Digital Cable vs. Satellite
Written: Oct 16 '01
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Pros: "Clean" picture, dual audio outs
Cons: channel guide, some pixelation, occasional aliasing and graininess which are common to all satellite systems
The Bottom Line: The SAT-B55 is a good receiver for satellite. It's satellite technology in general that needs to come closer to it's hype.
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| jetersmatrix's Full Review: Sony SAT B55 Satellite TV Receiver |
Digital Cable vs. Satellite
For several years now, I have been a digital cable subscriber (Insight, Time Warner, and Americast). For the most part I’ve been pleased with these services but hearing and reading that satellite systems had even more to offer, I excitedly decided to jump on the bandwagon. I wrote this review for any prospective digital cable subscribers who may be thinking of making a similar move, as well as for those of you who would simply like to know the differences between the two competing formats.
Sound
The primary reason I decided to try satellite was because of the "cd-quality" sound. Satellite systems are supposed to be "perfect for the home theater enthusiast" and possessing a Dolby Digital setup of my own, I was anxious to hear what it could do. Since the sound quality of my digital cable was “ok” on premium channels (HBO, Showtime) and better on Pay-per-view and MusicChoice, I expected even higher results from satellite. Unfortunately I found that satellite audio quality is not significantly better than digital cable audio. In fact, the differences between the two are, in my estimation, unperceivable. And in case your wondering, neither formats deliver sound that is anywhere near as robust and dynamic as a real CD or DVD. This is true despite the fact that some satellite receivers and cable boxes feature Dolby Digital output. Don’t let the words "digital", "cd-quality", or "Dolby Digital" fool you when it comes to satellite or cable broadcasts. These are merely advertising buzzwords and don't reflect the real quality of sound you receive. Both digital cable and satellite have a long way to go before that will be able to match the sonic and visual bliss of CDs and DVDs.
Picture Quality
Another disappointment was picture quality. Satellite delivers 420 lines of resolutions, which is very close to the resolution of DVD. But similar to satellite's supposed “cd-quality” sound, satellite's 100% digital picture doesn't live up to its hype. In fact, in my opinion it displayed some weaknesses that were not even apparent on digital cable. Satellite does offer a "clean" picture, completely devoid of any visual noise. So in that respect you do see a "clearer" picture. But those with discerning eyes will notice other just as bothersome visual distortions. The satellite picture is prone to some noticeable pixelation, and tends to "digitize" in fast moving or visually intense scenes. Another problem was some more than occasional graininess in the picture especially noticeable around text or the lines in faces (an anomaly of decompression). Initially I thought my receivers were acting up (despite the fact that my signal strength was in the 90's) but after reviewing closely the satellite feeds at two Best Buy stores and one Circuit City store , I saw the same flaws. Such problems were less noticeable on the small monitors these stores use to display their satellite feeds, but they were definitely there. In comparison, such digital artifacts were far less noticeable or altogether invisible on my digital cable.
Channel Guides
This is where satellite really falls short of digital cable. The channel guide system they use is positively medieval when compared to digital cable. First, the type of channel guide you get depends on your satellite receiver and can’t be upgraded as technology improves like the digital cable boxes. So you are stuck with the channel guide on whatever box(s) you buy. I have the Sony SATB55, which is supposed to be one of the better units. But its channel guide is simply a technological abomination. Although it allows you to watch TV while you browse other channels (by shrinking your picture to 1/4 size and bringing up the guide around it), as soon as you begin browsing it tunes to the channel you are browsing. To get around this you can choose another channel guide (the "index") that allows you to browse without tuning, but unlike the other guide it lacks any sort of program descriptions, and you can’t look ahead to see what’s coming on in advance. I won’t spend time telling you all the things you can do with digital cable’s menus, but suffice it to say that their much, much more powerful and very "channel surfer" friendly.
The Bummers
Other bummers include the fact that you have to have a phone line near each satellite receiver you install (to receive channel guide information). This meant I had to install several extra phone lines. And when trying to look a few hours ahead on the channel guide, you frequently get an annoying "retrieving guide info from satellite" while it loads another section of the guide. Changing channels is likewise frustrating because it takes too much time for the receiver to tune the channel (sound first, then picture). Adding insult to injury is the fact that basic satellite receivers don't offer a channel display. Digital cable is much faster in changing channels, doesn’t require a phone line, and offers channel displays on its receivers (or a time display if you like). But the real advantage of digital cable is that upgrades can be made to its system on the fly and without purchasing new equipment. New menu's, setup options, etc. can be added on the fly. It's really cool to wake up one morning, pop on your cable box and be greeted with a new, completely revamped channel interface, sleeker menus, or new services.
Price and Channels.
I’d heard a lot about satellite’s cheaper prices but I found even this no longer to be the case. By the time I’d added local channels to my service, the price was identical to my digital cable. And as far as channels, cable offers some that satellite doesn’t and vice versa. But overall you’re going to get the same basic choices (CNN, HBO, Nickelodeon, etc.). On sports, I give satellite the edge with some good NFL and NBA packages (for a price) . But some digital cable systems (Insight) offer On-Demand movies. With these, you don’t wait until the movie starts, it starts the moments you order it (on-screen). And you can pause and fast forward these movies, or watch them again and again if you’d like (for two days). In addition, most cable systems offer high-speed Internet services that are "always on" and don’t use phone lines. Similar satellite setups DO tie up phone lines and cost a pretty penny for a special satellite disk and receiver. And as for HDTV my current cable system (Time Warner) is offering it in just a matter of a few months - without me having to purchase a special disk.
The Verdict
In the overall scheme of things, I wish I wouldn't have bought a satellite. In fact, after having a Directv service tech out to make sure there were no problems with my system, I returned it. Satellite was actually a step backwards for me, conferring no significant benefits, numerous unexpected hassles, and most importantly, was at best a less than lateral move when compared to cable.
If you have any additional questions, feel free to email me at jeter_neo@hotmail.com.
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): 125
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Epinions.com ID:
jetersmatrix
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Member: Eric Jeter
Location: Ohio
Reviews written: 15
Trusted by: 0 members
About Me:
Film critic and freelance writer
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