The Pros and Cons of Satellite TV

While almost all households are set up for cable TV, there is a technologically advanced phenomenon - Direct Broadcaste Satellite TV (DBS) that is growing daily.

DBS is more simply referred to as Satellite TV these days, and is proving to be the biggest television breakthrough since Cable.

With newer technologies in satellite broadcast being developed, it may very well be cable's top future competitor.

There are two sides to satellite TV that you should consider before cutting your ties with your cable provider.

Here are the pros and cons of satellite TV:

Advantages of Satellite TV

* High-quality audio and picture display. Satellite TV transmits high-quality digital data with the use of MPEG-2 or MPEG-4 compression. MPEG-4 is also known for providing high-definition video streams to computers, cellular phones and PDAs or personal digital assistants. Think crisp and clear and you have Satellite TV.

* Access to hundreds of channels worldwide. Satellite TV providers obtain their line-up of shows from both turnaround channels like HBO, ESPN and CNN as well as from numerous local channels like ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and PBS.

The ability to receive and send broadcast signals using satellite technology increases the possibilities of gaining access to channels from other countries that utilize similar technology for broadcasting. So you are not restricted to the channels on cable networks.

* Choice of programs. Satellite TV subscribers can choose which programs to receive from a number of unique channel packages at varying prices. You can discard the channels you don't want and select the ones you do.

* Wider geographical coverage. Because of the wider reach of satellite technology, Satellite TV is readily available in far flung areas where cable operators can't reach.

* Parental lock-out options. Parents need not worry about their children watching programs with objectionable content while they are not around. Most Satellite TV receivers are now able to block certain channels from a television set.

* WebTV option. Because Internet data can also be transmitted wirelessly, your Satellite TV can also receive Internet service from your TV set. If you want an integrated set-up for television and Internet access, then Satellite TV is the solution. A fast internet connection can be combined with your satellite TV service.

* Digital video recorders. Some Satellite TV receivers are now equipped with built-in digital video recorders that lets you record shows directly into a hard drive or pause live television programs.

Disadvantages of Satellite TV

* Initial investment. The satellite dish and receiver comes with a high price tag. Be sure to compare prices and sources before making a purchase.

* Multiple TV sets require multiple receivers. Since one will need a separate receiver for each TV set, a homeowner will have to spend more money just to have Satellite TV in every room around the house.

* May sometimes be susceptible to malfunction from weather conditions. Since the satellite dish is usually located outdoors, it becomes susceptible to malfunction as a result of weather conditions like snow, very strong winds and lightning. Ensuring you get a quality product at the outset will help prevent this.

* Installation required. While one can try installing the Satellite TV equipment by himself, a competent member of the provider's technical support team can do the job quickly with very little room for error but at an additional service fee.