As time goes by, the discussion of cable vs satellite TV continues as a neverending dispute. The deep pockets of each side fuels the flames showing that one is better than the other. To discover which option is best for you, you must go past the hype and focus on what you genuinely require.
If you're trying to decide if digital cable or satellite TV is the best choice for you, you’ll have to do some detective work to see how the advantages and disadvantages weigh out and compare against one another. Some individuals will prefer satellite television over cable television, and vice versa. The right choice for you really depends on your wants and needs and what you’re most definately looking for. There are a couple of different things for you to consider, such as what options are available, the picture quality, the various control features and options, specific deals and programs, and how the price compares.
The soaring competition between cable and satellite TV has actually been an advantage for the consumers. Satellite and cable TV vendors and companies battle with lower costs, better promotions, more programming choices, more affordable installation, better and affordable equipment, special introductory discounts, and more. When you’re thinking about cable vs satellite TV and you can’t decide, the best thing to do is look at which specials are being offered where you live for both providers, and then compare them against each other. You may even want to make some phone calls and let the satellite and cable providers acknowledge that you’re shopping, looking for deals, and that you can’t decide which provider to use. You may find better specials than were originally advertised.
Basically, satellite television offers more quality programing options than cable TV, but getting more high end options also raises the monthly fees. In addition, satellite TV may have more control choices than cable TV, but satellite TV can often be more difficult to install. The availability of either satellite or cable television will also vary quite a bit depending on the location you reside in.

Markets are swarming with the various deals offered by the satellite TV providers. But one has to make a choice depending upon prices, subscription deals and quality of customer service. Let’s compare the offerings of the two magnates of satellite TV --Dish TV and DirecTV. Since everyone has a personal opinion on the services provided by both, a comparative study would help subscribers choose the better of the two.1. DISH NETWORK Satellite TV Offers Dish network was the first satellite TV to offer 500 channels which were fully digitalized. Dish network packages include Americas Top 60 Plus, Americas Top 120 Plus, and Americas Top180 Plus. It has wide range of programs that includes the best of sports, news, and children’s programs. Highlights of Dish Network deals: • It gives free 4-room satellite TV system• No equipment to buy• Free activation, delivery and professional installation• Free DVR and HD equipments options• Most Dish Network dealers’ offers life time warranty for their basic satellite equipments.• Dish Network broadcasts as many as 231 NFL pre-season, regular season and post-season playoff games without having to purchase a costly season package subscription! (Game access subject to channel availability and programmer restrictions.)• It has more comprehensive dishnetwork international programming with additional foreign language programming packages Dish 500 programming package also has Dish Latino, Dish Latino Dos and Dish Latino Max which features Spanish and English language channels. There are also Arabic, Greek, Russian, Korean, South Asian and dishnetwork Chinese packages.High Definition TV for DISH NETWORK Dish network’s HDTV gives viewers crystal-clear picture which was not possible with the regular analog TV. It has 5.1 Dolby digital surround sound and reproduces TV programs with theatre quality. Dish Network is the first company in the world with the new HD receiver, which uses a MPEG-4/DVB system.
Digital Video Recorder by DISH NETWORKDVR is offered by Dish network. Dishnetwork DVR allows you to digitally record, store and playback any type of Dish network programs. Live sporting, feature-length films, sit-coms can be recorded seamlessly. One can pause, reverse and fast-forward the recorded and upcoming programs.
2. DIRECTV Satellite TV Offers
DIRECTV offers nearly 225 channels that are digitalized. Its programmes include movies, pro and college sports, news, international programs, music and events. It also offers about 30 pay-per-view channels like HBO, Cinemax, Starz, and Showtime with 36 commercial free music channels. DirecTV also offers adult programs that include Playboy, Spice etc.
Highlights of DirecTV deals: • It gives free 4-room satellite TV system.• No equipment to buy for installation of satellite TV.• Free activation, delivery and professional installation.• DVR (Tivo) & HDTV upgrade options available. but payable.• DirecTV dealers normally provide a 2 year extended warranty from the day of activation of their satellite systems.• Direct TV's biggest advantage is that they have exclusive rights to NFL Sunday Ticket, which gives subscribers access to every NFL game each week. With Sports season pass feature on TiVo, DirecTV lets users record an entire season without re-runs. Dish Network, though, has plenty of sports and entertainment packages of their own to consider.• Up to 50+ Premium Channels FREE with annual commitment to any Total Choice PLUS Programming Package.
DIRECTV HDTV – (High Definition Television)

