Exploring the Difference between Satellite and CableThis article provides in in-depth look at the differences between cable and satellite technology and cost of service. The differences between Satellite and cable begin with infrastructure. Cable TV service relies on a vast network of underground coaxial wires that run signal from the provider hub all the way to subscriber homes. TV satellite service works by relaying video and audio signals from geostationary satellites located in space all the way to satellite dishes mounted to the roofs of customer homes on earth.

These days, both satellite and cable TV providers broadcast programming in full digital signal. This is a higher bandwidth service than the recently phased-out analog power, allowing TV providers to offer more channels, higher picture resolution, and sharper audio. In general, satellite and cable signal are immune to adverse weather. The days of fuzzy picture and "ghost" images appearing on TV screens have become an annoyance of the past thanks to digital programming. Cable and satellite signal broadcast in two formats: high definition (HDTV) and standard definition TV (SDTV). SDTV displays TV picture in 480 I resolution, and HDTV ranges from 720 I to 1080 P. Though cable providers deliver a decent number of channels in HD, only a satellite TV provider like Dish Network can display full 1080 P picture, currently the highest resolution offered on the market.

Satellite and cable TV providers offer ample choice when it comes to technology and amenities. Features like DVRs, video-on-demand, and pay per view movies and events are universally offered by cable and satellite providers, as is access to premium channels like HBO, Showtime, Starz, and Cinemax. On the subject of DVR technology, you can pause and rewind live TV with a cable DVR, and record hours of programming. Satellite providers offer those functions, plus other more advanced DVR capabilities than its cable competitors. DishNetwork recently unveiled its Sling Box receiver to wide acclaim. The Sling Box receiver allows subscribers to manage, record, and view programming on any PC, Mac, laptop, or iPhone with a broadband Internet connection.

In terms of channel selection and pricing structure, satellite again trumps cable. Top-tier cable packages average around 150 channels, whereas high-end satellite plans can deliver more than 250 channels. Cable providers also have known tendencies to hike prices, typically at least once a year. Conversely, Satellite providers have kept their rates steady for numerous years. DishNetwork currently offers a $15 monthly discount for a full year on several of its most popular plans.

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