No one argues that movie theaters are the most enjoyable way to watch movies, but what is better to choose for home entertainment - cable or satellite television?
Cable television is still in great demand, but due to the fact that satellite analogue is becoming more accessible every day, the demand for it has recently been growing many times faster. This is especially true for large cities. But for many, the answer to the question remains unclear: which television is better, cable or satellite? Experts assure that these are two different services aimed at slightly different consumer needs. Let's figure out together what the difference is.
What's in the box, or let's talk about the contents
So, we have two different televisions and the question is what the subscriber will get for his money when connecting them. The situation is as follows: cable television will provide the opportunity to view most of the popular channels and television programs. As a bonus, or candy if you like, the cable operator adds a couple of international channels to the package; everything else is much more modest examples. The cost of cable TV is usually more expensive than satellite TV, but subscribers do not notice this, due to the fact that, in most cases, cable TV and Internet access are provided by one operator and the subscription fee for both services is common. Therefore, the amount of the cable fee is, as it were, “blurred” into the total subscription fee.
With satellite television everything is completely different. The operator does not limit subscribers fixed list channels and the user can use free satellite television channels. Almost all satellite television channels are available on cable (the whole point is that distribution to the cable network comes from operators who first receive satellite signals themselves from a number of antennas and distribute them after conversion). Everything seems to be fine, but there is a minus: some channels become unavailable, for example, such as Our Football or channels for adults. But this issue is resolved for additional money in the form of a symbolic subscription fee. For example, a satellite television operator offers such a service to its customers. Usually subscription fee starts from 100 rubles/month for a basic package of channels. Each operator has its own basic package, for example: - 180, and - 128 channels.
What about quality?
If we are talking about sound and picture quality, then yes, undoubtedly, cable TV is inferior to satellite TV in this matter. And the reason is not that the signal that the operators receive is different, no, it is the same, but in the process of converting it, the image and sound lose quality. and very strongly.
With satellite television, everything is simpler: there is a special satellite tuner directly connected to your TV. The signal is transmitted clearly and without changes, which is why the picture and sound are excellent.
Another very important point- satellite television allows you to receive High Definition Television (HDTV) - high definition television. Do you want crystal clear pictures in excellent quality? It’s easy, you just need a large-diagonal TV and a set for receiving HDTV channels, and don’t forget about the operator’s capabilities (it must offer such a service). And if you connect the tuner to the receiver home theater, then it will be possible to enjoy surround sound as well.
What for what?
The price of the issue is the stumbling block when connecting. The price of cable connection is meager, but every month the user will have to pay money for the opportunity to use the service. At the same time, I would like to note that the cost of services has not decreased at all in recent years, despite stability in terms of quality. In fact, subscribers are directly dependent on the tariff policy of their operators.
With satellite TV, things are a little different. To connect, you need to buy a set of equipment; the price directly depends on what channels a person has chosen to watch. It’s also nice that the cost of connecting to satellite television is constantly falling, becoming more accessible to everyone.
Well, what else can I add? We have sorted out the main points, now it will be easier to figure out what suits you best. Good luck.
There is television in almost every home. Anyone can find what they like best on television: films, TV series, shows, documentaries, news, etc. But TV connection channels vary. This survey focuses on two types of TV connections: satellite and digital.– this is the name of television, the connection to which is made through a satellite dish, then the signal is processed in the receiver and the viewer sees frames on the TV screen and hears sound. The television signal is supplied through artificial earth satellites. The image quality is excellent. Problems may arise due to technical problems with the receiving equipment, or during bad weather, when the signal from the satellite cannot pass through dense clouds.
The main advantage of satellite television is a large number of a wide variety of TV channels with themes to suit every taste. For satellite television, users pay a subscription fee. The amount depends on the selected channel package.
– this is the name for the technology of video signal transmission and processing, this type connection to TV is gradually squeezing out the so-called. analogue television, where reception is carried out through a regular TV antenna. IN different countries The situation with digital TV is different. In some places there is none at all. In some places the broadcast is paid, in others it is free, and it is also possible that some TV channels are free and some are paid.
The quality of the image on the screen in the case of digital television is no worse than with satellite TV. But the number of TV channels is usually less than when connecting to a satellite. 
Waiting for your favorite program in front of the TV, with a meager choice of only a few channels - these days are already gone. Today, television serves as entertainment and education, and thanks to the latest technological solutions, it has become possible to watch television programs at a time that is convenient for the viewer.
Even leaving the city on the weekend, going on vacation to the country, we are not ready to spend the evening without our favorite TV shows or the traditional evening newscast. But many people still have trouble getting a clear, uninterrupted TV picture. To watch an interesting talk show in a private home, some of us are forced to change the position of the on-air antenna every day. On a winter evening, turning the mast becomes a problem.
What type of television works best outside the city? Have you already chosen television for your dacha? Let's take a closer look at the types of television and answer the question: which is better to connect television to a country house?
