Is cable TV better than DTH?

Cable TV, do you think it is better than DTH?

Television viewing has changed significantly in the recent past years as this paper will explain in details. From the old, large, and heavy CRT TV sets to small and thin LED/LCD TV, and from a only option of terrestrial TV broadcasting to numerous choices provided by cable TV and DTH satellite TV. However, before you make the switch from cable television to DTH, it is important to understand that there are some differences between the two media. To assist you in making the right decision on which of the two is suitable for you, we compare cable TV and DTH based on a number of factors as highlighted below.

The number and the type of the communication channels

Another crucial factor that must be looked at when choosing the TV platform is the number and the types of channels available. Cable TV platforms normally transmit up to 200-300 stations including local, national and international channels, entertainment channels, channels for infotainment, sports, news, movies, music and lifestyle among others. Some of the major cable operators also provide a number of HD channels in the package. DTH platforms offers more than 500 channel and most of the channel is niche and exclusive channel which is not available on cable. All leading DTH operators also offer more than 100 HD channels in popular genres. In terms of the number of channels offered to the subscribers DTH has a clear edge over the cable operators.

Picture and sound quality

DTH transmits signal digitally through satellite it gives better picture clarity and quality especially in HD channels as compare to analog cable TV transmission which is more sensitive to interference and noise. DTH also offers CD quality multi channel surround sound as against stereo sound output from cable. DTH therefore provides a far much better picture quality in high resolution as well as sound quality in various programs that are aired.

Special offers of channel bundles and packages

DTH platforms enable selecting the packs and channels of one’s choice in terms of preferences, expenditure and requirements. Most players provide packs addons and alacarte channels based on genres regional languages, HD and SD resolutions prices etc Most cable operators provide fixed packs with defined channels and there is not much provision to add or delete channels for the subscribers. DTH has a slight edge on the flexibility of subscription plans.

This includes interactivity and value added services.

Today’s DTH services are accompanied by many interactive services and additional services such as program guide, parental lock, multiple language menu, HD PVR for recording programs, pause live TV, movies on demand through SVOD via internet, YouTube integration etc. , Some of these features are also available in high end cable services but the interactive services, VAS, the list of services and the consumer friendly interfaces are much more sophisticated in the DTH services.

The number of providers and the area they cover

Whereas there are 6 players offering DTH services in India, the cable TV service is highly diversified with 1000+ operators who provide services only in few cities or at most in clusters of localities. Cable TV is more dependent on whether the building/neighborhood is wired up while DTH has satellite signal reception throughout the length and breadth of India except for some of the most remote regions. Looking at the issue of supply chain in terms of service provides as well as geographical coverage once more DTH appears to outcompete cable.

Weather-related distortions

Another common issue that is often associated with cable TV services particularly the analog networks is the adverse effect of bad weather including rains and other forms of rough weathers on the reception and visual interferences that distort the TV viewing experience. As the DTH services are wireless and based on satellite they are not affected by harsh climatic conditions. Digital DTH signals also have better resistance to all the other forms of interferences that prevail in the environment.

Installation, portability and convenience

The DTH installation process is easy since the providers help the users to position the small and lightweight dish antenna to face the satellite or use technicians to align it. The entire set up is small in size, easy to transport and can be displaced in case of moving houses or even when in transit and the only necessity is a compatible DTH connection kit. Cable installation involves fixing wires and drilling holes on walls for better bandwidth signal which makes it difficult to transfer or move from one place to another. For the renters, tourists, people who often change their place of residence or travel frequently DTH is more convenient and suitable for a mobile life.

Cost and billing transparency

Cable on the other hand has some initial cost, not as high as the satellite kits to buy the set top boxes often referred to as the satellite kit hardware, but the cost of using cable and DTH in the long run are nearly equal. In DTH platforms, billing and plans are mainly prepaid and package based which makes them fairly transparent and corresponding to utilization requirements. There is a general lack of standardization in the cable billing system in India as evidenced by fixed line rents, ad hoc service charges, technician fees and sometimes itemized billing. The service costs for DTH are reasonable, bundled and predictable under various subscription packs for customers.

In conclusion it can be said that in terms of the number of channels, images and sound quality, interaction, coverage area, weather conditions, availability, no hidden fees and customized offers DTH outperforms cable TV. DTH satellite technology and its delivery mechanism are inherently better, superior, and innovative and are goal-oriented with an objective of improving the TV watching experience in various settings. However cable TV still has its merit especially within the cities if well managed bearing in mind the cabling challenges and utilization of already existing cables. Some operators are using satellite-fed digital cable with STBs, which offer the best of both worlds – hybrid cable-DTH combination. With the evolution of networks, equipment and connectivity the gap between cable and DTH will continue to narrow down but DTH has an added advantage being the default mode of TV reception in a satellite obsessed country like India. Therefore if you are still with the old cablewallah’s analog network which you often experience to have a very frequent problem of seasonal storms and definitely erratic service, then some points to ponder while migrating to a DTH connection for the realization of the actual TV viewing experience!