If you have a digital TV receiver (including all HD TV receivers), you will find that there are additional sub-channels from over-the-air reception, providing some additional programming, without getting cable or Satellite, but there are still many channels that are available only through Cable or Satellite.

Between satellite and cable, satellite is likely to be a little bit less expensive, often even when you pay the extra $5 or so to get local channels. The services provided are comparable, both in terms of selection of channels, programming packages, and the availability of pay per view movies and events. The two main satellite providers are DirecTV and Dish network which provide comparable channel lineups.

If you have high speed internet form your cable company, however, they will often offer a discount to those with both cable and high speed Internet, and this could make the cable option less expensive.

If you choose to go with satellite TV, by committing to one or two years of service, most companies offer specials that provide you with free equipment, often for up to four rooms, as well as low cost recievers with built in digital video recorders. Such offers are available for DIRECTV through RapidSatellite.com. For Dish Network, similar offers are available from VMCSatellite. After you complete the agreed upon term of service, the equipment is yours to keep. It makes little sense not to take advantage of such an offer, but be sure to read the full terms of any offer to make sure that you will meet the terms of the offer, as the offers have penalties for early termination of service. Also, don't get more receivers than you need just because they are free, since you need to activate all of the receivers you get, and DirecTV and other satellite providers charge a fee (usually $5) per month for each additional receiver activated.

Choosing a Television