Comparing Satellite and Cable TV

Cable and satellite TV are two television-broadcasting systems that differ in the technologies they use and the benefits they offer. Before understanding the differences between satellite and cable television systems, let us look at each of them separately.

Satellite TV: It is a television system wherein television signals are relayed by means of communication satellites. In many parts of the world, satellite TV has successfully replaced terrestrial television systems. A satellite television setup consists of a parabolic dish housing an antenna having uplink transmission facilities. The uplink dish is directed towards a particular satellite. The transponders in the satellite receive the signals from uplink antennas and retransmit them to Earth at a different frequency band. To know about the mechanism in depth, you must read about how satellite TV works.

Cable TV: Cable television system provides channel viewing by means of radio frequency signals, which are transmitted through coaxial cables or fixed optical fibers. In countries, where over-the-air transmission was difficult due to geographical or climatic conditions, cable television was the only feasible solution. This led to the launching of cable television system in 1948. Today, cable television is widely used in almost all continents, including North America, Europe and East Asia, except Africa, where it is less popular.

Now, let us try to compare the two television systems in order to understand the differences between them.

Satellite TV v/s Cable TV

Although satellite TV is hugely different from cable TV, there are certain similarities between them. Firstly, both satellite and cable TV systems enable the television users to view local channels. Secondly, both can provide the users with Internet services. Another similarity between cable TV and satellite TV is that their equipment is leased to the television users and installation of the system can take about 1-5 days.

Here is an overview of the major differences between the satellite and cable TV systems.

A satellite TV equipment comprises one satellite dish and a set of about four receivers. Its installation is free of cost. With cable TV, consumers need cable boxes, which connect the incoming cable lines to the television set. A satellite connection requires an unobstructed view of the southern sky to allow the reception of signals. The installation costs for cable TV setup varies depending on the cable TV providers.

Satellite providers do not require paying taxes levied by the local government. Thus, satellite TV charges relatively lesser fee per month as compared to the cable TV. In fact, satellite TV provides the consumers with many more channels and better picture quality for a price less than that of cable TV. Depending on the taxes levied, cable TV is subject to price hikes, which is not the case with satellite TV.

Satellite TV programing is different from that of the cable TV. In many cases, cable TV offers as many channels as offered by satellite television. However, for a digital transmission of video and audio, the users are required to pay additional fees. Satellite TV channels are relayed in the digital format. It supports high definition TV programming and offers a better picture and sound quality.

Cable TV offers around 180 channels on an average whereas satellite television offers up to 350 channels. The latter offers certain sports and movie packages, which are not available with the cable TV network. Satellite TV comes with a digital video recorder for free while cable TV users have to pay for this service. Also, satellite TV offers other attractive services like interactive shopping, personal video recording and pay-per-view movies.

While some cable subscribers are happy, many are dissatisfied with its limited channel selection, high monthly fees and relatively poor quality of reception. On the whole, satellite TV ranks higher in customer satisfaction and has managed to keep a large section of television viewers happy.