Not necessarily. When you compare the channels available on digital cable with the channels delivered to your home via satellite programming, the numbers are virtually the same.

Some satellite companies inaccurately inflate the number channels they offer by totaling the channels available throughout their systems... but that is not the number they deliver to an individual town.

It depends on which service options you choose. The satellite company's advertising makes it look cheaper, but make sure you add in all of the extras before you decide. For example, satellite companies charge extra for local stations -- $5 to $10 per month. Also, check to see how much you will have to pay for additional satellite receivers to hook up more than one television set in your home. You may have to pay either a large up-front fee or an extra charge per set each month. And, depending on your location, you may have to buy more than one satellite dish. If you need a repair, you will have to pay extra for a technician - if you can find one.

Most of the time they're about the same. Satellite pictures can suffer during storms or if trees grow to block the satellite signal. Digital cable provides an excellent picture, but even basic cable provides an excellent, reliable picture.

High speed Internet connections through a cable modem are the most reliable.   As much as 25 times faster than your standard dial-up connection, you can send and receive data in a virtual instant.   The best part is that you don't have to buy any expensive equipment, and the rates are extremely competitive.