From Matthew Torres,
Your Guide to TV / Video.
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In the early days, someone probably denounced cable by saying, “Television is like water, and no one will ever pay for something they can get for free.” Still, people subscribed. Cable provided a tremendous service for those who couldn't receive signals by local affiliates. It rapidly became part of the television landscape.

Fifty years later, the television world is littered with cable conglomerates who now compete with satellite companies by offering hundreds of digital channels and consumer-friendly interactive services. Their goal is to get your business.

Here is a comparison of common services generally provided by cable and satellite companies in the United States and Canada.

PRICES

Because satellite providers don't have to pay taxes levied by local governments and feature smaller infrastructures, consumers get more bang for the buck with satellite. Right now, cable's low-end price is better, but with a third of the channels it's not an easy sale when compared to satellite's lowest package. Cable companies have millions of miles of outdated lines buried below ground, and are in the process of converting their technology to digital, which will be expensive. While satellite offers lower programming packages across the board, companies do charge fees per room receiving the signal. Though, some cable companies do, too. Edge: Satellite

PROGRAMMING

Remember the talk of a 500-channel universe? It's here, and cable and satellite companies are ready to transport the consumer there. While both offer similar channel packages, each has an advantage over the other. Satellite offers both east and west coast feeds and alternate sports programming for channels like ESPN and Fox Sports. Sometimes sports stations televise games based on regional interest. Their alternate feed allows the satellite viewer the choice of either game. Of course, accessibility to some of the alternate feeds might require an additional price.

Cable counters by offering plans for around twenty dollars for those who want good reception without paying for the 500-channel universe, and local programming not carried by satellite providers like public access stations. Edge: Even

EQUIPMENT

Cable has an advantage for subscribers who don’t want digital programing because there's no equipment needed other than a television. For the digital subscriber, cable and satellite are similar. You’ll need a converter box, remote, and compatible television. Satellite needs an unobstructed view of the southern sky to receive signals, which is a huge disadvantage for renters because their leasing company might require a deposit for satellite installation. Homeowners also assume a minimal risk by installing a dish to a side wall or roof. Edge: Cable

AVAILABILITY

Cable only reaches as far as their infrastructure is built while satellite has the entire southern sky. This is significant because in some deregulated markets, all cable companies don’t reach all homes. Edge: Satellite

DIGITAL, HDTV, and DVR

Concerning digital, high definition, and digital video recorders, cable and satellite companies are equal with one exception. Some satellite companies require an upfront purchase of the DVR and HD box. Others are like cable companies and lease boxes on a monthly basis. Purchasing a receiver is an advantage over time because monthly charges add up. All major companies offer all services in one way or another. Edge: Even

BUNDLED SERVICES

Bundling services is an adaptation of survival by cable and satellite companies. They either own or form partnerships with other telecommunication companies to offer television, phone, and Internet service for one low price. An example of a bundled service is SBC joining with Dish Network and Yahoo! to offer phone, satellite, and DSL. All major cable and satellite companies will offer some sort of one-bill service because that's the trend in today's market. Edge: Even

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Satellite companies flourish without store fronts because of phone and online customer services. However, store fronts are convenient because they're a place to pay bills, change out equipment, and voice a compliment or complaint face-to-face. Edge: Cable

OBLIGATION

Some satellite companies require contracts and some don't, but very few (if any) cable companies require the consumer to commit to a minimum subscription length. Edge: Cable