Television Reviews and Ratings » Cable Tv

Why Cable TV is Doomed – the Future is Satellite TV

admin — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 08:45:41 +0000

The decline in the usage of cable TV is slow but continuous. In a market of a constant size, an increase in the penetration of one product inevitably means a loss of market share in another. In the case of the TV market, the increase in market share of satellite TV means there’s a decline in cable TV. Cable TV was originally seen as a means for isolated country areas to experience the television benefits then being enjoyed by city dwellers. From a slow beginning in the late 1940s it developed into a huge industry by the 1990s influencing the lives of many people. By the end of the 1990s, it was estimated that approximately 70% of American homes had access to cable TV. However, the 90s saw the introduction of satellite TV and the start of the decline of cable TV. The satellite TV providers made a very aggressive assault on the TV industry and very quickly had gained a large slice of the market. Since then the position of the satellite companies has got stronger at the expense of the cable companies. While cable delivered a signal to each home via an underground cable, the signal for this new innovation came from satellites located over the Caribbean Sea. Reception at each subscriber was through a small circular dish usually affixed to the roof of a building. As long as the dish had an uninterrupted view of the southern sky, a TV set would be able to display a perfect picture and sound.Like cable TV, the satellite TV providers’ packages are available through a monthly subscription and a 1 year contract. Most of the channels shown on cable are also available with the satellite companies, so a family switching over to satellite TV from a cable TV provider will still be able to enjoy their favorite programs.The rise and rise of the penetration of satellite TV into American homes has come at the expense of cable TV. Cable TV is on the decline at an ever increasing rate, and although its demise may be some time away, it will eventually happen. Not only is this an example of superior technology replacing inferior technology, the downfall of cable TV is being accelerated by the overtly aggressive promotion policies of the satellite TV providers.So what are the problems facing the cable TV industry? These can be divided into two – firstly the technological problems, and secondly the threats from assertive satellite competitors.Technological Issues confronting Cable TV1) As the TV signal is delivered to subscribers via cable, then bad weather conditions may affect these cables. Cable TV is not as reliable as satellite on this score.2) Cables cannot deliver the much larger number of channels that satellite transmission can. Cable therefore cannot match satellite when it comes to variety of channels on offer.3) Picture and sound quality with cable is inferior to that of satellite – satellite TV signals are 100% digital something that the cable companies cannot easily provide.4) The nature of satellite TV means its more easier to incorporate new technologies into the system.Threats from Aggressive Competitors1) As the satellite companies are chasing market share, they are keeping their subscription fees as low as possible. The cable companies’ fees have been increasing at a greater rate than those of their satellite competitors.2) Both the major players in the satellite TV industry offer new subscribers free equipment and installation, such as a satellite dish, set-top equipment etc.3) The installers of the satellite systems offer a range of free gifts, with the satellite companies offering special deals and prices for new customers.4) The satellite signal enables the delivery of a larger number of channels. This factor alone is encouraging large numbers of families to dump cable TV.5) Numerous industry surveys point to satellite TV companies placing greater emphasis on customer service than the cable operators.6) The ever-increasing number of subscribers to satellite TV is in itself encouraging families to switch over.In the past, cable TV has been at the forefront in providing the American public with a wide range of viewing options. Unfortunately the advent of satellite TV has had an adverse impact on cable TV. Unless the cable TV companies can match or better the technological advantages enjoyed by their satellite competitors, then their demise will be final.