Free Satellite TV Receiver and Dish
Satellite television has become increasingly popular in recent years and is gaining by leaps and bounds on cable TV. However, many people resist getting satellite TV service because they're worried about having to buy additional equipment.
The good news is most satellite TV companies will now give you all the equipment you need for satellite TV viewing - a free satellite dish and up to four free receivers - as an incentive to subscribe to their service.
How Does a Satellite Receiver Work?
A digital satellite receiver decodes and descrambles the digital programming signal sent from a TV satellite and transmits it to a television. Many receivers can also record satellite TV programs and display high definition (HD) programming.
What is a DVR receiver?
A DVR (digital video recorder) receiver is a type of receiver that can record satellite TV programs. Standard DVR receivers can record up to 100 hours of programming, and you can also get receivers that can record up to 200 hours.
In addition to recording, a DVR receiver allows you to fast forward through commercials, and pause live TV so you can get a snack or answer the phone.
What is an HDTV receiver?
An HDTV receiver is a satellite receiver that produces a high definition signal, providing the clearest picture available. It also broadcasts the audio signal in Dolby Digital format for the best sound.
What does a satellite TV dish do?
A satellite TV dish captures the signal coming from a satellite, and deflects it to an LNB (low-noise block) converter where the signal is amplified and sent to a television receiver.
Where can I get a receiver and dish for free?
Most DISH Network and DIRECTV satellite TV dealers will give you a free dish and free receivers as an incentive to subscribe to satellite TV service through them.
DISH Network programming service starts at $19.99 for their Dish Family programming package. They will give you a free dish and up to four free receivers plus remotes when subscribe. You can also get a free DVR receiver or a free HDTV receiver.
DIRECTV programming starts at $41.99 for their Total Choice package. They offer a free dish and four free receivers plus remotes when you sign with them. A DVR or an HD receiver is free after a $99 mail-in rebate.
Some DISH Network and DIRECTV dealers include hidden fees, do shoddy installation, and may offer limited customer service, so you need to be careful when you choose a satellite TV dealer. Click on the links below to see recommended DISH Network and DIRECTV dealers.

