| Before you start listing the pros and cons of cable | | | | not actually care what service you use-but they |
| TV and the alternative of satellite services, and | | | | might require that you follow directions if you |
| before you get all excited about the great | | | | install a satellite system. They might ask you to |
| features of both technologies, first consider if it's | | | | not host a satellite on top of your roof, like most |
| even possible to order cable or satellite services | | | | other homeowners would. (This may be for |
| where you live. What if you live in an apartment? | | | | safety reasons or other insurance purposes) If |
| The biggest concern when it comes to satellite | | | | this is the case, where else could you install the |
| TV is that the owner has a clear view of the | | | | system? You could try to install it on a balcony or |
| southern sky. This clear view makes it possible | | | | even in a small patio. The question now becomes, |
| for some homeowners to place a satellite | | | | would a satellite system work if it were installed in |
| somewhere on the outside of their property and | | | | such a place? |
| successfully watch premium TV. Satellite | | | | When it's time to make a decision, you would call |
| technology will work near perfectly even if they | | | | a satellite provider and ask them to come out and |
| live in an isolated, rural territory. | | | | survey the apartment to see if the system would |
| However, what about the homeowner that lives | | | | work. The downside to this is that some satellite |
| in an apartment complex? The same rule applies: | | | | providers may want to charge you for a signup |
| in order for satellite TV to work, the owner (or | | | | fee before coming out to inspect the property. |
| technician representing a company) must install a | | | | Obviously, you can get a refund if setup is |
| satellite on a property that has a clear view of | | | | unavailable. However, the extra work involved has |
| the southern sky. There are two considerations | | | | caused many apartment dwellers to opt for cable |
| that must be addressed for apartment-dwellers. | | | | installation instead. |
| First, would the apartment physically be able to | | | | Remember though that satellite TV has some |
| host a small satellite system and how clear would | | | | advantages over cable, particularly when it comes |
| the view be? Some apartments may be located | | | | to price and content. It may be worth sacrificing |
| right in the middle of a large complex, surrounded | | | | some convenience to see if a satellite provider |
| by tall buildings or even large trees. Some | | | | can install a system for your home. After all, the |
| apartments or townhouses are even built in | | | | company wants your business and will do |
| low-lying areas. These locations may not be able | | | | everything possible to make sure the satellite |
| to host satellite transmission if there is a great | | | | system works. |
| deal of interference from surrounding objects. | | | | Just because you live in an apartment doesn't |
| Second, you have to consider if the apartment | | | | mean that satellite TV isn't an option. It's all about |
| landlord would allow satellite installation. Apartment | | | | location and you may be surprised to find out that |
| landlords may have a contract with a local cable | | | | a satellite installation can be easily set up for your |
| company to provide service. Other landlords may | | | | apartment home. |