Why Satellite TV is Superior to Cable TV – a Non-technical Observation

admin — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:49:20 +0000

Up until the mid 90s the American television viewing public had the option of either watching the programs provided by the established free-to-air channels, or else they could subscribe to cable TV. At that time the cable TV providers were at the forefront of improving the quality of programming and ensuring the use of the latest TV technology.However the introduction of satellite TV in the mid 90s was the start of a new television era that not only led to a continual improvement in the variety and quality of the programs being shown, it was also the start of a period during which a rapid improvement in TV technology took place.The public now had a greater choice of TV options – more competition in the market place led to greater benefits for viewers. A bigger choice of channels and programs; cheaper subscription rates; improved customer service; and special deals for new subscribers. Families who wanted to improve their home entertainment choices now had a realistic choice – satellite TV or cable TV. The major difference between the two types of systems is in the way the TV signal is transmitted. With cable, the signal is delivered to each household via a network of cables. The competing system uses a satellite situated in the south that transmits the signal to a satellite dish located usually on the roof of the subscriber’s house.In the not too distant future satellite TV will become the most popular TV system in the country. There are a number of reasons why new subscribers and existing cable TV customers are taking up satellite TV in large numbers.1) As the cable TV companies have been increasing their subscription charges at a faster rate than the satellite companies, cable is now dearer than satellite for the same program options and service. This trend is expected to continue in the future.2) Satellite TV has a reputation for being more reliable than cable. Annoying transmission disruptions occur much more frequently with cable and are usually caused by bad weather conditions, a situation that doesn’t affect signal transmission by satellite. This problem is one of the major reasons for subscribers switching over to satellite.3) All satellite TV channels are transmitted in 100% digital for both picture and sound. This feature provides a much more pleasurable and satisfying experience than watching many of the channels shown by cable TV. Another example of the better technology employed by the satellite companies.4) Due to the superior technical features of satellite TV, it can provide a larger number of channels than cable therefore offering a much wider range of programming options for all. In addition to the free-to-air channels offered by the long-established TV companies – NBC, CBS, ABC, and Fox – all the popular programs presently shown on cable are available on satellite, plus many more. Indeed there is something for all interests whether it be news, current affairs and documentaries; sports; children’s’ programs; movies; light entertainment or sitcoms. Specials events such as concerts, sports etc. are also available.5) Signing up new TV subscribers is a very competitive business. The two major satellite TV companies spend huge amounts on advertising trying to entice families to switch from cable and the other satellite company. What this means to those looking for a new TV provider is that there are plenty of deals and inducements around. From free equipment and installation, deals on program packages, and deals offered by the installers, new subscribers have never had it so good. 6) Regular surveys of the level of customer satisfaction clearly and consistently show that the satellite TV companies and their installers out-perform the cable companies.7) Satellite TV subscribers can benefit from access to an internet connection provided by the satellite dish, giving a faster connection than by cable.The intense level of competition between the two major satellite TV companies will always ensure that subscription rates are competitive and that the programming options will improve.

So for those families looking at a different option than their present service provider then there’s no better time to make that change than now. There’s plenty of great deals around with no equipment to buy; very little commitment on the part of the subscriber; and customer care is as good as ever.

The author, Dave Neville, has an interest in a website that deals with satellite TV, and which compares cable TV with satellite TV.

Cable TV – your Window to the World? or Maybe Not?

admin — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 02:16:30 +0000

Millions of people switched last year from cable TV to satellite TV programming. Statisticians and marketers are always anxious to learn why such a significant movement has occurred. In studying the market trends, several things became immediately apparent. These are issues that are important to customers and the move away from cable TV can be tied to customer dissatisfaction with the way cable TV companies handle the issues raised.

COST

If one compares the cost of a standard installation of cable TV with a like package under the satellite coverage you would find, using country-wide averages, that cable TV costs $40.00 monthly for 64 channels, while Dish Network costs $19.99 for 60 and DirecTV charges $42.00 for 115 channels. Cable TV charges an installation fee of $40 for one room and $10 for each additional room, while installation is free with both satellite providers. Clearly, satellite TV is the better choice based on price.

PROGRAMMING

Cable TV provides about half as many channels as those which are available with satellite TV, and the format with cable TV is analog. You must pay extra to receive digital programming. More high definition channels are provided through satellite TV and all broadcasting is done in digital format. Again, cable TV comes out second best in terms of its programming.

EQUIPMENT

Cable TV requires only a cable box to connect to your TV except for connections for a digital video recorder which cost extra. Cable TV boxes are normally free of charge. Satellite TV on the other hand, needs a satellite dish and a TV receiver, which both come with your new system. Dish Network doesn’t charge for a DVR recorder, but DirecTV charges $50 for the DVR recorder and $300 for an HDTV receiver. This category is probably a toss-up between cable TV and satellite TV, depending on which peripherals you need.

RELIABILITY

Independent studies rate cable TV outages at about 3% per year while satellite TVs average about 1% per year. Over the last five years, a subjective rating of customer satisfaction rates cable TV companies at ‘Good’ to ‘Poor’ and both satellite TV companies rate higher in overall satisfaction. Again, cable TV comes out lower than satellite TV’s.

