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Most households now get TV reception from a cable system; not quite one in five has satellite TV service. For years, cable was the service that people loved to hate, largely because of frequent rate hikes and mediocre customer service. But with the accelerating pace of new technology — high-definition broadcasts, digital video recorders, video on demand, satellite radio, and more — the differences between satellite and cable aren't as stark as they once were. For example, the most recent survey of Consumer Reports readers found that cable service — especially digital cable — was now a close second to satellite service in key areas of satisfaction, channel selection, and customer service. Moreover, the new services available make for greater confusion about the best, most economical choices.

Here are some tips to consider that can help you sort out the options for TV, radio and cable services. For a more detailed discussion of policies surrounding these services, check out Explore the Issues.
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