Depending on your lifestyle, a quality tv experience is always a preference for any movie fan. However, watching television at home now does not necessarily require a Cable or Satellite TV. The introduction of streaming services has changed the course. Streaming services like Netflix has gained more subscribers than most cable and satellite TV has in recent years. Without a doubt, we still know the importance of both cable and satellite TV in entertainment industry.
Cable and satellite TV dominated the television industry for decades and yet plays a major role. Streaming services, on the other hand, is an uprising video platform to stream live tv, on-demand videos, TV shows and documentaries. Since the introduction, most cable and satellite TV networks have decided to register their presence by creating a streaming platform to meet up with the demands. Therefore, in this article, we’ll discuss the major difference between cable vs satellite TV, and streaming service based on availability, price and the viewing experience.
cable vs satellite TV and streaming service
So to start with, cable TV first came up and dominated the television industry with its services first registered across the US and Europe. Getting cable TV working in your apartment do not necessarily require too much engagement as you will require an installer from the cable company or an independent installer to run the installation. When the service comes into your home or office through a cable, then a cable installer put it there.
Satellite TV is arguably the leading tv service. With over 100 million people using this service all across the globe, even when there are lots of alternatives. Satellite tv companies like DirecTV, Dish Network network, and DStv are among the best you can get with Directv and dish Network leading in the United States and Dstv leading in Africa and parts of Europe and the middle east. Also, getting satellite tv installed requires a professional installer although it can easily be installed if the necessary tools are available.
However, a Streaming service is an online-based platform that offers live tv and on-demand videos. Although, both cable and satellite TV networks are going into the streaming world but still, streaming services like Netflix takes the lead. The setup is the easiest as you only have to install the app to your phone or stream online.
Price comparison of cable, satellite TV and streaming services
Comparing the prices might be a bit complicated as prices vary depending on the services rendered and the provider itself. However, the average price may be determined by going through the pricing of a top provider in each service. Below is a detailed pricing for Xfinity which is the best cable TV in United States.
Costs of Xfinity cable TV plans
| Extra | 140+ channels | $49.99/mo.* |
| Preferred+ | 220+ channels | $59.99/mo.* |
| Digital Starter | 140+ channels | $70.99/mo. |
| Digital Preferred | 220+ channels | $89.49/mo. |
In the United States, dish network and AT&T are the leading satellite TV providers. However, we’ll list the plans, costs and channels of dish network plans below.
Dish Network plans and costs
| Package | Price/mo. | Channels | Additional Channels |
|---|---|---|---|
| America’s Top 120™ | $59.99 | 190 | USA, Disney, ESPN, E! |
| The America’s Top 120+™ | $74.99 | 190+ | FOX Sports, Pac-12, CSN |
| America’s Top 200™ | $84.99 | 240+ | Bravo, Sundance, NBA TV |
| The America’s Top 250™ | $94.99 | 290+ | H2, DIY, Starz Encore |
Lastly, coming to streaming services, there are lots of amazing platforms, from Netflix, HBO, HULU, Disney plus, YouTube, and many more. Yet, streaming services like Netflix tends to be on top currently. Therefore, we’ll put down the cost of different Netflix plans.
Netflix plans and costs
| Basic | Standard | Premium | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost* (USD) | $7.59 | $9.42 | $11.52 |
| The Number of screens you can watch on at the same time | 1 | 2 | 4 |
| Number of phones or tablets you can have downloadson | 1 | 2 | 4 |
| Unlimited movies and TV shows | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Watch on your laptop, TV, phone or tablet | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| HD available | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Ultra HD available | ✓ |
So, with the above details, you’ll be the judge in the Cable vs satellite TV and streaming service comparison. Coming to live tv availability, streaming service is an online based service. That is to say, streaming services like Netflix is available anywhere you can access the internet unlike cable and satellite TV which is limited to their coverage areas.
Frenzy valentine is a passionate blogger, developer, and entrepreneur. He is the founder and author of myfreshgists.com and Mycatnails.com.