Television in the US
There are three kinds of television in the US:
- Broadcast television that is available for free to anyone having a TV set in the broadcast area.
- Cable television for which subscription is needed through a provider such as AT&T, Comcast, Verizon and others.
- Satellite television for which subscription is needed, too. The two main Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) providers nationwide are Dish Network and Direct TV.
It is important to know that in 2009 the US made a transition to digital TV. You will be able to watch TV only if you buy a specific antenna (if you have an old television) unless you have a digital TV set or buy one.
The US have a decentralized television system. It means there is no national broadcast programming services but local television stations that are affiliated or owned by a national network.
| Broadcast TV | There are three major national networks in the US: NBC, CBS and ABC with each of them having local affiliates. In Chicago, there are as following: NBC 5, CBS 2, ABC 7. All the programs are in English and they all broadcast similar schedules: early morning local news shows, network morning show, talk shows, local news at mid day, soap opera or series, local news again in the early evening followed by national networks news. In prime time, they broadcast comedy, series or reality shows.
Broadcast commercial TV such as Fox TV launched in 1986 to compete with the three major national networks. The tone is very different from the three previous ones and the programming, too. New networks have also appeared such as the CW, ION, My network TV, which does not operate 24 hours a day as do the national affiliates network and Fox TV. Non-English Broadcast TV: Univision is the main network of Spanish language stations. In Chicago you can watch TV in Spanish on WXFT-DT, LATV, WGBO-DT. Public TV: American public TV differs from commercial TV described previously because they broadcast educational and cultural programs. Most of public television stations are affiliated to Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). PBS affiliates in Chicago are WTTW 11, WYCC (adult educational and children programs; Irish and British shows) and WYIN (educational programs, sports and local news). |
| Cable TV | The cable networks broadcast the same programs nationwide. Here are some examples of cable networks you can watch if you subscribe to cable TV: USA network, ESPN (sport), MTV (music), CNN (news), Disney Channel, Cartoon Network (Children), Discovery Channel and Animal Planet (documentaries), HBO (series), etc. … |
Cable TV
The main phones and internet providers offer bundles i.e. triple play (TV, internet and phone) or double play. It will allow you to watch cable television.
| Providers | Double Play | Triple Play |
| AT&T | Direct TV + Home phone for $69.99 per month.
Over 200+ digital channels and 65 music channels, DVR service, and local channels all included Unlimited local and long distance calling and calling features such as call waiting, caller ID, etc. A delivery fee applies but installation is included for the Direct TV. |
Home Phone + Internet + TV for $94.99 per month.
Over 200+ digital channels and 65 music channels, DVR service, and local channels all included. High Speed Internet Pro. Unlimited local and long distance calling and calling features such as call waiting, caller ID, etc. A delivery fee applies but installation is included for the Direct TV. For the internet installation, you can do it yourself or ask a technician ($200). |
| Comcast | Internet + TV for $69.99 per month.
TV + phone: prices and services may vary according to the area where you live. |
– HD Starter: $114.99/month
FREE HD with no HD access or equipment fees. 80 channels. You can add any premium channel for as low as $10/month High-Speed Internet Unlimited nationwide calling – HD Plus for $139.99 per month FREE HD with no HD access or equipment fees 150 channels including HBO®. You can add any premium channel for as low as $10/month FASTER High-Speed Internet Unlimited nationwide calling – HD Premier starting at $159.99/month Free HD with no HD access or equipment fees HD/DVR box and service 200 channels including HBO®, Cinemax®, Starz®, Showtime® and the Sports Entertainment Package, with NFL RedZone. FASTER High-Speed Internet Unlimited nationwide calling |
| Verizon | Phone + High Speed Internet (up to 3 Mbps) from $40 per month.
It includes free Verizon Wi-Fi. |
Phone + High Speed Internet 3 Mbps + TV from $70 per month |
Satellite TV Providers:
The two providers nationwide are Dish Network and Direct TV. Be aware than in both cases a technician has to come to make the installation. It seems difficult to compare them as they offer almost the same products (channels). Generally speaking, cable TV has less channels than Satellite TV and the trend in the US is to move from cable TV to satellite TV. To compare Satellite TV providers between them and with Cable TV, check the following links:
– http://www.dishcomparison.com/
– http://directtv-vs-dishnetwork.com/
– http://ezinearticles.com/?Satellite-TV-vs.-Cable-TV—-Which-is-Best?&id=61179
Restrictions on installing a dish may apply especially if you are living in an apartment or condo. To be sure you are allowed to install a dish on the roof, patio or balcony, we advise you to check the terms of your lease agreement or get a written permission from your landlord, homeowner’s association or property manager.
For restrictions of dish installation, please check the Federal Communication Commission’s information sheet about “Over-the-Air Reception Devices Rule” at http://www.fcc.gov/mb/facts/otard.html
- Dish Network: http://www.dishnetwork.com/
There are four packages:
– $24.99 a month with over 120 channels
– $37.99 a month with over 220 channels
– $47.99 a month with over 260 channels
– $87.98 a month with over 260 channels
- Direct TV: http://www.directv.com
There are three packages available:
– $29.99 a month for 12 months with over 150 digital channels
– $34.99 a month for 12 months with over 200 digital channels
– $39.99 a month for 12 months with over 200 digital channels, monthly DVR Service included
With these packages you get a free professional installation in up to 4 rooms. Note that most of the time Cable TV providers make you pay if you request an installation.
