Satellite and Cable TV should not be held to the same standard as broadcast. Is this true? I do not think so.
The term “broadcast network” is often used to distinguish networks that broadcast an over-the-air television signal that can be received using a television antenna from so-called networks that are broadcast only via cable or satellite television. Satellite television is universally available – any household within the service area, be it rural or urban, is capable of receiving the satellite signal. Whereas a satellite connection can be hooked up anywhere, you must be in a specific location in order to receive a cable signal.
With the advent of new technology, broadcast networks have been left behind. Households using cable or satellite TV continue to grow in number, which could only mean that more people are satisfied with the quality produced by these networks. It may be an issue of choices and preferences or cost vs. benefit, but the question now is this – are satellite and cable networks of the same level as broadcast networks which started it all? To be able to answer this, it is crucial to get to the bottom of things. What is the common denominator among the three?
The sole purpose for the existence of broadcast, cable and satellite networks is to provide people information in the form of news and entertainment. Cable and satellite networks are mere innovations – an improved broadcast network. Terrestrial broadcasting reaches locals and nearby areas whereas satellites and even cables span oceans. The end result is a satisfied human sitting on a couch watching the latest game of Lakers. Simple, right?
Regardless of the technicalities involved, it all boils down to one thing – core purpose. This is what brings down all three to a similar level, to the same ground. So now, if you ask me, should
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satellite and cable TV be held to the same standard as broadcast? My answer is yes – regardless of whether this question places cable and satellite as superior over broadcast or vice versa.
References
Wikipedia. Broadcasting. Retrieved November 17, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broadcasting
SatelliteTVGuru. Satellite TV vs. Cable TV. Retrieved November 17, 2008, from http://satellitetvguru.net/satellite-tv-vs-cable-tv/
