Television programming is an important decision for us and our families because it affects our relaxation time and our pocket books. Some of us are way too busy for television and the most basic option will do. For the rest of us there are a number of factors that play into that decision and it takes a little research. First off do we want satellite or cable television? If satellite, do we want Dish Network or Directv? What package is best? You have to ponder what programs you want and what your budget will be. Do you have obstructions for a satellite signal? What experiences have you had so far and have they been positive or negative? Some of us want a new option because we are frustrated with the current choice. No matter the reason, there are some obvious differences.

First there is the debate of satellite against cable television. We have all become accustomed to cable since forever. It’s convenient and gives us a local feel with homegrown channels, in particular news, but is it the best bang for the buck? It is reliable and has upgraded itself in recent years to match the demand of quality programming. Satellite however takes the prize in almost every major category. It gives you way more channels to view at a much more affordable price. There is tremendous competition between the satellite companies that drives their price down. There isn’t much to worry about for local cable. Satellite is all over the nation, so it has to be competitive. Money is usually the most important factor in our decision. It isn’t the only one. We have to get what we want. With cable you have to pick and choose which package or packages will give you the right programs. You might be stuck with channels you really don’t want. Satellite offers a wide range of channels in easy packages. It becomes a lot easier to get what you need.

There is more. Let’s say you like music. The selection of music channels on satellite is second to none, a vast greater amount. As well the picture is superior. Everything you watch is 100% digital. With cable it may vary as to exactly how many channels are digital. True sometimes the weather can affect the picture signal, but that is few and far between. Besides that, satellite offers the best HD programming out there. HD is the way of the future and it will become an issue when you upgrade your television, if you haven’t already.

In the satellite industry there are two big sluggers that will cater to your every request, Dish Network and Directv. Both will show you customer service each and every time. Service is likely the largest reason cable loses customers to satellite every year. They usually don’t compare. In the battle between them consider two major things. One, Directv may offer a better rate for 200 channels than Dish. The other is HD programming, the vision of the future. Directv offers more channels at a better price. This separates them as the market leader.

In the end both companies will make changes in an effort to better serve you. Consider what promotion is offered at the time you are ready to make the switch. With Directv right now you can get free installation and free equipment. In an age when television has evolved, satellite has emerged as the best for all our programming needs and Directv has got just a little bit more to offer. It’s yours to consider.