When it comes to choosing a television service provider, consumers have with many choices. In addition to making a choice between satellite, cable and fiber optic television, consumers must also select a company. AT&T; U-Verse television is a service that use fiber optic technology to offer its customers high quality television. Companies such as Comcast still offer standard digital cable services and many consumers struggle to decide which of these services is right for them.
What is AT&T; U-Verse?
AT&T; U-verse is a fiber optic television service that delivers video directly to the customer's DVR or set-top box. U-verse television use IP multicast streaming, which is more efficient than standard cable because channels are streamed directly to the customer's television as they are requested -- the connection is not required to have the capacity to carry all channels at all times. U-verse digital TV boasts a clear picture and access to more than 160 HD channels in addition to pay-per-view.
What Kind of Cable Does Comcast Offer?
Comcast offers cable, Internet and phone services under the title Xfinity. Comcast offers three standard cable packages: Digital Starter, Digital Preferred and Digital Premier. These packages range in price and include anywhere from 80 to 200 digital cable channels and may include access to sports packages and premier movie channels. In addition to standard digital cable, Comcast offers HD programming that can be added to any digital cable package.
Features and Availability
Comcast cable services are widely available but AT&T; U-verse is limited to fewer than 150 markets in 22 states. In order to check the availability of these services in your area, visit the provider's website or call their customer service line. Both U-verse and Comcast cable offer their customers features such as On Demand programming, optional DVR service, and both HD and 3D programming. For an additional monthly fee, customers of both companies may also subscribe to premier sports packages and movie channels and, for no additional charge, access their TV and DVR via web-enabled mobile devices.
Cost and Installation
As of the time of publication, monthly pricing for U-verse TV packages range from $54 to $117, and, in all but the U100 packages, the DVR is included. U-verse customers can add HD programming to any package for $10 per month and may subscribe to HBO and Cinemax for $26 per month. All new customers receive free installation but a one-time service activation fee of $29 will apply. Comcast cable customers can choose from packages priced between $45 and $105 and can add DVR or HD DVR services for $15.95 per month. Comcast Xfinity TV customers can add premier movie channels to their package for a promotional price around $10 each per month. Both U-verse and Comcast offer free installation on their packages.
References
- AT&T; AT&T; U-verse TV
- Comcast; Xfinity TV From Comcast
Photo Credits
- flashfilm/Lifesize/Getty Images