February 2009 is approaching and the big question on your mind is undoubtedly what is worth paying for, cable or satellite TV?  Whatever you’re going to choose is going to be better than digital TV.  Even the cheapest available package is going to give you dozens of channels that you can never see on network TV.  Which option is better?  Should you order cable TV or satellite TV?

There are advantages for both types of technology.  Let’s first consider the pros and cons of regular cable TV.  Yes, there are some pros to cable, despite what all the pro-satellite people think.  The fact of the matter is that cable TV does give you access to many of the best features that satellite TV offers, such as local channels, local customer free service, free equipment and a free disconnect fee.  Let’s dwell on the free disconnect fee and free equipment points.  This may not seem like much right now, but some satellite companies will make you pay for startup costs and disconnect costs.  You could say the best advantage of cable TV is the no commitment issue; you can cancel at any time and can usually pay your bill online or through the mail.  (Some satellite companies may require a credit card)

That said, don’t conclude that cable TV is better than satellite TV overall.  The fact of the matter is that cable TV has to encourage a free policy because they don’t have much else to offer when compared to satellite TV.  Nobody who currently enjoys satellite TV actually wants to disconnect their service, so that’s usually not an issue. Furthermore, some satellite companies actually offer free setup and equipment, provided the customer signs a long-term contract.  Honestly, if you are satisfied with your satellite service, why would you go back to cable?

Satellite TV has more channels than cable, including more channels broadcasting in high definition format.  Satellite TV has more movie channels and sports coverage than cable TV.  Satellite TV is also less expensive than cable, not only on a monthly basis but also for startup costs.  Satellite TV is available throughout most of the country, regardless of whether you live in rural or urban areas. 

One of the most exciting new features of satellite TV is the DVR system, a Digital Video Recorder that can digitally record content and be accessed online.  There is also live sports coverage for elite members available online and accessible through any high speed Internet connection.  While cable subscribers are paying top dollar for what is standard, satellite TV viewers are being treated to new and innovative new features in sports, movies, news and TV series.  Now is the time to make a change because in the last week of February 2009 the lights may go off on all analog TV.  Don’t pay just for the status quo—if you are interested in satellite TV or cable, contact your local provider service and get more channels than you know what to do with.