Before you shop for satellite television service, there are a couple key factors that can save you time, and a whole lot of money. If you're searching for the best satellite TV service deal, you can narrow your search down to only two providers which are DirecTV and Dish Network.
I know there are many satellite TV retailers you can shop from online, but one thing many people tend to overlook is the fact that direct deals of either Dish Network or DirecTV will always be the same, while special incentives or promotional offers may vary between retailers.
You can think of DirecTV or Dish Network as satellite TV service providers, while those companies who sell Dish Network and DirecTV as satellite TV retailers. Not many retailers offer additional satellite TV deals other than what is offered by the satellite providers themselves.
Unless you are looking for an extra freebie offered by a retailer, that isn't offered by Dish Network or DirecTV, you are pretty much wasting your time. Only a couple of satellite TV retailers offer such extras like a free iPod or home theater system. These days, those additional offers are rare.
The main thing to keep in mind when shopping for satellite TV is the bottom line package deal and promotions offered directly from the source or satellite television provider. Promotional offers for satellite TV are nice, but you may want to consider the cost of service after the promotional period is up.
The cheapest satellite TV service by far is Dish Network. Dish Network's current promotional offer, which is subject to change at anytime, allows you to purchase a programming package for the price of the next lowest package price for ten months, and packages like America's top 60 only go up ten dollars after the promotion.
DirecTV's cheapest programming package is more than double the price of Dish Network's America's top 60 at the promotional rate, and about fifteen dollars more at regular price, but also provides more than double the channels. Adding more channels to your lineup tends to be slightly cheaper with Dish Network too.
Another factor to consider when ordering satellite TV service is the hardware or satellite TV equipment. While both DirecTV and Dish Network offer free DVR and HDTV receiver upgrades, most Dish Network retailers bring the equipment with them at the scheduled installation time, while most DirecTV retailers ship the equipment and the installer shows up later.
Some DirecTV retailers offer free shipping after a mail-in rebate, but Dish Network retailers often have no shipping charge at all. Ordering from DirecTV can sometimes lead to shipping fees and possible complications during installation, which most Dish Network retailers seem to avoid by bringing the equipment with them.
You'll need to have good credit to get free receivers from both DirecTV and Dish Network; However those with bad credit can still get satellite television service with Dish Network by paying 150 dollars for a receiver which powers two rooms or 200 dollars for two satellite TV receivers which is normally refunded in increments of 5 dollars.
Both Dish Network and DirecTV offer local channels for an additional 3 to 5 dollars plus pay per view or premium movie packages as add ons to your basic satellite TV programming package. While HDTV receivers are provided by both companies as a free upgrade, both charge extra for HD programming.

Get a satellite television receiver and watch hundreds of channels from across the world every day. Satellite TV solves the problems of range and distortion, which haunted the broadcast TV. Satellite television receiver transmits and receives radio signals from satellites orbiting the earth using antenna called satellite dishes. You can have all of this for a very reasonable price. This is called Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) Television.
How Does Satellite TV Work?
There are two major satellite TV providers in the US that operate their own satellites, which are DirecTV and Dish Network. These satellites are positioned thousands of miles above the earth. They are in geosynchronous orbit, which means they rotate with the earth. So, they are always in the same position as related to earth, hence you will not need to constantly readjust the position of your dish. The DBS providers operate satellite uplink stations. These stations receive programming from various affiliated networks such as ESPN, CNN or HBO. Due to the large size of video programming uplink, the data is then compressed, before being transmitted to a satellite. The satellite then relays it back to earth, received by the satellite dish mounted on your terrace or in your backyard. This is then sent to your satellite television receiver, which decodes the signals, so that you receive it as videos, images and sound.
You Are Spoilt For Choice
Your choices become abundant with satellite TV. You have the option of viewing up to 300 channels. What’s more, you can even choose your service provider and the package of channels you like best. This means, you even get to pick the price you pay for the best deal satellite TV.
There are two main DBS providers that you can choose from DirecTV satellite TV and Dish Network satellite TV. Of course, it is a rather difficult decision to make, because both the providers offer great packages. You need to see which offer gives you better options and then get the best satellite television receiver. Of course, the main factors to be considered while selecting a package are:
1. The programming channels
2. The cost
DirecTV vs. Dish Network
DirecTV launched the first communications satellite way back in 1994. This revolutionized TV viewing for millions in America. It offers you a huge range of packages. The chief reason for choosing DirecTV is often because they offer a wider variety of sports channels.
Dish Network offers similar price packages, including similar channels. However, the movie channels are not inclusive. You will have to buy a separate package for that. Yet, the prices remain at par with DirecTV. Often it is a good idea to look at what you prefer most, whether it is entertainment, language program, or sport, when making comparing DirecTV and Dish Network.

