Which is Better: Cable, Dish TV or DirecTV?

Cable television service is among the most popular form of entertainment connection in the U.S. which likely stems from its long existence. Most homes in the U.S., especially in well-developed areas, are pre-wired to support cable television service, and the installation process is simply installing a cable box and a short visit from a technician to have the service turned on for your home. Cable companies have switched to a completely digital signal and now offer a wide variety of programming, usually in excess of 300 channels, as well as many HD (high definition) channels and on-demand services. On-demand services include both pay-per-view and free "on demand" programming. Additionally, many cable boxes offer DVR (digital video recording) recording features that give you the freedom to watch programs at your leisure as well as rewind and pause live TV.

DISH TV, also known as DISH Network, is a satellite television service that directly competes with DirecTV and partially competes with cable television. In comparison to cable, DISH TV can be more affordable because cable television services are regulated by local governments. Additionally, cable programming and channel line-ups change from one region to the next while DISH Network offers service everywhere that includes over 220 channels -- including up to 120 HD channels, depending on the package -- and DVR capabilities. DISH Network advertises a variety of sports packages including NFL Red Zone, but this is partially misleading for those wishing to get the NFL package associated with DirecTV. DISH Network does, however, offer packages for viewing all college football and basketball games.

DirecTV is the go-to television provider for serious NFL fans because DirecTV has a contract with the NFL and offers their unique NFL Sunday Ticket package that allows viewers to watch all football games throughout the season, even if they are outside of their team's primary coverage area. Additionally, with the NFL Sunday Ticket package you have the option to add the Internet feature that allows you to watch the games you've purchased even if away from home, utilizing a smartphone, laptop or iPad. DirecTV offers over 285 channels including HD, more than 160 channels, and DVR features at no extra charge. There are on-demand features as well, with DirecTV claiming to offer more than 400 movies in HD and more than 6,000 shows and movies free for viewing. DirecTV also offers 3D programming, which many cable companies and DISH Network are still not offering.

Cable company pricing varies from one location to the next. The FCC has set basic cable price regulation, but anything above basic cable will vary from company to company and city to city. Note that the FCC's basic cable price regulation does not apply to small cable companies. Each company will offer special rates for new customers that will change after a set amount of time, often allowing a three-month preview of certain premium channels. Additional fees on cable bills may reflect franchise fees the company pays to the local (government) franchising authority for the ability to offer cable service in that area. When comparing prices, as of July, 2011, DISH Network packages range from $24.99 to $49.99 a month for channel line-ups, but these prices are for one year; after that first year the prices go up to $34.99 to $69.99, depending on the package. The pricing is a bit more expensive, but those that choose DirecTV often feel it's worth it for customer service and sports packages.

DISH Network offers some sports packages but cannot offer access to every NFL game due to the NFL-DirecTV contract. DISH Network offers HD channels and on-demand services that are comparable to cable but not quite as extensive as those offered by DirecTV. DirecTV offers a significant channel line-up and special features that make their packages quite appealing, but DirecTV may not be available in all areas. The ability to have DirecTV installed requires a clear signal path from the home to the satellite location, so if you live really close to a home or building that's blocking the signal path DirecTV may not be an option. One last consideration is that satellite TV requires a satellite dish installation, which may be restricted if you are renting someone's home or an apartment. Before settling on a satellite TV provider, check with your landlord to ensure you have permission to let DISH Network or DirecTV install the dish; you may need permission in writing to provide the installation technician.