Most forms of technology have their moment in the sun before something else comes along to challenge them, and it is only at that moment where their true abilities become clear. Because after all, if something looks cutting-edge but then is rapidly dismissed by another product, perhaps it was never so avant-garde to begin with. Developments in technology–from smartphones to satellite tv–are actually a huge help for consumers, because if there was no competition in the tech sector, no one would ever feel motivated to a better job than what is already out there.
Unfortunately, sometimes in the rush of a ton of new technology and the arguments over whether or not it is necessary to go to 3-D when it seems like we just got to HD, things get lost. While televisions have gotten a whole lot bigger–and even flatter–the means by which channels are received has mostly stayed the same. And for one-half of the population–the half that hasn’t made the switch to satellite tv–this is putting them at a serious disadvantage.
Cable providers are still bragging that their service is the most reliable, completely omitting all of those times that the cable has gone out during a storm because cables are the ones that are actually draped between telephone poles, well within reach of a terrestrial lightning strike or any other sort of problem. Satellite, on the other hand, is received by beaming signals from something in outer space, where there isn’t usually thunderstorm interference. Therefore, the cable companies are actually profiting off of providing misinformation to their customers, scaring them into keeping things the way that they are.
The truth is that satellite tv has grown by leaps and bounds, and is now just as viable technology-wise as it ever was options-wise. There are definitely users who stayed with cable simply because they thought the reception would be bad otherwise, but when asked about their options as far as picking and choosing channels go, would still speak up that cable wasn’t doing a good enough job. Adding new channels meant extending contracts, and prices often leapt after six months. But, these users reasoned, there was nothing else to do, so that was that.
With satellite tv, users have the ability not just to add and remove packages of programming, but to actually pick and choose specific channels, eliminating that need to order a whole gigantic package when all you want to watch is one thing. While it is more difficult to cancel service with a satellite provider, chances are there will be no need to, since their rates are reasonable, packages are flexible, and technology is sound. Just like cable, satellite comes with on demand services, where it’s possible to catch up on shows that one missed while out of the house. And just like with cable, satellite has its own high-definition options for those households with HD television sets.
So before flocking to the latest television model or wondering if it’s time to invest tax refunds into a new entertainment system, consider starting at the cornerstone of your entertainment console: the television service itself.