DIRECTV vs. Cable TV
No need to worry over whether DIRECTV satellite service or cable TV is a better fit for your home. ConnectMyDTV is here to help. Learn about the primary differences between both cable and DIRECTV, with the primary focus on equipment, programming, reception, extra features and cost.
Equipment
Much like cable service providers, DIRECTV leases their digital receivers and satellite equipment to customers each month. DIRECTV does offer FREE professional installation of up to four televisions. The first receiver is included in the package price and all additional receivers require a programming access fee of only $4.99* per month. You can also maximize your viewing experience with a FREE** HD or DVR receiver, or a HD DVR for just $99† after a $100 instant rebate on equipment upgrades. An 18-month service agreement is required for basic receivers and a 24-month service agreement for advanced receivers which include the HD, DVR or HD DVR.
Cable companies today do require the use of a digital receiver for reception of their comparable digital packages. If ordered as a stand alone product, in most cases, an installation fee does apply, but in some cases they will provide upgraded equipment for little to no charge. They also include the receiver fee for the initial receiver in the package pricing, and the fees for additional receivers vary by provider.
Programming
DIRECTV has positioned themselves as the current leader in HD content delivery, boasting more than 100 high definition channels available from popular networks. They also offer the most comprehensive sports lineup with exclusive packages like NFL Sunday TicketTM and NASCAR HotPassTM. Like cable companies, DIRECTV offers premium channels (HBO, Showtime, Starz, etc.) as both an upgrade and inclusive in certain packages. However, since DIRECTV is transmitted via satellite the capability to expand channels and HD content is not limited like the capacity of traditional cable lines.
Cable TV also offers a ton of channels with its digital programming, and supports video on demand so you can order movies and premium programming at home and skip the lines at the video store. Many cable companies offer additional premium channels such as HBO with their digital packages.
Reception
DIRECTV offers all digital reception, all of the time, meaning you get crystal-clear picture regardless of which package you choose. While weather can affect satellite TV reception, DIRECTV has a does provide uninterrupted service 99 percent of the time.
Cable TV reception depends largely on the company and type of service you have, but in many instances is delivered to your home through a series of analog wires and connections. This makes a digital conversion process necessary through the set top box, potentially decreasing the picture quality. Digital cable reception does offer theater sound and picture quality.
Extra Features
The benefits of both DIRECTV satellite service and cable TV include additional interactive TV technology that gives you a great degree of control over your entertainment experience. DVR and HDTV service are available on both cable and DIRECTV. DVR allows you to record hours of live television, so that you'll never miss your favorite shows again.
Cable TV companies offer movies and programming with video on demand for easy ordering at home, while DIRECTV also offers pay-per-view subscriptions, as well as numerous sports and special programming included in their digital packages. Both cable and DIRECTV offer HDTV programming for the best in digital-quality sound and picture. DIRECTV currently features the largest HD sports programming and most HD channels in the industry.
Cost
DIRECTV programming starts as low as $29.99 per month, providing you plenty of features and packages to choose from at prices that are very competitive. Like cable, the monthly cost of a DIRECTV package will increase depending on what additional features (DVR, HD, premium channels, etc.) you decide to add to your order.
Is DIRECTV Right for You?
With the suite of premium programming, sports, HDTV and DVR service and a whole lot more, DIRECTV service gives you the latest and greatest in digital TV, at a price you can afford. Order today to enjoy the DIRECTV advantage.
*Other additional charges may apply for HD and DVR services
**Free HD and DVR receiver after instant online rebate
†Pricing for HD DVR receiver starts at $99 per month
