Madeline Gearheart | October 19, 2017
5 Myths about Satellite TV Debunked
The age-old battle between satellite TV and cable TV services has created a lot of misinformation on both sides.
If you’re a new homeowner or you’re just looking for the best service for your dollar, you’ll want to sift through the chaff and find the cold, hard facts.
We’ll help you discover the truth about satellite TV by breaking down the following five myths so you can choose the service that best suits your needs.
Myth #1: Satellite Connections Don’t Work When It’s Raining
Weather-dependent service is perhaps the most pervasive satellite TV myth.
Years ago, any amount of precipitation totally disrupted satellite connections and interruptions could last for hours.
Today’s satellite dishes are better than ever at avoiding this once-common issue.
Modern satellite TV receivers use technology called forward error correction (FEC) to send information over the same frequency in case the data stream is interrupted. FEC allows your receiver to automatically fill in the gaps of information that arise during heavy storms.
Your signal is still getting disrupted, but thanks to FEC, there’s little to no interruption of your favorite TV show. Modern receivers might lose service only for a couple of minutes during the most severe weather.
Myth #2: Satellite Is Too Expensive
Setting up satellite TV was an expensive feat in the past, and all the equipment could easily total thousands of dollars.
Today, those concerns are nonexistent, and nearly all satellite providers include the dish and a modem with your TV package.
They’ll even send a technician out to install the dish at no cost to you.
Pricing for satellite TV is competitive with every other service, including cable, in most areas of the US. And many providers have special one- or two-year pricing plans that can save you a lot of money in the long run.
Myth #3: Satellite Has a Limited Channel Selection
Satellite once had a much lower channel selection than cable.
Now, though, satellite providers offer different channel packages that can provide upwards of 290 channels with local coverage as well.
Satellite providers often include extra features with these subscriptions, such as offline streaming services to other devices and a DVR feature for recording your favorite shows.
With modern satellite TV, there’s always something on for you to watch and enjoy.
Myth #4: Satellite Isn’t Available Where You Live
Satellite often pulls ahead of cable when it comes to TV and internet service in rural areas.
TV access in rural areas drove the popularity of satellite TV because customers in these areas had no other options besides slow dial-up connections and local TV channels.
Satellite TV relies on a clear view of the sky and can gain access to a satellite signal from nearly anywhere.
As long as your view of the sky is unobstructed by buildings and trees, you can gain access to the full suite of satellite services, even if dial-up is the only other option in your area.
Myth #5: Satellite Equipment Is Hard to Install
Thankfully, the days of ten-foot satellite dishes are behind us.
Satellite TV is no longer a complicated and costly technological feat for homeowners; the service providers handle everything, and they may provide installation services free of charge.
Today’s satellite equipment consists of nothing more than a small satellite dish, a receiver box for your TV, and some coaxial cables. And depending on which service provider you use, installation can take around four hours.
Most providers will even weatherproof the area where the dish attaches to your roof.
Competition in the TV-service market has pushed satellite TV to overcome almost all of the major hurdles that may have given it a less-than-stellar reputation in days past.
Today’s satellite service providers make installing a dish and watching TV as simple as possible, and nearly anyone in the US can take advantage of the service. If you’re considering a new package for your television service, take a second look at your local satellite TV provider and bust these myths yourself.
