When you’re shopping for satellite radio equipment, you have a lot of options. This is a good thing, but it also means you need to make several decisions. First, you must decide whether you will subscribe to Sirius or XM Satellite Radio. This decision will dictate what brand of satellite equipment you purchase.

Deciding between Sirius and XM isn’t really too difficult if you review their channels and programming. You may wish to read a few customer reviews of each service, too, but in general, their prices and services are similar enough that channels and programming will be the biggest deciding factor.

Once you’ve opted for either Sirius or XM Satellite Radio, you must decide where and how you want to listen to it. If you spend a lot of time in your car and that is just about the only place you listen to radio, you will probably want satellite radio installed directly in your vehicle. If the kitchen or your dorm room is where you’ll be tuning in, a home satellite receiver may be your best option. For individuals who want satellite radio in both their cars and their homes, you can opt for plug and play equipment. Last but not least, personal portable satellite radio devices are also available.

If you drive more than one vehicle on a regular basis or you just prefer to be able to use satellite radio wherever you are, opt for a plug and play device. Plug and play devices provide a flexible, affordable way to get started with satellite radio. They’re small and easy to carry from your car to your home or office. You don’t need a separate subscription to listen to satellite radio in various locations with a plug and play satellite radio device.

Plug and play satellite radios work through a cradle or docking station that facilitates all the connections satellite radio requires. An external satellite radio antenna that receives the satellite signal plugs into the cradle, and the radio functions just like any other radio. You need to purchase a car kit in order to use a plug and play radio in your vehicle and a home kit for use indoors. You may also want to purchase a Sirius or XM boombox-style docking station that will allow you to enjoy satellite radio outdoors or wherever you choose to take it.

If you’re interested in more permanent home or vehicle options, you have plenty of solutions that make satellite radio easy to enjoy. You can purchase a satellite radio receiver that just needs an antenna connection to work. Many new cars come equipped with satellite radio capabilities, but you can have the equipment you need installed if you don’t plan to purchase a new vehicle.

Small, portable satellite radio device contain everything you need to enjoy satellite radio on the go, and most can be accessorized with kits for home use or use in your vehicle. Today, you can even choose MP3 players with satellite radio capabilities.

The move is on. Last year millions of Americans switched from cable TV to satellite TV.

Why? When you compare satellite TV to cable TV you’ll discover the main reasons are cost, picture quality, program choices, and customer satisfaction.

Let’s check out the differences …

Cable vs. Satellite TV Fees

<> Cable TV fees across the country average $39.99 per month. In our area the cost for cable TV is $37.30 a month for 64 channels, plus $10.95 a month to add digital channels. Installation in one room is $39.95, plus $9.95 for each additional room.

<> Satellite TV fees from Dish Network are $31.99 per month for 60 channels, while DirecTV charges $41.99 per month for 115 channels. Both satellite TV providers currently offer free satellite TV equipment and free installation in up to four rooms.

Cable vs. Satellite TV Programming

<> Cable TV in most areas offers almost as many channels as satellite TV, and is broadcast in analog (over-the-air) format. If you want to have digital picture and sound you’ll have to pay an additional fee, usually $10 to $15 a month.

Satellite TV offers more channels than cable TV (more than 250 channels), and more HDTV (high definition TV) programming. All satellite TV channels are broadcast in digital format for the highest quality picture and sound.

Cable vs. Satellite TV Equipment

<> With cable you only need cable boxes that connect the incoming cable line to your televisions. There is usually no charge or rental fees for cable boxes, however, If you want a digital video recorder, you’ll have to pay an extra fee.

<> With satellite TV you need a satellite TV dish and TV receivers. Both Dish Network and DirecTV offer that equipment, plus installation, for free. Dish Network will give you a DVR (digital video recording) receiver or an HDTV receiver at no charge, while DirecTV charges $49.99 for DVR receivers and $299 for HDTV receivers.

Cable and Satellite TV Reliability and Customer Satisfaction

<> Cable TV outages average 3% to 5% per year. J.D. Powers and Associates ranks cable companies as good to poor in customer satisfaction.

<> Satellite TV outages average about 1%. J.D. Power and Associates has ranked the two satellite TV providers — Dish Network and DirecTV — higher in customer satisfaction than any of the cable TV companies for the last five years

The Bottom Line

If you only watch a couple of shows a week, and you live in an area where you can’t get over-the-air TV and cable TV costs less than $20 per month, then cable may be your best option.

If, on the other hand, you want the biggest variety of shows, movies, sports, and news for the least amount of money … you want to watch your all your shows in digital video and sound … and you want the option of watching them in HD format and recording them on a DVR receiver, then satellite TV is what you’re looking for.