What’s the difference between cable and satellite TV?

What’s the difference between cable and satellite TV?

In the technology intensive world we live in, television isn’t as simple as it once was.

Suddenly viewers have plenty of options for channel packages, types of delivery, and even whether you want to watch your shows on a television at all.

One of the most common questions asked when it comes to TV is what exactly is the difference between cable and satellite?

From setup to potential to availability, the two methods are extremely different, and understanding this difference is very important for consumers to make the right choice.

Satellite and cable come to consumers through very different methods and involve different equipment to do so.

The first noticeable difference between the two is that satellite will be wireless, while cable will require a coaxial cable.

Cable television requires some semblance of a coaxial network, meaning rural areas are often left out when it comes to this option.

Satellite television requires a dish to be installed, often on a roof. This means that satellite also requires a clear area for the dish to operate, meaning some weather conditions like storms or cloudy coverage can interrupt or even block service at times.

Another big distinction is availability of channels. While coaxial and satellite can both handle local programming effectively, satellite has a small benefit in the ability to get channels from other areas easier. This means that if you’re a fan of something like British comedies, satellite will often have more options available for you.

At the end of the day, the channel packages and availability are almost entirely based on the consumer and their area and these variables will differ customer to customer. It’s impossible to say that one of the methods is better than the other objectively; that’s something customers must decide for themselves.

The good news? Researching the differences is a wonderful first step to finding the television service that is perfect for you.