Satellite television
This television uses a transmitter installed on artificial satellite Earth, the so-called transponder. There are many such satellites today, and the number of TV channels is very large, however, many of them are not free, because... operators encode them. A significant part of them are offered in HD quality.
NTV
This provider was the first to offer a mass satellite TV service, and this moment its audience numbers more than one million viewers in the Russian Federation and Ukraine. NTV broadcasts more than 240 satellite channels (divided into basic and additional packages), offering several sets of equipment to choose from, as well as its installation and configuration.
Tricolor TV
The company is a monopolist of Russian satellite TV. Its priorities indicate integration modern technologies, such as HDTV. By concluding an agreement with the operator Tricolor TV, you get the opportunity to buy from him the necessary equipment for receiving programs - kits that include everything for complete installation, or components separately. Along with the basic one, there is a single multipack of channels with the implementation of viewing on two TVs in parallel. Tricolor TV didn’t forget the kids with sports fans.
Telecard
The Telekarta provider company has extensive coverage and also defines itself as the most loyal satellite operator in its pricing policy. One way or another, here you can purchase an HD set in installments, there is bonus program for monthly payments, online services are provided. Basic packages include over 100 channels – “Standard” and over 170 – “Unlimited”.
Hotbird
A foreign operator in the Russian telecommunications market. Don't be surprised by the abundance of foreign channels. There are only 10 Russian channels.
MTS
MTS is taking its first but confident steps in the distribution of satellite TV, attracting new customers with reasonable prices, a range of channels, and a branded multifunctional set-top box.
Viasat
The provider from Europe, in addition to broadcasting other people's channels, can boast of its own, including the most interesting films and programs of an educational, humorous, and developmental nature. This brought Viasat content extraordinary popularity among Russian viewers; it’s a pity that by Russian standards, watching Viasat channels is an expensive pleasure, and besides, you need an NTV Plus or Tricolor TV receiver to watch it.
Xtra TV
The Ukrainian satellite TV brand, a member of an influential Ukrainian media holding, offers a large selection of thematic packages according to reasonable price with a minimum of commercials without special purchase of branded equipment.
Terrestrial digital television for the garden
Digital television is a new approach to the recipient. It is based on the method of transmitting television programs as a digital signal, which for the viewer means receiving images and sound in very high quality.
Despite the need to buy set-top box and a small selection of programs (digital TV is limited - only 20 channels), it has become very popular, because with the help of digital signal transmission you can now watch your favorite programs at home or in the country without a dish or subscription fee.
Actually, DVB-T2 is an almost ideal television in the country, the options for which are often limited: without signing a contract with an operator and without a monthly subscription fee. T2 is a technology available to everyone in a simple and cheap form.
To receive a digital terrestrial television signal, users only need to have a TV with a built-in DVB-T2 tuner or an external decoder, and preferably. Any online TV store includes a large selection in its offer. ready-made sets to view the numbers. You can easily select a digital television set for your dacha, taking into account its distance from the repeater. It includes a T2 attachment, a directional external wave receiver with a high-power amplifier, a bracket, cables, and connectors.
You can also purchase a collective kit there - this is very convenient if your relatives have a country house next door or you have friendly neighbors who will support you in your desire to watch digital. A joint purchase will allow you to save money on purchasing a powerful one, the signal of which can be distributed for summer residents to several televisions (to several plots or an alley).
The transition to digital broadcasting in Russia is a big investment, but it will pay off significantly, because digital has many advantages:
- TV tower equipment operates with the same power that until recently allowed only one channel to be broadcast, now it is enough to transmit a package of 10 programs, that is, a multiplex;
- improved picture and sound quality, as well as access to many additional services;
- New error correction technology improves reception quality even when the signal fades momentarily. Digital transmission does not carry the problem of image distortion and interference from neighboring broadcast stations.
Cable
What to choose in the end
As you can already understand, the choice of television and its types in country house- This is a very individual question that depends on preferences and expectations.
When choosing a specific type of television, you should always take into account certain elements that can affect the degree of future satisfaction with the chosen service. Outside the city, the choice of television depends, first of all, on the number of opportunities to receive a television signal.
The following questions take into account the specifics of choosing TV outside the city. Ask yourself:
- Does the operator offer its services in your area?
- Do you want to sign a contract or, for various reasons, are you interested in a no-strings-attached offer?
- What are the costs to install a TV?
- How much are you willing to spend as a monthly subscription fee?
- How much time do you spend in front of TV?
- What TV channels do you watch?
- How many people are in your country house, and what are their needs related to watching TV?
- Are you only interested in free TV channels or do you require additional services such as access to encrypted channels or the Internet?
Answering the above questions will allow you to sort information about your needs and compare carrier offers. On the one hand, there is a desire to get interesting channels in good quality and home entertainment for the whole family, but on the other hand, you don’t want to overpay for it. It should be understood that most provider offers are long-term, which means that the wrong choice will cost more.