If you love being able to watch television when you want and where you want, Dish Network's new line of PocketDishes may be a great choice for you. Pocket Dishes are ultra compact portable entertainment systems that make it easy to take your favorite movies television programs, music, and pictures with you wherever you go. You can also play action adventure and role playing video games downloadable from Dish Network onto your PocketDish.
There are three different models in the PocketDish line. There's the super-compact entry level model, the AV402E, the mid sized AV500E, and the state of the art, AV700E. Each has a built in color LCD screen and a hard drive for storing music, digital photographs, video games, and video content. The music, video, and photos can be downloaded from any computer while the games and Dish Network program content can be downloaded through a Dish Network receiver.
The entry level AV402E has more limited capabilities than the other two, but in light of the fact that it's only 4.2 inches by 2.4 inches by 0.7 inches, having fewer bells and whistles is understandable. At 20 Gigabytes the AV402E's hard drive is still impressive. It can store up to 20 hours of Dish Network programs, 10,000 songs in WMA, MP3, or WAV formats, and 200,000 photos in JPEG format. The screen is only 2.2 inches and has a standard 4:3 aspect ratio which would make viewing shows in wide screen format extremely difficult. The AV402E also lacks speakers and instead relies on headphones to deliver audio. One thing that the AV402E has that the other models don't is an integrated microphone for taking notes.
The two other PocketDishes, the AV500E and the AV700E have more in common with each other than with the AV402E. They both have 16:9 aspect ratio screens to allow you to watch wide format movies. They also have built in speakers which eliminate the need for headphones. Some neat extras both come with are remote controls, docking stations, and viewing stands. But what really sets them apart form the AV402E is the fact that they're both Digital Video Recorders. That is, both the AV500E and the AV700E can record video off of almost any television, DVD player, cable box, satellite receiver, or VCR. Even better, when the AV500E or AV700E record video from a non-Dish Network source the storage capacity can as much as quadruple. This means that the AV700E, which can hold up to 40 hours of Dish Network programming, can hold as much as 160 hours of video from another source!

Have you heard the news? Dish Network has now officially become the top provider of home entertainment in the United States. They are leading all of their competition in the satellite television industry because they offer more selection in programming and a higher level of convenience than any other company. If you've been looking for home entertainment that is both exciting and affordable, look no further than Dish Network. Their knack for offering features that both entertain and make your life easier has garnered them rave reviews, with them recently leading a recent J.D. Power survey.

Dishnetwork understands that you'll sometimes have certain unexpected events come up that may cause you to have to take a break from your favorite programmming. So they have now included a free DVR (Digital Video Recorder) with each system you've purchased, if you're a first time customer. This wonderfully thrilling new piece of technology wil lactually allow viewers to pause and play or rewind and play any shows that they may have missed due to unexpected interruptions. In addition, it is possible to store up to an amazing 100 hours of your favorite programming. Think of it as your very own personalized commercial-free library, something that can best be described as the height of convenience!

In addition to this remarkable convenience offered by the DVR, Dish Network offers the most comprehensive and diverse channel lineup in all of satellite television. With an incredible 256 channels from which to choose, you'll never have a problem finding something that you'd enjoy watching. No matter what type of programming it is that you're looking for, it is sure to be part of Dishnetwork's broad and diverse programming package. What are some of the exciting options you'll be able to look forward to once you've made Dish Network your provider? There'll be a number of exciting movie channels, such as HBO, Cinemax, and Showtime. You'll also enjoy popular regional and national news networks, such as CNN and Fox News, as well as a ton of sports - both local and national, courtesy of networks like ESPN. There will be weather channels, adult programs, children-oriented programs, pay-per-view events, shopping networks, international broadcasting from select regions of the world, such as Italy, Spain, other parts of Europe, Asia, Latin America, and others. There is also now interactive gaming. Thanks to Dish Network, everything you've ever wanted in home entertainment is all here!

Millions of people have claimed that they agree with the idea that watching sports is an entertaining way to relax during their time away from work. Dish Network offers the very best in satellite television sports packages- whether it is national or regional, it's all here. All of the revered ESPN channels are accessible, as well as the newer Fox Sports. There are also a high number of pay-per-view sporting events that are available for your viewing pleasure. Again, as with all of its other programming, Dish Network Satellite TV is guaranteed to be the place to find what you're looking for when it comes to sports. The game is always on here, so enjoy!

