If you think about it, television is, in fact, an essential part of our everyday lives. It is capable of keeping us updated on current events, it can educate us, and it’ll also provide us with a way to relax after a long day at school or work. And, when it comes to choosing how we receive those distant signals traveling from the broadcasting towers, today, there are more choices than ever.
Because there are so many choices, you might be wondering whether you should choose to install an antenna or if you should opt for getting cable television. To put it simply, there are various factors that can influence your decision, and to make things easier for you, we’ve compiled a list of things that you need to consider before choosing one of these options. Here is what you need to know:
3 Advantages an Antenna
1. You’ll Get a Lot of Free Local TV Channels
With an antenna, you’ll get a lot of local channels for free. This means that you’ll be able to enjoy watching something that you like in high-quality without having to pay for it. Also, since the signal will be local, you won’t have to worry about the quality of the reception.
2. It’s Quite Affordable
When compared to cable TV, getting an antenna will be more affordable. If you’re trying to cut your monthly expenses, getting an antenna will be suitable for you. Depending on your location, you can get an outdoor or indoor antenna, but this will mostly depend on your preferences.
3. New Technologies Are Emerging
In the last couple of years, there have been various improvements to TV antenna, mostly due to new technologies emerging, meaning that you’ll get more benefits from it than before. For instance, you can now receive a signal that is 70 miles away – which wasn’t possible in the past.
3 Drawbacks of an Antenna
1. Remote Locations
If you live in a rural area, you’re probably far from the broadcasting towers, hence, it may be complex for you to receive an HQ signal. This means that you’ll receive a lower number of channels. But, according to the experts from Manchester TV Aerial Installation, this can be fixed by installing the antenna at a higher position and by getting a signal booster.
2. Limited Access to Some Premium Channels
The antenna you opt for will only be able to pick up local signals, thus, if you want to gain access to some premium channels, you might have to pay for them. Some homeowners think that this is costly, which is why they usually don’t pay for such services.
3. Channels That You Don’t Want
Lastly, getting an antenna means that you might also get some channels that you absolutely don’t want to watch or have. These can be stations that broadcast boring and old movies or some that focus on religious topics. Of course, you could choose to delete them or move them further away from the list of channels you usually watch.
3 Advantages of Cable TV
1. It’s More Stable
The very first benefit of this option is that it’ll be more stable. When compared to antennas, cable TV will only stop working if there is an issue with the system – such as a broken router. Also, your signal won’t get worse when there are, for instance, storms or heavy snowfall.
2. Available Bundle Packages
There are packages that you can opt for that’ll bundle your cable TV with other things such as your Internet and phone, and in some cases, even smartphones. These can save you some money and it’ll also be more convenient for you to pay for everything in one monthly bill, meaning that you won’t forget about paying for some services.
3. It’s Affordable
Now, you should know, cable TV will only be affordable if you don’t add too many additional services to it. The initial hardware isn’t costly, but, if you want to gain access to some additional platforms and/or channels, you’ll have to pay extra for these particular services.
3 Drawbacks of Cable TV
1. Fewer Choices
In most cases, one local area will have one cable TV provider, and this can be an issue. This means that, if you, for instance, need some help, the customer support might be terrible or non-existent, hence, the problem you’re experiencing might not be solved as soon as they appear.
2. Confusing Bundles And Packages
When it comes to how much a particular service will cost, the prices for various bundles and packages will be quite confusing. A lot of companies will require you to sign a two-year contract and in most situations, there will be hidden expenses, taxes, and charges – meaning that you should be extra careful when choosing since it can end up costing more.
3. Less Privacy
Last on our list is the fact that combining your TV with your Internet will mean that you’ll have less privacy while browsing the net. Cable internet has a stable IP address that cannot be changed, hence, companies will be able to track which websites you commonly visit.
Both Options Can Supplement Streaming Services
Before we conclude this article, it’s worth mentioning that both of these services will enable you to access and use various streaming services. This means that, no matter what you opt for, you’ll be able to enjoy movies, shows, and TV series published on platforms such as iTunes, Netflix, Amazon, HBO, Hulu, Disney, and so on. Of course, this will require a monthly subscription, meaning that you’ll need to pay for accessing and using these platforms.
Conclusion
As you were able to learn, both antenna and cable television have their advantages and disadvantages. Of course, the option you choose will entirely depend on your preferences, budget, and location, nonetheless, in most cases, cable TV proves to be more suitable for many individuals due to its diversity and affordability.
And, since you’ve now learned the differences between these two options, you shouldn’t waste any more time. Instead, to enjoy some shows and movies as soon as possible, go through our list once more, and then determine which option is more suitable for you, as well as your home.
