Satellite TV
If what goes up must come down, why don’t the prices?
Satellite Dishes:In case you’ve just come out into the world after years of monkdom, the new satellite dishes are small, not the huge dishes of old. Small, small… 18 to 24 inches in diameter. Satellite is also called DBS or Direct Broadcast Satellite.
There are two main downsides to satellite TV. The first is that although the cost of DBS is very competitive with cable, you may have to pay extra to get your local stations. Note: For local reception, you could put up an antenna.
To choose an antenna for digital reception over the air: (This will popup another window. Some popup blockers may not permit you to see it. If so, hold down control key when you click it.)
http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/welcome.aspx
Remember that for High Definition, indeed, for any digital signal, it’s all or nothing. That means if you get it at all, you get it good – no noise or ghosts.
The second downside to Satellite is weather outages. In heavy precipitation, you can lose the signal. Remember, it’s all or nothing.
There’s still wiring to contend with. And a receiver box, and another remote. And fees.
HD channels are spread across three satellites:At 101 degrees, at 110 degrees and 119 degrees. The Phase III triple LNB dish aims at all 3. You need a clear shot for your dish to “see” these.
DirecTV announced that conversion from MPEG2 to MPEG4 will start at the beginning of 2nd half of 2005.It will be a slow, gradual rollout. DirecTV also announced that current HD customers who have HD will have their HD boxes upgraded at DirecTV's expense and will include local and national channels.
Cable Plusses:
Local
Generally no weather outages
Often bundled with computer and phone service
Interactive: video on demand, pay per view
Cable Minuses:
Might not be all digital
Local operation might be limited in scope
Satellite Plusses:
Possibly cost
A direct shot (fewer relays),
More HDTV
Deals on equipment or installation.
Possibly better picture
Satellite Minuses:
Need clear line of sight to satellites
Not local
OPINIONI lean toward Satellite, but it’s a light lean, and difficult call since there are several satellite companies and a handful or more of cable companies and all are different. I also lean toward Moxi (see DVR section) but it’s not available where I live, so that lean is from the detail I’ve read; conversely, I like the idea of CableCard. THIS WHOLE SCENE IS IN TRANSITION. A cable company is really using satellites anyway, so why not cut out the middleman? Whichever way you lean, it’s a battle between features and picture quality and cost.
If you wish the best deal going from The Dish Network,
call 1-800-315-0788 and use SPECIAL CODE 11716
If you wish the best deal going from DIRECTV,
call 1-800-315-1722 and use SPECIAL CODE 15723
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