On the basis of this simple four point rating scale, cable TV come out lower in every category except one, where it is a ‘maybe’. If the conditions in your local area are similar, you may want to consider going to the favorite satellite provider, as so many others are doing. Technology continues to advance, and so it seems that cable television is no longer the cutting edge. Where hardware will head in the future is anybody’s guess.

However, if you live where you can’t get satellite programming, or you don’t watch more than a few shows monthly and cable costs are less expensive. Or if you simply prefer the capability of watching everything in digital format, or if you want to record shows for later playback, then satellite TV is the wiser choice, with more programs for the money, better sound and picture quality and capability to record in digital format.

How Satellite TV Dethroned The Cable TV

admin — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:26:56 +0000

Gone are the days when cable TV was a simple matter of turning the idiot box on and settling down to a baseball or basketball broadcast. With the advent of technology, Satellite TV has come and occupied a premium place in the hearts of the people. The first satellite television signal was relayed from Europe to the Telstar satellite over North America in 1962.
Satellite TV is dominating the US market with its best quality picture, maximum number of channels for the least amount of money and thus awesome value for the money spent.
Earlier the satellite TV was limited to the towns; but now even the farmers and country dwellers could have the entertainment option through the satellite TV. Even the gigantic satellite dish sizes were changed to sleek models and no more installation headaches. The satellite TV has meta-morphsized a lot. Today’s satellite dish is sleek and compact , and satellite TV offers strong competition to cable TV.
In fact, the intense rivalry has forced cable TV providers to add extra services like high definition TV signals and movies on demand in an attempt to compete with satellite TV. Unfortunately, the cost increase led to the constant rate hikes in the subscription for viewers and thus operators lose customers. This led to the growth of satellite TV which offers an alternative to all these frustrations.
Let me explain in brief regarding the satellite TV. Satellite TV is a television delivered by way of communications satellite , as compared to conventional terrestrial television and cable television. Satellite TV gives you a clear and comprehensive picture of your best alternative to typical cable TV. Right now, over 45 million people in US subscribe to Satellite TV. Satellite TV is no longer an obscure or exclusive club for people with big wallets. With most retailers offering free installation, you can start enjoying satellite TV for as low as $19.99 a month!
Satellite TV provides the best picture quality and the most channels for the least amount of money. Thus creating the most awesome value for the money spent over entertainment.
Today, there are three major providers of Satellite television: Dish Network, DirecTV and VOOM. Each one offers a large number of channels and several low-cost options for service. In addition to that, they offer freedom from the binding stresses of your local cable company, and that alone is worth it.
The best deals on satellite TV are available from authorized retailers. While your monthly bill will be the same regardless of where you procure your equipment (the providers dictate the monthly cost either way), these authorized retailers offer you a far better selection of promotions, such as free installation and equipment, discounted HDTV dishes and receivers, and free trials of premium channel, and credit towards your first month bill (refund of activation fees).
Now you can watch more channels than your standard antenna could ever provide. You can receive more than 250 stations from favorites like CNN, MTV, HBO, and ESPN, to more obscure options like the Speed Channel, Discovery Wings, and the Love Stories network, Nickelodeon and HGTV, plus plenty of movies, sports, local channels (in many cities) and even HDTV programming. Subscribers also receive more than 30 commercial-free music stations-from Top 40 to Jazz to Classical and everything in-between.
There is a satellite TV channel to suit every imaginable interest. Whether you are into sports, fashion, travel, music or romance, you will find it all, and much, much more, on satellite TV.
Both Dish Network and Direct TV received the highest possible reputation and ratings in almost every category, including reliability, cost, and customer service. In contrast, the major cable companies’ scores were not even close.
According to JD Power and Associates, 133,000 consumers nationwide and discovered that they gave both DIRECTV and DISH Network “outstanding” customer service ratings while only two cable providers were found to perform “above or at” the industry average. J.D. Power and Associates ratings are based on research studies that survey a representative sample of owners, they are indicative of what typical buyers may experience. Truly they are based on the opinions of consumers who have actually used or owned the product or service being rated.
When it comes to satellite TV system providers, Dish network Satellite System is the top rated satellite TV system provider. It is known for its delivering unsurpassed customer satisfaction and excellent product quality, all at cost-effective prices.
DISH Network is a direct broadcast satellite (DBS) service that provides satellite television and audio programming to households and businesses in the United States. By the end of the year 2006, there are over 13 million installations of Dish Network. So one can judge the popularity it enjoys in the hearts of Americans.