Dish satelite vs Cable quality?


I am new to home theater and would appreciate any feedback.

Comparing video and audio quality between your local cable company to any dish satelite system, which of these do you feel is better? Also, please compare standard definition programing to any High Definition between the two.

In addition, what about the content in the selection of programs available, (cable vs dish).

Lastly, if the consensus is dish, which dish network would you recommend.

Thanks for your time.
audionut22

Showing 1 response by kurt_tank

If you want great picture quality, there is really just one way to go. BIG DISH!

Seriously, the 10 foot diameter, "C" band has the best picture I have seen, and I have had, both cable and Dish Network to compare it against. (To be honest, I have not had HDTV on any of the systems, but from what I have read, it still is the best on the Big Dish).

The problem is that is is not nearly as convenient (I.e. you have to switch between 2 dozen satelites to switch between channels, it is fairly expensive (although still cheaper than cable) and the initial cost is very high. ($3K+). In addition, there is maintenance on the dish, which seems to malfunction every few years or so, I guess because it is constantly swivelling to track different satelites. I finally gave up after about 5 or 6 years, and went with the very convenienct Dish Network which has a built in Digital recorder, which is "Hella" cool (to quote Eric Cartman).

If you want absolute best picture, choose "C" band, or if you want next best, pick Dish Network (Or direct TV, as I think they are about the same thing.)

Good Luck!