Dish Network has amassed an incredible 12 million satisfied customers because of their incredible selection and superb customer service. It is now easier than ever for you to become a fortunate member of the Dish Network family. Simply call call the 24 hour toll-free number, 1-866-728-8812 today and mention promotion code 9811. Prepare yourself to receive the very best in programming and service!

Choosing the right HDTV or High Definition Television system can be a difficult task. Today there are so many options to choose from it can be difficult to know what will best fit your needs. One great choice is a receiver from the Dish network; they have an excellent line up of HD programming that will help you get the most of your HDTV.

Dish DVR

The Dish DVR is a great way to add flexibility to your HD-television watching. The Dish DVR sleep little box will allow you to record all of your favorite TV shows and then watch them at your convenience. This means never having to miss a show again no matter what time of day it is played. Not only will you be able to watch missed shows you will get the full High Definition experience still and not some cheap low quality VCR tape. This is great when there are two show you want to watch on at the same time. You can watch one of them and record the other and watch it a few hours later.

The added control and flexibility make for a great combination for total viewing pleasure. Many of the features on this model will become a standard in future models.

Features You Will Love

* Be able to pause and replay any show any segment at any time. This is great for sport events.

* You can be watching one show while simultaneously recording another show at the same time. Then later go back and watch the recorded version.

* Dobly Digital Surround Sound 5.1 where available.

How About A DVR and HD Receiver For One or Two Televisions

The Dish ViP622 HDTV satellite receiver is the perfect tool for High Definition programming. The pictures and colors are incredibly vibrant and full depth and clarity. These images are so optimized and perfected that they look almost three dimensional. This receiver is the Royals Royce of High Definition network. This model has the best picture quality and powerful DVR for recording your shows.

Dish ViP622 HDTV Features

* With this model your kids or wife will never have to argue with you about what to watch. With two television both can be watching one program each while recording a second program. That means you have the capability to watch and record a total of 4 shows at all times.

* 480i TV2 Display resolution

* Features EPG also known as Electronic Program Guide on-screen. This menu will show you listings for up to 9 days.

* Ablility to records up to 200 hours of standard definition programming or up to 30 hours of high definition programming.

* Easy On-screen Caller ID with history

Other Options Include DVR Standard Receiver for 2 Televisions

The Dish Player-DVR625 come ready with two tuners to allow the connection of two TV’s. Various programs can be recorded at the same time as other events are occurring. Various shows can also be watched separately on both televisions.

More HDTV Features

* You can record and watch programming on both televisions independently.

* On Screen Caller ID with a history.

* Records up to 100 hours of standard definition programming.

* Two satellite tuners allow you to select from two viewing options.

Many consumers can benefit from a satellite TV subscription. The reason satellite TV has become so popular is that it can offer more programming options than any other medium. Satellite TV systems in many cases come with peripherals and add-ons that the consumer will enjoy.

We all know new satellite TV subscribers who love to brag about and show off how many TV channels they get. Even the most basic satellite TV packages tend to have more channel diversity than your average cable TV package. So satellite TV subscribers end up getting more for their money than cable TV subscribers.

When it comes to peripherals and add-ons, satellite TV providers often go a long way to impress their subscribers. While both satellite TV and cable TV providers usually offer pay-per-view programming, satellite TV providers may also throw in such features as advanced remote controls and advanced parental locks. You might even find that satellite TV providers in your area offer video games and remote controls for when you can't find anything to watch.

When seeking a new satellite TV provider, look for offers for free installation. Also, pay attention to additional offers. Sometimes a satellite TV provider will provide free installation to more than one room in the house. The installation of a satellite dish is not what it used to be with the big dishes of many years ago. Some people are surprised to find out that installation often takes no more than 30 minutes.

