Choosing a Satellite Television Provider

Answer 1

There are only two major satellite providers in the US offering television via satellite. One is DirecTV and the other is Dish Network. However, even though there are only two competitors the competition is lively. Both companies are doing their best to lock in customers for at least a year’s service by offering special deals and packages. There is more to consider than just the monthly bill.

Satellite TV companies now offer local channels in their lineup. It used to be a big drawback that satellite TV didn’t have local channels. Satellite TV has high-definition channels and for the premium channels such as HBO and Showtime, there is a competitive advantage over some cable TV providers in that there are more premium channels available in the satellite TV packages. Satellite TV had On Demand services before cable with many Pay-Per-View channels in both Dish Network and DirecTV’s lineup.

The downside is that a satellite receiver box needs to be connected at each television in the house in order to watch a different channel on each TV. Also, old TV cable may not be suitable to carry the satellite TV signals, which then requires a new cable being run to each television location. Another downside is that a small satellite signal receiving dish needs to be mounted outside, usually on the roof or wall of the home or business. Furthermore service contracts can vary. Where cable TV companies would send out a repairman to pretty much fix anything that caused their signal to stop getting to your TV, satellite providers may have the consumer do some basic troubleshooting himself before a repairman is sent out. Plus, there may be additional fees involved for service calls where a cable provider may not charge for the work.

Satellite TV signals can be affected by vegetation growing up and blocking the dish such as trees getting taller or leafing out in the spring. Signals can be interrupted by heavy snow and rain. The amount of complaints of signal loss is lessened now due to better equipment and better installation practices. Satellite television providers used to argue that the cable company was just retransmitting signals received by satellite in order to prove that cable TV can go out in a storm too. However, cable TV providers utilize much higher grade signal receiving equipment than consumer grade satellite reception equipment so it is not a valid argument.

There are those who absolutely swear by the television service their satellite TV company offers just as there are those who equally swear by the great service of their cable TV provider. Both major satellite TV providers and most cable companies provide a great television experience for their customers. So it comes down to a matter of whether or not one may want that little dish stuck to the roof or wall, and whether or not one is willing to do a bit of troubleshooting before a repairman will come out if something quits working. Be sure to read the fine print of any contract to see who will pay for what if something goes wrong.