What Kind of TV Service is Best for You?
While old-school “rabbit ears” are still an option (yes, they do make antennas that pick up the new digital TV signals), the growth and quality of cable programming leads most TV viewers these days to pay for additional channels and options. Here’s a quick rundown of the types of services available nationwide. Please be sure to check with your local providers for exact pricing and availability options.
Cable
Community run cable television began in mountain communities in the 1950s to enhance poor over-the-air reception. By the 60s, hundreds of such systems existed and corporations like Westinghouse and Cox began investing in cable TV, and the FCC began regulating it. Until the 90s, it was the only option available to consumers who wanted more than their local channels. The advent of digital cable has made even more channels available than ever before. Now, cable competes with technologies like satellite and FiOS for its share of the market, though it is still the major player. It is frequently packaged with internet and/or phone lines and costs vary by package, depending on how many channels you’d like to receive.
Satellite
Companies like DISH network and DirecTV are the leading providers of cable’s biggest competitor, satellite TV. The cost of satellite is usually significantly cheaper, and often offers even more channels than cable TV, however users are generally locked into a contract for a year or more. In order to receive the channels, users must mount a satellite on their home somewhere. For homeowners, it’s typically quite easy to find a spot on the roof but apartment dwellers may have a more difficult time.
FiOS
Verizon’s new FiOS technology transmits signals via a network of fiber optic cables. As with the previous options, costs vary by package. You may pay only $12.99/month for local channels only, but as much as $57.99/month for a larger HD package or even more if you add premium channels like HBO or Showtime. FiOS TV might be a great option for those who are looking to package television with internet, as FiOS internet boasts the fastest speeds of any available residential internet option on the market today. Verizon is the only provider, so call for local availability.
Digital Antenna
As mentioned previously, they now make antennas that are capable of picking up the new digital signals over-the-air. After the initial investment in the actual antenna, you’ll be able to receive local channels digitally and in HD (if you have a compatible television) for free. Before buying an antenna, research your neighborhood and figure out your specific needs. A great internet resource is antennaweb.org.
Internet TV
While still in its infancy, many web-savvy users have begun watching their tv online. Sites like hulu.com as well as the networks’ own websites often stream their TV shows online a day or two after it airs on TV. If you don’t mind being a day or two behind everyone else at the watercooler, it’s a great idea. Services like Apple iTunes also provide content available for download. Don’t think that online TV is limited to your computer monitor, however. With the right cables, you can connect your computer straight to your HD TV! The newest HD TVs have internet capabilities built right in, so you don’t even need a computer.
