Have you ever considered that your television and computer are locked in a silent competition for your attention? previously serving two very different functions, computers are fast becoming the entertainment center in many households. With the advent of the exciting new technology PC Satellite TV which turns your computer into a super TV, it looks like the computer is coming out the winner. When you compare TV services like DirecTV to PC Satellite TV it's hard to ignore the amazing benefits of having access to hundreds of quality channels right on your computer and not paying through the nose for subscription television.

While a world where a TV and a Computer could be considered contributing members of the household is terrifying if not all that far-fetched, it can be argued convincingly that your computer is pulling its weight while your television doesn't. Households that boast of satellite service like DirecTV spend around a hundred dollars a month on things like programming and receiver rental. For your favorite episode of the L Word on your computer in less than an hour, you pay for the software and then you're ready to go. Satellite TV for your PC can be significantly cheaper than DirecTV, and this is even keeping in mind the fact that the episodes of many shows can be downloaded immediately and completely legally.

Another issue is equipment. Many of the programs that run Satellite TV on your PC, don't require any hardware to operate because the satellite tv signal is sent via the internet. A fast broadband connection is ideal but not essential, you can still view your favorite TV show on your computer with even a 56k modem, this shows a versatility that your television set lacks. Compare this to what's required for DirecTV, you need delivery and installation of receiver and remote which can run into the hundreds of dollars.

What About Quality?

One consideration that needs to be made when comparing satellite TV on your computer with direcTV, is the quality of picture and sound. There is no question that DirecTV offers great picture and sound quality, whereas satellite television that you watch on your computer or notebook may not be quite as good in some circumstances. When I say this, the difference is not extraordinary and some other factors that affect the audio and video on your computer are, screen quality, computer sound system and Internet connection speed. Considering the huge difference in pricing between DirecTV and PC satellite TV, you would have to be very particular to want to pay all that extra money for the moderate improvement in sound and picture that DirecTV offers.

One very important point is you can watch your computer signal or output on your big screen or entertainment center, this means you are not confined to just watching the internet TV on your computer.

Similarly, computers play well with others. How often have you been frustrated with family and household members hogging the set? This problem effectively disappears when you're watching all your favorite shows on your computer. Similarly, why pay services like DirecTV when you can facilitate and determine your own programming for little to no cost?

Programming limitations is another big reason to select Satellite TV on PC software. Companies like DirecTV have limitations on what you can watch, this is even though they claim to have every channel you could possibly want. One of the reasons for this is they have limits themselves on what they can broadcast and where. There are sports blackouts where particular games are not allowed to be shown certain parts of the country which is common. There can also be issues with some stations refusing to negotiate with the satellite companies and pulling their programming. When and if this happens, you may just lose your favorite channel for good!

conclusion: The competition between the computer and television is one that is going to determine the new center of the household and in this, instance, at least, we can see the computer pulling ahead!