Moving might be the ideal opportunity to think about changing your television provider and experimenting with a different service. Take a moment to consider satellite TV while you explore your options.
The needs of your family and where you live will decide which new TV provider you pick. Continue reading if you're looking into satellite TV and want to know more about your provider options.
This form of television transmission distributes content digitally from a TV satellite orbiting our planet to an antenna that is mounted on your roof and is referred to as a "TV dish" or "TV satellite." A receiver is installed inside your home, close to your television, that decodes the signal into the television show you want to view.
DIRECTV and DISH are the two leading providers of satellite TV services. Here is a brief overview of their service to give you a sense of what both providers have to offer. Prices and information vary depending on the area. To determine whether they meet the entertainment needs of your family, take into account the cost, the channels offered, sports packages, and DVR equipment.
The Hopper 3 DVR is without a doubt the greatest DVR available, and DISH Network is the most cost-effective satellite TV provider. Having said that, DIRECTV is the greatest satellite TV provider for sports aficionados and offers more HD channels. So which of these two satellite TV providers is better, DIRECTV or DISH?
Let’s compare the two in the table below!
Provider | Price | Contract | Channels | DVR | Best Packages |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
DISH | $69.99/mo.-$104.99/mo. | Two-year contract | 290+ | Hopper 3 (+$5.00/mo.) |
America’s Top 120+ (190+ channels) $64.99/mo. |
Although each premium TV provider has its own advantages, most people prefer DISH Network. With NFL SUNDAY TICKET and a ton of sports channels, DIRECTV is the greatest option for sports enthusiasts. However, DISH is more affordable, offers a two-year price guarantee, is equipped with the industry-leading Hopper 3 DVR and parental controls, and offers a wide variety of sports channels—but not NFL Sunday Ticket.
If you're driving through a rural area anywhere in the world, you might see satellite dishes sticking out from every rooftop. Why are they so popular?
Whether you reside in a place where fiber TV is a new choice or a city where the cable is the norm, it might not matter much to you. However, cable has a limited geographic reach, and fiber is currently only available in a few major cities. Therefore, these types of TV services are probably not an option if you relocate to a county where rural residences are separated by great distances.
Since the signals are sent from space to a dish that is mounted in your room, satellite TV is not limited by geography. They work best in remote locations where there are no cable TV providers.
If you move to a rural town, satellite TV offers an edge over cable TV. You cannot take your equipment around when you use cable TV. Furthermore, if you are relocating to a different area, your current service provider may not be available there, therefore you will want to sign up for a brand-new service.
This issue does not exist with satellite TV. In most cases, a provider's set-top boxes are identical, so all you must do is install the TV and ensure the dish antenna is pointed in the appropriate direction.
Additionally, most satellite TV providers offer bundled satellite TV plans. To meet your connectivity needs, you can use a combination of your phone, internet, and TV. For instance, AT&T owns DIRECTV, thus their Triple Play Bundle covers all three. You must consider signing up with an ISP independently because not all satellite TV providers offer internet in all locations.
Most frequently, satellite TV providers offer packages with a wide range of channels, particularly for national programs, news, and sports.
Since satellite broadcasts are digital, all channels are in HD quality for Ultra-HD TVs. In addition to broadcasting in HD, many cable channels also use analog signals with regular resolution. If you own top-of-the-line technology and enjoy watching sports with crystal-clear reception, this can be a bummer.
Where there are pros, there are cons. Here are a few downsides of having a satellite TV connection
Satellite TV requires a dish that is oriented at the sky, and inclement weather can make digital transmissions unstable. Ice accumulation on the dish antenna and heavy rain can both affect the signal's reception. The dish may be blown over or have its orientation altered by strong winds.
Local channels might not be available on satellite TV.
Local networks are included in all basic and premium cable television packages, but some satellite providers will not offer them. You have to verify the bundles to see if local programming is offered or switch to cable to get it.
The same cables used to deliver quality television programming can also be used by cable companies to deliver internet access. Users of satellite TV will have to sign up for a DSL connection, which is an additional expense and inconvenience. DSL often moves more slowly than wired broadband.
In a cable vs satellite TV war, picking one means weighing your options. It all comes down to where you live and what you need.
The majority of people would prefer cable television to satellite. Both the price and the likelihood of signal interruptions are lower. However, there are still some situations in which a satellite dish could be preferred, such as living in a rural location or needing an NFL Sunday Ticket. Keep in mind that satellite TV implies "no cables," making it a better choice if you move around the country frequently.
You can tailor your satellite TV bundles and get high-definition TV channels for a clearer viewing experience. The service’s On-demand meets entertainment needs very well if you want to watch blockbuster hits and TV shows and enjoy their simultaneous recording capabilities.
The prices range from $69.99/mo. to $104.99/mo. for DISH TV plans.
The cheapest DIRECTV plan starts from $64.99/mo. and offers 155+ channels.
Yes, bad weather can significantly impact your satellite TV connection.