Moving into a new home requires you to make a lot of decisions. Some of them are simple, like what room you should choose for your cat’s bed or how you’re going to decorate your living room. Others are a little tricky, and that includes picking one of the best cable TV providers for an optimal televisual entertainment experience. With a wide variety of choices out there, comparing several options for your TV and choosing the one that best suits your requirements and budget is not an expeditious process.
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Steps to Choose Cable TV Service
Here is a step-by-step guide to help you choose the most suitable cable TV service for your home:
Understand TV Service Types
Without learning about the different types of TV services, you cannot move forward with your cable TV hunt. TV providers are generally divided into three categories: satellite, cable, and fiber.
Satellite
Satellite TV supplies programming to its subscribers wirelessly through broadcast signals that are transferred via satellites in the space orbit and are accepted by satellite dishes or antennas. For this service, you will need to install a dish on your roof-top and place a receiver inside your house. Satellite providers usually handle the installation process.
One of the best things about satellite service is its availability almost everywhere. If you live in a rural or remote area, then it may be the most preferred, and probably the only, choice for you. It allows you to enjoy 4k and HD picture quality. However, bad weather like heavy clouds or thunderstorms can result in loss of signals, which negatively affects the service quality.
Cost
DISH and DIRECTV are the two main players offering satellite services in the market. The price range of DIRECTV starts from $64.99 per month to up to $134.99 per month. Whereas, DISH prices are somewhere in the range of $64.99 to $99.99 per month.
Cable
Cable TV provides programs through coax (or coaxial cables) that transfer radio frequency signals. For this service, you need a remote, cable box, and a professional technician to install the equipment at your home.
Most people still prefer Cable TV over other available options due to its widespread availability, variety, and reliability. Unlike satellite, it delivers good quality service even during bad weather conditions. Another added benefit is the money-saving bundle deals that most cable TV providers offer. For example, Mediacom bundles provide cable TV, home phone, and internet services, all in one package, which gives you more value for your money.
Cost
You can buy the Mediacom basic cable TV package for $25 per month, while premium packages may cost you somewhere around $85 per month. Pricing varies from location to location. You could also opt for Mediacom TV, internet, and phone bundle, whose starting price is $89.99 per month.
Fiber-optic
Fiber-optic TV utilizes extremely thin plastic or glass cables to transfer programming through infrared light. This comparatively new technology is famous for its reliable signals and high bandwidth. The only issue is its unavailability in the majority of areas.
Cost
Due to its high speed and reliability, fiber TV service is usually more expensive than the other alternatives. However, there is always an option to bundle it with fiber internet to reduce your total monthly bill. MetroNet Basic Fiber TV costs up to $30 per month, and its premium package pricing goes as high up as $105 per month. Unfortunately, its coverage is quite limited and is available to around 8 million US residents, mainly in Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky.
Evaluate Your TV-Watching Patterns
Another essential step in selecting a cable service provider is to understand what you really need in your TV service. If you live in a large household, then analyze the TV watching habits of your family members.
Know About Your Budget
Always keep a list of all your essentials in your mind. And then concentrate on your wallet. Think about all your TV needs and how much it is going to cost you. If the prices are not falling under your desired budget, then try cutting down the extra things like cable boxes or premium channels to reduce your net bill.
Enquire About On-going Deals
Most cable service providers often have some on-going deals for their new subscribers. It can include anything like free access to specific channels for a set duration or free service for the first 3 months. We would suggest you get in touch with the customer service representative to learn about good on-going deals in your neighborhood.
The Bottom Line
The availability of TV service providers and choices can be extensive, especially if you have just moved to a new area. However, analyzing your current cable service provider and evaluating your watching habits could ease your decision-making process.