Thursday, April 7, 2011

Which Is Best - Dish or Cable?

By Ryan Steele


Dish Network or cable, which one is best is often a question asked. There are advantages either way, and both are globally marketed. A wide variety of worldwide options are available through Dish Network, or satellite TV, and stations come in many languages, topics, or areas of interest. Up to 300 stations can be accessed over a single dish with satellite capabilities.

The versatility of satellite TV allows it to be used even in places where there are no fiber-optic lines available. The dish is attached to the outside of the home or is mounted on a pole or building separate, should interference be a problem. Whether in the mountains, desert, or by a river, it can be done with more than one place of viewing inside the home.

A video recorder, digitally based, comes with the installment of the satellite, for recording of programming for later viewing. The viewer can record programs to DVD disks for home use as well. A high volume of storage allows recording of movies or other programs lasting hours in a small amount of time. Monthly plans include free installation with time contracts.

Local communities may have particular policies, either written or unwritten about installation of satellite apparatus. Homeowners associationa may not allow mounting in their development. They may think that it is not in good taste, or that the dishes are unsightly. Cable in these communities may have more options that are similar to those from the satellite company.

Cable is often locally controlled. The satellite dishes that receive the network programming are located at the cable company. Programming is packaged for resale to individuals depending upon viewing habits and desires. Wiring runs from home to home through a community network of fiber-optics, with boxes at each home receiving the wiring and connecting to the television set. These boxes determine the type of programming available depending upon the subscription package. Multiple stations can be set up throughout the home, just as with satellite networking.

Some local stations still offer analog services along with digital services. Digital brings more options, including more channels, menu options, an interactive screen, pay per view, and other amenities. Digital signals are noise free, and have sharper image resolution. Note that not all cable is high definition (HD). There may be programs that are specifically HD and those that are not. In order to view with HD, it is necessary to have an HD television. 3D is also becoming available for additional fees.

Satellite viewing prices are determined by the number of channels chosen. Sixty basic channels usually cost about $25 a month. Double it and still pay less than $30. Double again, and raise the price about $10 a month. Other types of packages are offered depending upon the programming desired. HD for life can be added for no additional charge. Local channels are also offered through satellite based television.

Dish Network or cable, which one is best may simply be personal opinion. With televisions that are high quality and programming having additional options, it just may be a matter of the type of television and what is on the outside connecting it to the world.




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