Cable

Pros Few or no up-front costs or contracts. Has all local broadcasts, including community channels. Best for video-on-demand (VOD) movies and special events, including, for some carriers, high-def VOD.

Cons Limited bandwidth has prevented some carriers from adding HD channels or offering high-def on-demand movies. Satisfaction with most cable carriers is lower than for other providers in our survey.

What's new Larger carriers are replacing older networks with higher-capacity "hybrid" fiber coaxial systems that run fiber to local residential "nodes" and use standard coaxial cable into the home. Some carriers are dropping analog stations to make room for more HD and VOD.

Satellite

Pros Generally more satisfying than cable in our surveys. The most HD content at present.

Cons Limited on-demand offerings. Bad weather can knock out reception. Must acquire equipment, though it might be provided free in exchange for signing a contract. Getting HD might require a new or additional satellite dish.

What's new DirecTV and Dish plan to broaden on-demand offerings, which are limited so far, especially in HD. Both allow at least some older standard-def movies to be downloaded via broadband to a DVR. DirecTV also "pushes" newer movies to the DVR each month. You pay for them only if you view them.

phone-company TV

Pros Provides the most bandwidth, minimizing need to compromise picture and sound quality. High scores and user satisfaction for Verizon FiOS, the only telco in our survey.

Cons Limited availability. TV service might not be offered in a market as soon as Internet and phone. Might require a contract when bundled with other services. Extensive installation. Fewer HD channels than satellite or some cable companies, at least for now.

What's new HD on-demand is developing; Verizon introduced it in five cities at the end of 2007 and says it will be available to all its customers later this year. AT&T says its system supports HD VOD, but it hasn't released a timetable for availability. Other smaller telcos are considering TV service.