It's no secret that cable companies and satellite providers are fighting for our entertainment dollars. While cable is still quite popular, the research shows that one in four households in the U.S. receives its television programming via satellite.

What's better, you ask: Cable or satellite? The short answer is it depends on your needs and on the availability of services in your area. Read on to learn some things you'll want to consider when making your decision.

Availability
As a renter who is serious about satellite, the first thing you should do is to find out if you're even allowed to have a dish installed. Talk to your landlord before signing up for satellite TV.

With cable, there's usually one provider per specific area, so you may not have to worry about too many choices.

Pricing
Satellite providers offer more channels and usually install the dish for free. But they typically require at least a one-year-long commitment.

Your local cable company will most likely offer a better deal, but fewer channels to choose from. Cable pricing includes local taxes and franchise fees, which satellite providers are not required to pay.

Programming
Cable gives you access to local and community channels, pay-per-view movies and video-on-demand services. Satellite providers don't offer any community channels, have fewer (or, sometimes, none) local channels. While satellite providers have better sports programming than cable, High Definition TV (HDTV) is offered by both. HDTV and premium programming packages usually come with a significant increase in the amount of dollars you wish to part with.

Reception Quality
Cable signal can be either analog or digital. Analog signal is reliable, but of a lower quality than digital. The satellite signal is 100% digital, but satellite reception is far more susceptible to bad weather conditions.

Satellite Pros and Cons

Pros

• High quality signal
• More programming options
• Best per channel value

Cons

• Lengthy contract
• Weather susceptibility
• Expensive equipment

Cable Pros and Cons

Pros

• Local and community channels
• No annual contract
• No equipment to buy

Cons

• Fewer programming options
• Area-dependent availability
• Lower quality signal

As you can see, there is a lot to think about when choosing between satellite and cable. The best advice is to contact your local providers, get price quotes and then make your decision. And don't forget to ask about specials and promotions!