Television has undergone a stunning amount of innovation and evolution since it entered the mainstream more than a half century ago. Grainy images, cathode ray tubes, and boxy sets are things of the past—now, your TV service comes via advanced technologies like fiber-optic cables or HD satellites.

But there are a number of important distinctions between satellite TV and cable, and the providers at Sunshine Satellites, based in Foley, AL, can help you parse out those differences and settle on the right choice for your home.

The first, most obvious difference between satellite TV and cable is the equipment. Cable requires installation by a trained technician, who will run a cable line through your living room into the cable box. The cable can be coaxial or fiber optic, and its sturdiness guarantees a quality transmission.

Satellite TV, on the other hand, receives communications from an outdoor antenna, usually placed on your rooftop. Therefore, it’s a more viable option if you own your home rather than rent. You want to ensure nothing is between the satellite antenna and the sky, as buildings, trees, and wires can disrupt the reception. Satellite TV is also more susceptible to bad weather than cable, but it is cheaper.

One key advantage of satellite TV is since it receives signals from satellites orbiting the planet, you can set it up almost anywhere. Cable television, meanwhile, is usually only available in areas with network providers and thus is not really an option if you live in a rural area.

There are different providers for cable and satellite TV services. You can often bundle services with cable, whereas a satellite is a cheaper standalone option. There are few differences between the two services when it comes to available programming, but due to its range of reception, satellite is definitely a better option for international TV.

If you live in the Alabama Gulf Coast region and are ready to talk about switching to satellite TV service, contact the expert technicians at Sunshine Satellites. They can easily outfit your home, office, or recreational vehicle with a satellite. Check out their website, or give them a call at (251) 989-6900.