Which is a Better Option – Cable TV or DTH?
Looking back to the days when more people owned televisions with only a few channels available, then comes today’s hi-tech televisions. Currently, the TV service is being delivered by a direct cable TV operator or a direct-to-home (DTH) satellite service. But which mode of cable service is the best – cable or Direct to Home or DTH? Then there are advantages and disadvantages for both scenarios.
Channel Selection
Before, the DTH had a problem with offering few channels, which was a significant downside compared to cable. Cable television is delivered through a wired system that typically provides between 70-200+ channels based on the plan offered. DTH services offer anywhere between 200 to 600+ channels while cable services may offer 100’s of channels maximum, so there are comparatively more channel options available with satellite TV. The DTH platforms may have many more specialized, lifestyle, sports, movies, and international channels than what a normal cable can provide. Now, if one wants as many delivery options as possible, DTH is the answer.
Picture and Sound Quality
Generally, earlier on cable was far superior to DTH as far as transmission was concerned but the margin is not very wide now because of advancements in satellite technology. While on the one hand cable has also improved itself and provides good picture quality High Definition (HD) channels today. However, DTH remains a little advantageous because it is not as affected by distortion and interferences in case of bad weather as in the case of cable. Satellite TV delivers audio/video quality that is almost similar at all given points while cable TV can experience some variability due to interferences.
Customizable Packages
It is important to note that the Programming packages that are offered by DTH services are way more flexible as compared to cable services. 3 The DTH makes it possible for the subscriber to select only the interesting channels/channel packages. This means that it is flexible and open for the user to select and purchase only the options or features they desire to see. Also, many DTH providers have a system of add-on à-la-carte channels, which are offered separately at an additional cost. Cable TV offers few and restricted choices, with only 2-3 packages to select from depending on individual preferences.
Availability & Accessibility
Existing here, cable TV is not as available in comparison to satellite. Cable operators are still lacking in many of the rural or the remote areas but DTH has the provision of getting the connection all over the country with a wider reach of the network. DTH service can be availed at home provided the dish antenna is installed in such a manner that it receives a clear view of the southern sky. Moreover, with DTH one can pause, rewind the ongoing show, or record a program to watch later in the DTH box—options that are not possible in cable TV connections.
Cost and Affordability
It is worth mentioning that earlier cable was cheaper than DTH but presently after many DTH players started offering low-cost subscription plans the prices are almost the same. Moreover, DTH pricing is relatively cheaper compared to cable if you can set up your package appropriately and drop all unwanted channels you never watch. Secondly, DTH does not entail a fee for the cable operator box, unlike cable TV systems. While considering the cost, the price of the package you have chosen as well as extra charges including taxes, equipment rental, etc come into play… basic DTH plans today start from approximately? 200 per month which is almost comparable to a basic cable tariff.
Installation and Maintenance
It is more convenient to have a DTH connection as in most cases, you only have to plug it into the DTH kit. Cable TV often involves wiring and technicians, including if the wiring needs repair or updating at some point in the future. Generally, positioning of DTH dish is quite easy other than that cable TV wiring can create some issues. The following are the steps you need to follow to get technical support in case of any technical issues that may arise with the DTH service. Some issues can be resolved at the DTH level while in the case of cable, some problems involve waiting for a technician to arrive.
Number of TV Connections
An important disadvantage of DTH is that generally, the company provides only 1 TV connection for each customer package bought. What you see is that while you can add more connections, those will cost you extra. However, cable television only provides 2-3 television connections as a basic package in the bundled offers. Well, if you want to hook up satellite TV to two, three, or more TVs in your house, you can do so cheaper with cables. However, with DTH, live TV can be recorded as well as paused on enabled set-top boxes while it might not be possible with cable TV set-top boxes.
Customer Service
Customer service for DTH has increased greatly over the years while for cable companies it has still a long way to go for most of it. Call centers for DTH services are operational at all hours of the day to cater to the queries of the subscribers. As for the services, any problems also get addressed right away. Mobile service subscribers are often heard to lament how calls to cable customers remain unanswered for several days, and service delivery is low. Oh definitely, DTH has one up on this, when it comes to customer satisfaction.
Weather Issues
Since the DTH system uses wireless satellite signals it operates irrespective of the weather conditions. This is true because cable networks are more vulnerable to intermissions due to natural disasters such as rain or storms. Yes, snowfalls also affect satellite signals, although not to the same extent as cable TV. In general, DTH proves to be way more reliable with TV viewing than cable since the latter is more likely to be interrupted due to bad weather.
More Viewing Control
Another valuable aspect of DTH is that it gives you additional control and flexibility in your viewing – two factors that cable cannot offer. DTH has the added features of pausing and rewinding live television; thus, if you feel tired while watching a match or movie, you can easily pause the program. You can also record shows that you like if you will not be home during the time the show is airing. Most cable connections on the other hand do not have these Neo Prime features. Further, DTH provides more conveniences if you can transfer with your service as is after rearranging your small dish like in the case of repositioning only.
Transparency
Compared to the normal cable subscription, billing is more concise with DTH as you only pay for the specific channels that you choose as against paying a lump sum for cable channels that you rarely watch. You can also track your account and payments for DTH connections through the Internet. Fixed billing is not quite clear, and it is not uncommon to hear cases of billing disputes and complaints of overcharging. The DTH enables subscribers to track their television expenses in a much better way.
In Conclusion
DTH has several advantages over cable regarding counts, picture and sound quality, flexibility in viewing programs, clarity in payment options, and better customer satisfaction. Nevertheless, there are some factors where cable still has something to offer like the price for multiple TV connections and coverage areas where DTH signals are not very strong. Ultimately it comes down to correctly identifying what you want and what you don’t want in both mediums. The primary mode of sending signals through DTH is very effective for every common user while the cable service only competes hard when it comes to specific requirements like multiple connections are needed for the TVs. One must weigh all the options before settling on whether to stick with paying for traditional cable or switch to DTH satellite TV.
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