Compare Satellite TV
Satellite TV has become an increasingly viable form of paid television service
that has grown to the point where it is challenging cable television. The advent
of direct broadcast satellite (DBS) television services, otherwise known as
digital satellite TV, in 1994 has been the main proponent of satellite TV’s
rise. The equipment that it utilizes, particularly the satellite dish, have
improved from previous satellite TV technology to the point that satellite TV
is no longer an inconvenient form of television technology for television viewers.
Because of the presence of digital technology, the sound and picture quality of satellite TV is of the highest quality. Additionally, satellite TV has drastically
increased the range of television programming that is now accessible at the
fingertips for television viewers. Regardless of what
form of paid television service that you eventually choose, you would have to
agree that the rise of satellite TV has improved television technology for the
better for all television viewers.
The Choices Are...
When deciding what type of satellite TV you want, you will invariably be choosing
among satellite TV providers. The two largest satellite TV providers are Direct
TV and the Dish Network, who are currently competing with smaller upstarts such
as Pegasus and Voom. The purpose of satellite TV providers is to provide TV
programming options to the satellite TV viewers.
Similar to cable television
services, satellite TV providers charge a monthly subscription rate for viewers
to access a package of available television channels. These satellite TV providers
share many television channels but they also are the sole providers of other
specific networks.
The Set-Up
For the most part, the equipment that is used by each satellite TV provider
is the same. Although satellite TV providers use different broadcasting satellites,
there are few variations among the hardware that they use. Additionally, the
potential satellite TV subscriber should not worry about equipment and installation
costs.
As satellite TV providers make the bulk of their profit through their
monthly subscriptions, they usually bundle the equipment required to receive
satellite TV transmissions and the installation services for this equipment
with a twelve month subscription. The profits that these satellite TV providers
are able to make from their subscription rates make the losses of either giving
away or charging low rates for the satellite TV equipment and installation services
negligible.
What to Compare
When attempting to compare satellite TV, it is important to examine these
issues:
Quality of Transmission For the most part, satellite TV utilizes high
quality digital technology and transmits programs broadcast by digital channels.
As a result, satellite TV providers produce a 100% high quality digital transmission. This is different from digital cable TV packages that utilize
digital technology but are unable to convert analog programs into digital programs.
Programming One of the most important byproducts of satellite TV technology
is that television watchers are now able to enjoy much more varied programming
through an increase of available channels. The type of subscription package
that you purchase from a satellite TV provider will dictate the programming,
but Direct TV, the Dish Network and Pegasus offer over 200 television channels.
Voom offers over 100 television channels.
There are also differences in the type of programming that the satellite TV companies provide. Comparing Direct TV and the Dish Network
in terms of the type of programming that they offer, generally Direct TV offers
more sports programming whereas Dish Network offers more international programming.
City Accessibility As satellite TV increases in popularity, the services
provided by satellite TV providers will increase their availability among the
country. However, currently Direct TV does not provide service to Oklahoma City,
Albuquerque, Honolulu and Grand Rapids. Conversely, the Dish Network does not
provide satellite TV service to Las Vegas, Memphis, Milwaukee, Columbus and
Baltimore.
Cost It is difficult to compare satellite TV prices because it depends
on the type of satellite TV package that you are interested in. Generally, satellite
TV providers offer a range of programming packages that will increase in channels
with an increase in price. It is important to note that the cost of satellite
TV packages will always change to match the growing competition within the satellite
TV market and to match the growth of the paid satellite TV market as a whole.
Here is a comparison of current satellite TV provider costs:
- The Dish Network offers basic packages that range from $24.99 per month
to $77.99 per month.
- Direct TV offers basic packages that range from $36.99 per month to $87.99
per month
- Pegasus offers basic packages that range from $39.99 per month to $42.99
per month.
- Voom offers basic packages that range from $39.90 per month to $79.90 per
month.
Performance Differences When comparing the performance differences
between Direct TV and the Dish Network, it is important to note that there are
only subtle differences. The best Direct TV setups are slightly easier to use
than Dish Network setups, but recent testing has shown that Dish Network systems
offer a slightly better overall picture than Direct TV systems.
Customer Service As growing companies, the two largest satellite TV
providers have increased their customer service to help their subscribers at
any time. Both Direct TV and the Dish Network offer online customer service
that enables subscribers the ability to access their current statements, prior
statements, online user manuals and online installation guides. Additionally,
these online services allow subscribers to add packages and make account payments.
Warranty Both the Dish Network and Direct TV offer a full year warranty
to their subscribers that commences on the day of service activation. For their
subscribers, both companies offer a 24-hour customer service line. Direct TV
also provides high quality in-house servicing.
