Cable TV and Satellite: Getting the Best Deals
by Archie Harris on 2007-09-22
Every business market in the world is cutthroat. Companies are constantly trying to one-up each other through better prices and better service. The market of home entertainment television is no different. The war between Satellite and Cable providers is getting more competitive every day, but the offers being made by Satellite companies like DirecTV have the competition scrambling.
What You Get For Your Money
Unless you are a millionaire, you most likely pay close attention to the quality of product you get for the money you are spending. Well, even millionaires do that. That’s how they amassed and keep their fortune. When you examine both types of television providers you get a good idea why DirecTV is so appealing. Let’s look at Cable first.
Service rates can vary depending on where you live in the country while Satellite rates are the same no matter where you live. In my area in the Northeast, Standard Packages average $49 for 74 channels. I checked different locations in the South, MidWest, and out West to see how much difference there was. For that same $49 the channel numbers that are provided varied from 74 to 86. Now, look at what Satellite is offering.
With DirecTV, that same $49 package gives you 195 channels. Don’t forget, that number will not change depending on where you live. Not only do you get over 100 more channels, new subscribers are given 12 months of either a Showtime Movie Channel Package or a Starz Movie Package for no additional costs. The Showtime Package has nine different movie channels while the Starz Package has twelve different channels.
Perhaps $49 is more than you wanted to spend, so we’ll go down to the next package level. Direct TV next package starts at $39 and gives you over 155 channels. Cable’s next package averages around $30 and you will be hard pressed to find more than 40 channels anywhere. Sure, there is a $9 difference between the two, but you will still be getting over a 110 more channels with Direct TV.
Even More Bang For Your Buck
Okay, the number of channels per package price makes Cable providers look pretty bad. It’s about to get worse as we take a look at the different types of equipment being offered by both. First, we will see what Direct TV is giving new subscribers.
No matter whether you choose their least expensive or their most expensive packages, you get all of the following for free. First off, you get all the equipment you need and have it installed by professional technicians for free. You get a free equipment upgrade of either a DVR (Digital Video Recorder) or a HD (High Definition) receiver. What else is free? They will also give and install up to four Satelite receivers in your home creating the ability to watch four different shows in four different places at the same time. No more fighting with each other over who gets to watch their show. Now, how does Cable compare with this? Cable also offers DVR and HD receivers, but you could be paying up to $10 or $15 for each one. What about getting the extra receivers installed throughout your home? That could cost up to $10 per room.
Still Need Convincing?
The most important factor many people consider when buying a product is what past users of it think. Again Cable Television falls short. For the past six years, Direct TV has been ranked ahead of every Cable provider when it comes to Customer Satisfaction. If they have all been so pleased with their service, there is no reason why you won’t be also.
What You Get For Your Money
Unless you are a millionaire, you most likely pay close attention to the quality of product you get for the money you are spending. Well, even millionaires do that. That’s how they amassed and keep their fortune. When you examine both types of television providers you get a good idea why DirecTV is so appealing. Let’s look at Cable first.
Service rates can vary depending on where you live in the country while Satellite rates are the same no matter where you live. In my area in the Northeast, Standard Packages average $49 for 74 channels. I checked different locations in the South, MidWest, and out West to see how much difference there was. For that same $49 the channel numbers that are provided varied from 74 to 86. Now, look at what Satellite is offering.
With DirecTV, that same $49 package gives you 195 channels. Don’t forget, that number will not change depending on where you live. Not only do you get over 100 more channels, new subscribers are given 12 months of either a Showtime Movie Channel Package or a Starz Movie Package for no additional costs. The Showtime Package has nine different movie channels while the Starz Package has twelve different channels.
Perhaps $49 is more than you wanted to spend, so we’ll go down to the next package level. Direct TV next package starts at $39 and gives you over 155 channels. Cable’s next package averages around $30 and you will be hard pressed to find more than 40 channels anywhere. Sure, there is a $9 difference between the two, but you will still be getting over a 110 more channels with Direct TV.
Even More Bang For Your Buck
Okay, the number of channels per package price makes Cable providers look pretty bad. It’s about to get worse as we take a look at the different types of equipment being offered by both. First, we will see what Direct TV is giving new subscribers.
No matter whether you choose their least expensive or their most expensive packages, you get all of the following for free. First off, you get all the equipment you need and have it installed by professional technicians for free. You get a free equipment upgrade of either a DVR (Digital Video Recorder) or a HD (High Definition) receiver. What else is free? They will also give and install up to four Satelite receivers in your home creating the ability to watch four different shows in four different places at the same time. No more fighting with each other over who gets to watch their show. Now, how does Cable compare with this? Cable also offers DVR and HD receivers, but you could be paying up to $10 or $15 for each one. What about getting the extra receivers installed throughout your home? That could cost up to $10 per room.
Still Need Convincing?
The most important factor many people consider when buying a product is what past users of it think. Again Cable Television falls short. For the past six years, Direct TV has been ranked ahead of every Cable provider when it comes to Customer Satisfaction. If they have all been so pleased with their service, there is no reason why you won’t be also.
About The Author: Joseph Reed delivers consumers the latest satellite TV reviews and deals. A tech writer for over 17 years, Mr. Reed navigates his way through the confusing world of cutting edge entertainment and discovers the best consumer friendly deals out there from companies like Dish Network and DirecTV. If you're thinking about purchasing satellite television make sure you read Joseph Reed's articles first.