- 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
Choosing the services
Find out which types of service are available in your area, then make your choice
CABLE
Pros. No up-front costs. Basic digital cable can be the least-expensive way (other than an antenna) to get HD. More options for bundling with Internet and phone service. Video on demand.
Cons. Customers complain more about price hikes and changes in channel lineup than satellite users. Only one provider in most markets. Bundled rates might require service commitment.
SATELLITE
Pros. Choice of two companies. Dish Network has most HD (30 channels). DirecTV promises 100-plus HD channels later this year. Higher customer satisfaction than with cable.
Cons. You might have to pay for hardware or installation. Requires a service commitment. Local channels still not offered in all areas. No true video on demand yet. The dish must have an unobstructed view to receive signals.
FIBER-OPTIC (PHONE) TV
Pros. The biggest "pipe" into the home, with the potential to carry many HD channels. No up-front costs. Video on demand.
Cons. Available only in select markets and expansion is likely to be slow. Newcomer to the TV market; we have little data yet from users.
Pros. No up-front costs. Basic digital cable can be the least-expensive way (other than an antenna) to get HD. More options for bundling with Internet and phone service. Video on demand.
Cons. Customers complain more about price hikes and changes in channel lineup than satellite users. Only one provider in most markets. Bundled rates might require service commitment.
SATELLITE
Pros. Choice of two companies. Dish Network has most HD (30 channels). DirecTV promises 100-plus HD channels later this year. Higher customer satisfaction than with cable.
Cons. You might have to pay for hardware or installation. Requires a service commitment. Local channels still not offered in all areas. No true video on demand yet. The dish must have an unobstructed view to receive signals.
FIBER-OPTIC (PHONE) TV
Pros. The biggest "pipe" into the home, with the potential to carry many HD channels. No up-front costs. Video on demand.
Cons. Available only in select markets and expansion is likely to be slow. Newcomer to the TV market; we have little data yet from users.
