- In this report
- Overview
- Choosing a TV service
- The pros and cons
ELECTRONICS FORUMS  Get real-world advice from others about choosing a new TV, digital camera, computer or cell phone. |
October 2007
Television service
How to choose among cable, satellite, or fiber optic TV service providers
Even if you're not in the market for a new TV, you might be wondering whether it's time to change your TV service. Ads from
cable and satellite companies promising more HD programming, improved picture quality, easy recording, and more could tempt
you to upgrade your package or even switch providers.
Phone companies might be pitching you TV service too. Over the last year, Verizon and AT&T began slowly rolling out fiber-optic networks that can handle TV services along with voice calls and Internet access. Verizon's service is called FiOS, and AT&T's is U-verse. You might see such services referred to generically as fiber to the home, or FTTH. Verizon and AT&T are now selling TV service in limited areas. It's unclear whether they'll ultimately offer it in all the markets where they sell phone service.
Still, the prospect of more choices for viewers, plus more competition for cable and satellite providers, is a plus for consumers. Many cable customers might welcome another alternative, given their gripes over rising rates.
Cable rates have almost doubled over the last decade, according to the Federal Communications Commission. Increases were lowest in the few markets with more than one cable company.
Price isn't the only bone of contention for consumers. Despite the steady increase in HD availability, there still isn't enough programming for HDTV owners. Nearly 70 percent of the cable and satellite subscribers we surveyed characterized availability of HD content as average or poor and only 7 percent said it was excellent.
In contrast, the vast majority of respondents were very satisfied with the quality of HD programming they get from cable or satellite. Those findings send a message: HD quality is fine but give us more channels.
Phone companies might be pitching you TV service too. Over the last year, Verizon and AT&T began slowly rolling out fiber-optic networks that can handle TV services along with voice calls and Internet access. Verizon's service is called FiOS, and AT&T's is U-verse. You might see such services referred to generically as fiber to the home, or FTTH. Verizon and AT&T are now selling TV service in limited areas. It's unclear whether they'll ultimately offer it in all the markets where they sell phone service.
Still, the prospect of more choices for viewers, plus more competition for cable and satellite providers, is a plus for consumers. Many cable customers might welcome another alternative, given their gripes over rising rates.
Cable rates have almost doubled over the last decade, according to the Federal Communications Commission. Increases were lowest in the few markets with more than one cable company.
Price isn't the only bone of contention for consumers. Despite the steady increase in HD availability, there still isn't enough programming for HDTV owners. Nearly 70 percent of the cable and satellite subscribers we surveyed characterized availability of HD content as average or poor and only 7 percent said it was excellent.
In contrast, the vast majority of respondents were very satisfied with the quality of HD programming they get from cable or satellite. Those findings send a message: HD quality is fine but give us more channels.