RV Satellite TV Systems

In the good ol’ days, before DISH Network and DIRECTV made satellite TV available everywhere in the U.S., RVers had to find an RV park that had satellite hook ups, then spend time hooking up their systems.

Today, RV satellite TV systems are totally self contained. You can watch satellite TV anywhere, and setting up a satellite system is a piece of cake. All you have to do is aim your dish toward the area of the southern sky where you get the best reception and your done.

In addition to the hundreds of entertainment, news, and sports channels you get with satellite TV, you can also get Internet service so you can check your email or surf the web while you're on the road.

RV satellite TV equipment

The satellite TV equipment you'll need for your RV is the same as the equipment you have in your home - a satellite TV dish and receiver. You can even use the dish and receiver you have in your home, but for convenience sake most people end up getting a second dish and receiver for their RV.

Because you'll be on the move you'll need a movable stand so you can aim your dish at the satellite. The least expensive stands allow you to manually align your dish whenever you stop for the day. There are also dishes that automatically align your dish, and even "in-motion" systems that track a satellite as you drive so passengers can watch satellite TV while on the move.

To locate a dealer for RV satellite TV stands do an Internet search for "rv satellite tv dish mounts," call you local RV dealer, or check eBay for used equipment.

Satellite TV Providers

There are three major satellite TV providers - DIRECTV, DISH Network, and Sky Angel.

DIRECTV

DIRECTV is the largest satellite TV provider and is ranked second in customer satisfaction among satellite TV providers by J.D Power. They offer 250 channels of satellite TV programming including sports packages, movie channels, pay-per-view programs, and XM satellite radio channels.

DIRECT Programming starts at $41.99 per month for 155 satellite TV channels and goes up to $96.99 per month for 250 channels. You get a free satellite TV dish and up to four free receivers when you subscribe to their service.

DISH Network

DISH Network is the fastest-growing satellite TV provider and is ranked first in customer satisfaction by J.D. Power. They offer 350 channels, including movie channels, sports packages, Sirius satellite radio channels, and pay-per-view programs.

DISH Network programming starts at $19.99 per month for 40 satellite TV channels, and goes up to $74.99 for 350 channels. When you subscribe to their service you get a free satellite TV dish and up to four free receivers.

Sky Angel

Sky Angel is a Christian-oriented satellite TV provider offering Christian TV shows, special events, conferences, children's shows, inspirational programming, and radio programs.

Sky Angel's programming package is $14.99 per month and includes 20 TV program channels plus 15 satellite radio channels. Their equipment costs $149 for one satellite TV dish and one receiver.

Satellite Internet Service

With satellite Internet service you can surf the web and get your email anywhere in the world. Satellite Internet service offers and always-on connection, a connection speed that's 10 times faster than dialup service, and multiple email addresses.

Using the C_Band from the Atlantic Bird-3 Satellite for the Reception of Weather Satellite Photos

Kobus Botha (South Africa)

During February 2004 I decided to go for MSG of Eumetsat and gave myself five months to receive my first pictures—but what an experience it was.

Firstly I registered with EUMETSAT—very nice people there. I then bought the hardware and had a special computer built for me. My dish is a 1.8-metre solid dish. The LNB is a Zintech C-band (uplink 3.4 - 4.2 GHz, downlink 950 - 1750 MHz, polarization is dualpol and noise temperature is 17K).

It was not so difficult to locate the satellite. I used a computer program to calculate it for me.The program I used was Satco DX. You can use this program to calculate the exact position of the satellite for your particular position. You have to put in your coordinates in the program- it will then indicate graphically your position on a nice map as well as the dish size needed and the azimuth and elevation of the dish(please see the screen shot).

