Monday, November 30, 2009

Digital Cable - The Features and Benefits

By Anna J Sussman

Not only is digital cable immensely popular, but it continues to attract an ever increasing number of subscribers each year. This is primarily because it provides a good quality picture, several channels, a handy interactive program guide, and of course, video on demand. However, another reason for it being so popular is because customers have the option to bundle the cable service with other services such as phone and Internet.

The bottom line is digital cable TV has several benefits which one cannot take advantage of with standard cable, or even with a basic satellite service. As you may well already know, video on demand allows you to choose between hundreds of movies and shows instantly and new shows are continuously being added. This also means that customers can watch any show of their choice at a time that's convenient to them, and the entire process can be controlled with the remote. In fact, it's almost like having a video store inside your television set. Most noticeable of all is the sheer number of choices, including premium movies, shows and sports for example. Additionally, many cable providers nowadays make it possible for subscribers to take advantage of a DVR (digital video recorder) box. Essentially, this is a digital cable box which uses a built in hard drive. In many ways this can be compared to a regular VCR because it allows you to record shows, but of course it's a whole lot better. With a DVR you're able to start and stop shows while you are watching them. In fact, you can even rewind a television show when you're watching a live show on TV. Additionally, a DVR makes it possible for you to determine when you want recording to begin and end so that you need never miss one of your favorite TV programs again.

Digital phone is also a common service which comes bundled with cable, and when customers choose this option they usually receive a noticeable discount in the pricing. In fact, the phone service usually ends up costing less than half you could expect to pay with a regular phone company. It's also worthwhile noting that this service also includes all the regular extras such as call waiting, voice mail, and even unlimited long distance calling. The fact that digital phone service doesn't involve pay per minute charges means that people are free to call their friends and family who may be living overseas, without having to worry about receiving an astronomical bill.

Also, those who subscribe to digital cable TV can also choose to include high speed Internet. Not only is the broadband cable extremely fast, but most cable companies also tend to include a range of security features such as virus protection for example. You'll also usually receive an e-mail address with most providers. It simply cannot be denied that by using ultra fast digital and fiber optic technology, cable broadband service is far superior to DSL and satellite internet. Furthermore, with several speed options available, you can use the internet at practically any speed you wish.

The advantages to bundling services are overall lower costs and the convenience of one payment for all three services. This eliminates the hassle of dealing with three different companies and mailing three different payments to three different addresses. Many digital cable companies also feature promotions throughout the year. An example would be free premium channels for a six month period for all new customers. If you're considering ordering digital cable, make sure you check with your local provider for all the latest promotions and discounts for new customers.

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