Digital Cable vs. Satellite Television: Which Option is Better?

By Kim Ray

Those who reside in rural areas where digital cable television isn't an option have no other choice than subscribing to satellite television, unless they're willing to settle for basic local programming with a rooftop antenna. After experiencing the many choices provided by digital cable and satellite television, few people want to settle for a handful of choices. The technology of satellite and digital cable television provides a great number of options, and theres programming for every interest and preference.

If you're lucky enough to have the choice between satellite and digital cable television programming, there are many levels of service as well as differences to consider. Look into all the options before choosing one or the other. Otherwise, you could be obligated to a contract you won't be able to break without penalty.

Compare Channel Listings and Prices

In order to make a wise decision regarding the value of digital cable television in comparison to satellite television, it's important to evaluate channel packages and prices. Each offers a number of channels to meet every preference, lifestyle, and budget.

Begin by obtaining channel package information from your local cable television provider, as well as satellite television providers. Mark the channels you're interested in, and compare the overall value of programming packages. They're probably very close in price, but there are other considerations before making a final decision.

Compare Bundling Options

If you rely on an Internet service provider for a DSL broadband or dial-up connection, find out if your local cable company or satellite providers offer package deals. Many local cable television companies offer bundling options on television programming and broadband Internet service, and satellite companies offer similar options.

Find out the total price of the digital cable television programming package you're interested in, along with the cost of broadband Internet service. You might be surprised to find out the cost of the total package isn't much more than you're already paying for one single service.

Likewise, inquire as to the cost of a similar satellite television package as well as satellite Internet service. Once you have the total cost of bundled packages, you'll be able to compare costs and savings. The difference in price could become very clear, but there are still issues to consider.

Equipment Prices and Extra Fees

With satellite television, extra receivers result in extra monthly fees. On the other hand, digital cable programming allows additional hookups without additional cost. If you want to connect television programming to more than one room, digital cable could be the better value, but only if channel packages are similar.

With digital cable television, you don't own the equipment, so there's nothing to buy. On the other hand, satellite companies are always running special offers for free satellite dishes, receivers, and installation for a number of rooms. You own the equipment, but without their service, it's virtually worthless.

Local Channels

With satellite television, in order to get local programming, you have to install a rooftop antenna or subscribe to a local programming package. The fee is nominal, but it does add to the total price of the service. After taxes and extra fees, it isn't exactly cheap.

Digital cable television includes local channels, and there's no extra fee. It's great that local channels are included, but it's still necessary to compare the complete package in order to decide if digital cable television is the way to go. For a similar price, digital cable television might not offer the same variety or quantity of channels.

DVR Programming

Digital video recorders (DVR) are available with both satellite and cable television services. They go by different names, but they're basically the same. DVR units contain a hard drive that stores television programming. Viewers can pause, fast forward, and rewind their favorite shows, or save them for future viewing.

The cost of DVR equipment and programming varies between digital cable and satellite companies. If this is something you're interested in, take the cost into consideration while determining whether satellite television or digital cable television will meet your preferences as well as your budget.