Comparing Direct TV Against Comcast Cable By Braxton Swingle

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Today's pay television market is dominated by two huge players - Direct TV and Comcast.  With more than 40 million subscribers combined, it is quite likely that you have access to service from one of these companies.  But what if you live in an area served by Comcast and also have access to satellite TV services from Direct TV?  Let's compare the two and see what they have to offer.

Comcast of course uses coaxial cable to reach the customer in the areas they serve.  While cable services in the past were somewhat unreliable, the last mile network to every home is actually quite reliable today.  On the other hand, Direct TV uses satellite dish technology, which can go out of service during strong storms. 

Cable companies like Comcast have also made huge investments in their infrastructure in order to provide video on demand.  This is done by holding large amounts of content on centralized servers, just waiting for the customer to access programming at any given time.  Direct TV is at a disadvantage here, as their video on demand platform relies on the customer.  The subscriber must have their own high speed internet connection in order to access Direct TV on demand.

Now if you are mainly interested in HD content, then here is one place where satellite TV companies like Dish Network have a superior advantage.   Direct TV currently offers more than 130 national HD channels, and local HD in over 90 percent of the county.  With Comcast, the numbers vary quite a bit because the number of HD channels is dependent on if your particular area has been fully upgraded. 

A final consideration is of course the prices that each company is going to charge you.  Comcast often bundles their cable TV service along with high speed internet and phone service.  These bundles can be a great deal, but the price often rises significantly after the promotion is over.  With satellite TV, you can also find discounts for new customers during the first year, then prices revert to the regular price. 

My bottom line advice?  Take a hard look at the channel lineups offered in both Comcast and Direct TV packages before committing your hard earned money.   That way you will be assured of getting the content you and your family desire.

Braxton Swingle compares Direct TV vs Comcast and reviews the latest Direct TV news at the Satellite TV blog.

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