per dollar spent. Most of the time local channel packages are included. If you commit to 12 months of services you can get free equipment and installation.
Parental Controls:
Cable: Yes (available with digital cable).
Satellite: Yes
Interactive Services Support:
Digital Cable provides an electronic Program Guide but in general has less interactive features.
Satellite TV: Has some great features that are not available on cable. For example, Personal Video Recording (PVR) which allows you to pause and even rewind live broadcasts. Features like the Electronic Program Guide, Instant Weather, video on demand.
Online Customer Services:
Both offer online services such as viewing current and prior statements, adding packages and making payments to your account. They also provide online user manuals and installation guides.
Warranty:
All providers should offer 12 months of warranty from the day of activation and a 24 hours customer service line.
For more information on Dish Network .
For more information on Directv