In my case the azimuth is 304 and the elevation 43. I manual turned the dish more or less in the correct position. The cable was at this stage already connected to the Vbox card (more details later)in my computer.Please note that at this stage you must configure your Vbox card – I will explain how to do this later in this article.I used a signal strength meter( there are many types on the market- I used the Satfinder which is available at most dealers in dishes)to get the best signal(it is indicated on a scale of 1-10 on the meter) although this meter was not good enough for the final adjustments which had to be completed from the computer(I will explain this later).I cut the cable about two metres from the dish and inserted the signal strength meter there. So I finally turned the dish manually till I received the strongest signal. The meter was removed and replaced by a barrel connector. Back at my computer the signal strength was 82% as indicated on the software of Vbox.My cable length is about 40 metres, so I fitted an inline amplifier(at the position where the cable was cut) to find that the signal was better without it!

I really suffered with the receiving card. Firstly I used an ordinary TV card but after many hours realised that the sotfware supplied with it was not compatable with the Tellique software of EUMETSAT. So I bought the card which Eumetsat tested, the Broadlogic Vbox 2030 PCI card.Very important here is that the software of the card must make provision for TCP-IP settings.

Please remove any firewalls on your computer- if not you will have major software problems.

My computer is a Pentium-4 with 2.8 GHz processor, 1GB RAM and 80GB hard drive. The graphics card has 128MB built in RAM. I use only one computer and now have absolutely no problems. I do everything at the same time: receiving, decoding, saving, animating and all the other options. You really do not need two computers. I use the excellent software of David Taylor- and really enjoy the animator program.

Now back to the final adjustments of the dish.I spent many hours on this part, specially to get the best position of the polarization of the LNB.The polarization of the LNB is very important- polarization means that the plane of the receiving part of the LNB must be the same as that of the transponder of the satellite- in the case of Atlantic bird it is circular-left(when a normal yagi antenna is for example in a vertical position, the polarization will be vertical, etc.).To get the LNB in the best position it must thus be turned-circularly. The signal strength meter is not good enough for this job. In the case of the Vbox the software indicate the signal to noise ratio(see the screen-shot on “tuner status”. You need two persons for this job- one to turn the LNB and one to check the signal to noise ratio on the software of Vbox- both with a two-way radio to communicate. Try to get the highest figure- if possible 3 or higher. This figure is changing continuously- it may even go negative, but don’t worry. On average it should be more or less between 2 and 3.

With all of the stories about rising cable television prices and the rumors of satellite TV and weather related problems and outages, just who are you supposed to believe? I mean, really- there’s almost as much opponent bashing here as in a presidential election! Fortunately for consumers, a bit of research combined with a dash of history is all that’s needed for making the right decision.

First, let’s compare the monthly cost of the two. An average analog, 64-channel cable bill runs about $40 per month. If you want a digital picture and sound, add another $11. Additional televisions on your plan will cost between $4 and $11 per month, depending on if you have the digital plan or not. Of course, all local channels are included.

A typical, 60-channel satellite bill is about $33, including additional televisions hooked up. Digital programming is included, as that’s all that satellites do. Local channels may be included, depending on your provider, or may cost a nominal monthly fee.

Satellite is the clear winner in cost.

Customer satisfaction is again in favor of satellite, with a 1% outage average, while cable runs about 3-5% in outages. With satellite again in the lead, Direct TV and Dish Network have best overall satisfaction rating according J.D. Power & Associates.

Comparing the Top 2- Dish Network and DirecTV

In order to fairly and accurately compare the two leading satellite contenders, there are a few things that need to be taken into consideration by you, the consumer. First, Dish Network currently has a wider variety of HDTV (High definition) channels, 29 to be exact. DirecTV has 9. If you don’t own a High-Def television, this doesn’t affect you.

On the other hand, DirecTV is the only satellite provider with the NFL Sunday Ticket, an available subscription that enables you to watch up to 14 pro football games each week, even those beyond your local area. But if you don’t care for football or just like to root for the home team, this feature doesn’t matter to you. College ball fans will be pleased to know that both providers carry these high-spirited games through different available program additions.