Up until the early 90s the American television viewing public had the option of either watching the programs provided by the established free-to-air channels, or else they could subscribe to cable TV. At that time the cable TV providers were at the forefront of improving the quality of programming and ensuring the use of the latest TV technology.

However the introduction of satellite TV in the mid 90s was the start of a new television era that not only led to a continual improvement in the variety and quality of the programs being shown, it was also the start of a period during which major technological changes took place.

The public now had a much larger selection of TV options - more competition in the market place led to greater benefits for viewers. An increase in the number of channels covering a multitude of interests; foreign language channels become more easily available; more competition was responsible for cheaper subscription rates and improved customer service; special deals for new subscribers became the norm. And it focused the public's mind on having an integrated home entertainment system.

The major difference between the two types of systems is in the way the TV signal is transmitted. With cable, the signal is delivered to each household via a network of cables. The competing system uses a satellite situated in the south that transmits the signal to a satellite dish located usually on the roof of the subscriber's house.

It's expected that the rate of increase in the number of satellite TV subscribers will ensure that this method of transmission will become the most popular in the short term. The main reasons for this are:

1. As the cable TV companies have been increasing their monthly fees at a faster rate than the satellite companies, cable is now dearer than satellite for the same program options and service. This trend will undoubtedly continue in the years ahead

2. Satellite TV has a reputation for being more reliable than cable. Annoying transmission interruptions occur much more frequently with cable and are usually caused by bad weather conditions, a situation that doesn't affect signal transmission by satellite. This problem is one of the major reasons for subscribers switching over to satellite.

3. All satellite TV channels are transmitted in 100% digital for both picture and sound. This feature provides a much more pleasurable and satisfying experience than watching many of the channels shown by cable TV. Another example of the better technology employed by the satellite companies.

4. Due to the superior technical features of satellite TV, it can provide a larger number of channels than cable therefore offering a much wider range of programming options for all. In addition to the free-to-air channels offered by the long-established TV companies - NBC, CBS, ABC, and Fox - all the popular programs presently shown on cable are available on satellite, plus many more. Indeed there is something for all interests whether it be news, current affairs and documentaries; sports; children's programs; movies; light entertainment or sitcoms. Specials events such as concerts, sports etc. are also available.

5. Signing up new TV subscribers is a very competitive business. The two major satellite TV companies spend huge amounts on advertising trying to entice families to switch from cable and the other satellite company. What this means to those looking for a new TV provider is that there are plenty of deals and inducements around. From free equipment and installation, deals on program packages, and deals offered by the installers, new subscribers have never had it so good.

6. Regular surveys of the level of customer satisfaction clearly and consistently show that the satellite TV companies and their installers out-perform the cable companies.

7. Satellite TV subscribers can benefit from access to an internet connection provided by the satellite dish, giving a faster connection than by cable. The intense level of competition between the two major satellite TV companies will always ensure that internet rates are competitive.

So for those families looking at a different option than their present service provider then there's no better time to make that change than now. There's plenty of great deals around with no equipment to buy; very little commitment on the part of the subscriber; and customer care is as good as ever.