Satellite TV vs Cable TV

What are the major differences between DirecTV and cable television? The general consensus is that DirecTV has been light years ahead of cable television for a number of years now. Only recently have the cable companies begun to create a more competitive lineup-resembling satellite TV's options-in order to stay competitive with the satellite TV industry. DIRECTV has been satellite TV's most competitive company, and offers numerous channels, excellent picture quality and lower prices.

The most noticeable difference in satellite TV vs cable TV is the price. Cable TV continues to charge expensive package deals for even the most basic options. Most Cable TV bills run about $100.00 a month for only regular cable stations, with no included Internet access or DVR (Digital Video Recorder) options. While you may have heard of a special deal from your cable company for an all-inclusive package, remember to look at the tiny asterisk below the giant text, which reminds households that after the special term, prices will return to normal. DirecTV offers more channels than cable and for a much lower price. The most basic plan of DirecTV costs less then ½ of most cable plans and they also ofer a wider range of programming options to customize your viewing habits. You can focus on basic service, movies, sports or all of the above.

Satellite TV includes popular movie channels in their package deals, including HBO, Cinemax, Showtime and Starz. In addition, they also carry regional channels, specialty sports networks and commercial-free Satellite radio channels. Special channels like NFL Sunday Ticket and NCAA Mega March Madness are only available on DIRECTV and not from your local cable company.

How does cable compare to satellite TV in terms of customer satisfaction? While most cable companies test poorly in customer satisfaction, DIRECTV has consistently been ranked #1 in customer satisfaction, most recently by JD Power for the category of "Cable and Satellite Providers for Customer Satisfaction." Most cable companies base of customers consist of unhappy subscribers who basically choose cable over network TV. (After all, some apartment complexes don't allow satellite TV)

One misconception is that satellite TV is consistently unavailable and very dependent on ideal weather conditions. This has been greatly exaggerated. In fact, statistics show that 99.96% of the time, DIRECTV will be available, no matter what the outside weather is doing. This is contrast to most cable companies who will inexplicably cut off their customers' cable for any reason. DIRECTV also offers a special "Mover Connection" for households that are in the process of moving.

DIRECTV has a higher quality of content, 100% digital and many channels broadcast in high definition through the DIRECTV HD package. You can also use the newest digital technology to record all your favorite programs, without the need for a VCR. You simply order the DVR receiver and program your favorite programs to save. You can even rewind and pause live TV! (Although the option to fast-forward live TV, during those pesky commercials and such, remains on your Santa's wish list)

The biggest difference between DIRECTV and Cable has been in the level of customer satisfaction. The people have spoken! The results are in-millions of cable subscribers switched from cable to DirecTV in 2006. There are always new DIRECTV deals available year round to give you just a little more incentive.