U-Verse Alternative

The closest alternative to U-verse technology-wise as of 2011 is Verizon's FiOS -- a service that also uses fiber-optics to deliver TV, phone and Internet. Both U-verse and FiOS are offered only in certain markets in certain states -- 22 states for U-verse, compared to 16 for FiOS, as of late 2010 -- as both require creating the infrastructure possible to deliver the service in any given market, and FiOS may not be available in your particular U-verse-served area. Between the two, U-verse promises more HD channels -- 160 to 130, but FiOS offers the fastest high-speed Internet plan.

Digital cable TV is also a viable alternative to U-verse, and every U-verse market will be served by at least one cable provider. Major cable providers such as Comcast, Time Warner and Charter also offer home telephone and high-speed Internet service which, like U-verse, can be bundled together to create a price savings. Pricing for the various packages tends to be similar for U-verse and cable, though a cable provider is more likely to require a minimum commitment term of 12 months or more to receive the best prices. However, determining which provider has the most channels overall, the most high-definition channels and the fastest Internet speeds depends on the location and the specific cable provider.

Satellite TV is another alternative to U-verse, primarily the two major subscription satellite TV providers in the U.S.: DirecTV and Dish Network. Satellite TV is strictly digital as well and can deliver the highest picture quality overall, especially with HD channels, due to the lack of video compression in satellite TV transmissions. Again, the number of channels and price will depend on the programming package chosen, but one advantage to U-verse is the hardline connection to the receiver and modem, making it less likely to suffer service interruption or signal loss during times of inclement weather. Also, as satellite TV is a one-way connection, telephone and Internet service must come from another source, making it hard for those providers to match prices for bundled services.

One area in which other providers may not serve as a true alternative to U-verse is in the capacity and features of the U-verse digital video recorder. Depending on the exact model, a U-verse DVR stores up to 133 or 233 hours of standard-definition content, or up to 48 or 84 hours in high-definition. Most cable DVRs and FiOS don't match that capacity, and only the DVRs from Dish Network and DirecTV top those of U-verse. But, where U-verse tops those providers and cable is in the expansiveness of its Total Home DVR service. While other providers offer similar services -- networking other receivers/TVs to the main DVR -- only U-verse offers the ability to record up to four channels at the same time with a single DVR and even playback stored recordings from channels you no longer subscribe to.