Comparing Dish Network and Cable can be made easier by looking at long-term trends. These show firstly that Dish Network take-up is growing in terms of market share, whilst cable is falling. Secondly, that the cost of cable is increasing while Dish Network prices are stable. I say stable, but in real terms they are falling because of the additional equipment you can get for the same cost. And it's not as if you have to buy the equipment either, you get the complete basic setup for free and additional features or duplicate equipment can be obtained at a nominal one-time fee.

Equipment - The Dish Network equipment portfolio is increasing all the time. This is because of the proliferation of HD (High Definition) TV and the equipment to record it ? HD DVR. This brings about our next comparison point; Dish Network provides a 100% digital service plus the availability of HDTV. Cable on the other hand provides only a percentage of digital services with more limited HDTV. This is an important difference since digital channels are what you need for quality reception, with the ability of the digital service to remove interference or bad quality before you see it on the screen. HDTV then goes one step further by giving the best possible picture quality ? essential if you want to view on a large TV. Cable is three or four times more susceptible to breaks in transmission, an important factor that is often overlooked.

Programming - It doesn't take long to notice that Dish Network Satellite TV provides more channels than cable, and the availability of channels is increasing all the time. The best deals from retailers usually include rebates on programming as well as some months of free movie reception- at least this means you can try before you buy.

Cost - Just as important as quality and variety of course is the cost. Well this is where Dish Network Satellite TV wins hands down. Dish Network channel packages are significantly cheaper ? even before you factor in the initial rebates you get with most deals. When you buy Dish Network, you know that you are buying something that is forward-looking in regard to the HD channel availability and equipment. Basic Dish Network programming packages now come in at $19.99 per month against $50-plus for cable. They even offer 100 dollars in monthly discounts to you for signing up.