Selecting the best television service provider

Few things are more universally enjoyable than sitting back at the end of a long day and turning on the TV. Whether you're interested in sports or news or home design, television provides a wonderful distraction. However, while picking what shows to watch may be a relatively easy choice for most people, selecting the best television service provider can be a bit more difficult.

Consider a variety of factors when comparing the different television service providers. Providers may have widely variable costs, programming options, and package selections. Understanding the assets and drawbacks of any given provider can help you find the right option for your personal viewing preferences.

First, it is important to understand that there are two major types of television service providers. While some people may choose to forgo a provider all together and utilize simple antenna-based reception, many prefer the reliability and options offered by both cable and satellite providers. Essentially both cable and satellite provide the same service -- television reception -- but the cost, quality and options associated with either choice may vary greatly.

Cable service providers use in-ground wiring to offer channels to customers. Cable has been the more popular choice for television service in the United States for many years, and most customers have had some experience with cable. Among its assets, cable often has the most affordable basic packages, while also usually providing a decent assortment of other specialty channels for sports, news, or movies. Cable is also preferred at times because there is less installation required and the majority of homes are ready built with cable jacks in key locations. Hooking up a cable connection is quick and relatively easy, and cable reception is often associated with being the most reliable.

There are a number of cable providers, including major contenders such as Comcast, Time Warner, and Mediacom. The prices and options will vary for each provider, and often the biggest limitation with cable is that individuals can only purchase service from a provider with lines in the immediate area. For this reason, individuals who live rurally have sometimes not been able to have access to cable, and many individuals may find that their choice of cable providers is limited, sometimes with only one major provider in the area. Traditionally, cable has also been less able to provide a full range of specialty channels, although in recent years most providers have worked to expand their options and include more HD channels.

In contrast to cable, satellite providers install equipment on the customer's property which receives television service through satellite reception. Satellite providers have often focused on programming versatility to lure customers away from cable. Many satellite packages include a high percentage of HD channels, and there are more specialty packages available through satellite. Individuals who enjoy sports are especially well suited for satellite service, since satellite providers can offer everything from major networks like ESPN to focused regional channels.

Despite these advantages, satellite does have certain drawbacks that sometimes deter potential customers. Some individuals do not like that the satellite must be installed. Although the current satellites offered by companies like DirecTV (available at www.blogtelevision.net) or Dish Network are far smaller than earlier versions, they still must be installed, often on the roof or side of a home. Because the signal is received through a dish, satellite programming is somewhat more prone to interruptions due to weather, although this problem has also been greatly improved in recent years. Satellite providers have also worked hard to ensure that customers still receive their local channels, but most satellite packages are pricier than their cable counterparts.

All in all, there is no right or wrong choice when it comes to choosing a television service provider. Both cable and satellite have their pros and cons, and each individual must simply weigh those options in order to find the one that best suits their budget, interests, and preferences.

Courtesy of ARAcontent