Summarize. Digital television T2 for a country house is the best option, if you only spend the weekend there. It's free, so it doesn't matter how many times a year or month you view it. Its installation kit, comparable to satellite TV, costs several times less, and twenty free channels are enough for any average summer resident to brighten up his evening. After all, be that as it may, we are not leaving the city to lock ourselves in the house and sit in front of the TV, but to go “closer to nature.”
IPTV is also convenient in this regard. If at the dacha he confidently accepts wireless internet, then you only need TV-box to select and watch any channel to your liking.
Ideal for homes in rural areas, for those viewers who permanently live in villages, especially for those corners of our country where digital has not yet reached or simply cannot reach due to barriers. Here, as they say, “God himself ordered” - and there are many channels, and image quality and the Internet to boot. Choose an operator and enjoy.
Did you manage to install cable cable to your dacha? Luck indeed! But are you ready to pay a subscription for a month of viewing and renew the contract with the operator, given that you visit the country house from time to time? Ready? Then choose your package of channels and know that the cable signal is not afraid of “neither rain nor slush.” His picture will undoubtedly please you.
Which is better: satellite dish or cable TV?
A difficult question... And very individual.
Here you need to calculate the cost of the channel packages you have chosen, and they vary among different providers and satellite TV operators. And the sets of channels in the packages themselves are different. So here you have to sit down, count and compare, taking into account the cost of purchasing, installing or renting the necessary equipment. I’ll tell you for sure - a set of equipment for cable TV is cheaper than for satellite TV, however, satellite operators also know this and sometimes hold special promotions that reduce the cost of services. But the signal transmission quality of cable TV will probably be better and more reliable, at least weather anomalies such as rain, snow or wind do not affect it in any way.
We must not forget the fact that in Moscow now, in essence, we are already watching cable television - the radio signal travels only to the regional node, after which it is distributed to houses and entrances via the cable network. It is to this network that cable TV operators, for example, AKADO, connect. My son was connected to cable TV AND FullHD, so of all the equipment he only needed an HD card for the TV, and cable TV channels are received via existing network without any additional equipment.
In addition, it seems to me that you are not very correct in thinking that satellite TV works for free after purchasing and installing the equipment. There is such a feature here - by installing a satellite dish, you can watch even fewer channels for free than from a shared antenna. The fact is that for satellite TV operators, some, even familiar to us, on-air channels are paid, and accordingly, they are not included in the free package. For example, now 36 channels are available to me through a collective antenna, and in the free Tricolor package there are only about twenty of them, and among them there are some “left” ones, which, for example, I won’t even watch according to the verdict ...
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Comments
If I understand correctly, having purchased and installed a satellite dish, I will still pay the provider every month for watching channels? Then, perhaps, there is no point in the plate. If only somewhere in a village outside the city in the absence of alternatives...
Different tariffs There is. In some places you pay for a year at once, in others monthly. The free package is not that great, I remember at our work the financiers “forgot” to pay for Tricolor for a year, so it generally only showed four channels normally. A collective antenna provides a much larger range of channels.
What choice should you make between satellite and cable television?
Personally, I am definitely leaning towards cable television. I'll explain why. Firstly, connecting cable TV when modern TVs, you may not purchase equipment at all (incur no costs at all). The TVs themselves already have receivers; if not, then you buy one receiver, which is 3-4 times cheaper than a satellite TV set.
Secondly, satellite equipment Problems often arise (the signal jumps, interference occurs with its reception, problems with the cable in different weather conditions, etc.) and dish owners begin to solve these problems on numerous specialized forums (pay attention to their number). Or you start waiting for the master. With cable television, these problems are usually minimized.
Thirdly, will you be sure that tomorrow the city hall will not pass a law prohibiting the installation of plates on the roofs and facades of buildings as they spoil their appearance.
But you will still have to pay for the satellite (you won’t watch 10-15 channels).
Satellite equipment is relevant where it is not possible to install cable, and in apartment buildings, my personal opinion is to connect cable.
I carefully read all the answers to your question. And I want to say the following, based on personal experience.
Your choice will depend on your goals and objectives. That is, if you want to watch television in the city (where you spend the autumn-winter season), then connect to cable television (although there are also enough channels here that even “by sentence” I will never watch, I don’t know about you). If you want to watch television with a large selection of channels in your dacha/village - outside the city (no matter how far your dacha/village is from the city), then I advise you to purchase a satellite dish - provided that you can install and configure it yourself, and it's not difficult at all. The conclusions are as follows: you can take a satellite dish with you and with you - from the city to the countryside/village, and vice versa. Having purchased the installation/installation kit once, and also paid once a year at the Tricolor company tariff (in 2012, no more than 1000 rubles - payment via the Internet, as well as at almost any payment point mobile communications etc.) - You get access to many of your favorite and familiar channels. Yes, the weather sometimes interferes and makes adjustments to the quality of the broadcast. Meanwhile, Tricolor broadcasts the main/central TV channels for free.
But you can always take your plate with you to any place (no matter where you go) and enjoy your favorite TV shows.