Cable TV or Satellite TV
Whether to purchase cable or satellite TV is a common question as there are pluses and minuses to both providers. Most cable companies include local franchise fees along with local broadcasting fees on your monthly bill which can make it more expensive. Digital cable prices vary starting around $40 per month, but depending on the package you choose can go as high as $90 per month. Satellite packages usually offer better deals based on how much money is spent per channel. Satellite usually starts at $30 a month, but can go much higher as well. Pricing also may be higher per month unless committing to twelve months of programming up front.
Most Satellite TV systems can support over 250 channels of programming. The downside is that less local channels are offered. Digital cable can support over 300 channels and has more local channels available in most major cities. Most cable companies now offer Video on Demand (a library of movies and TV shows that you can order at your leisure). HDTV services are becoming more popular amongst cable companies now and not just thru satellite TV as in the past.
Satellite equipment typically includes a satellite dish that is installed outside the home that is visible to everyone plus a receiver next to the TV. Most satellite companies run specials on free installation and equipment when you agree to a 12 month contract. Digital cable also requires one receiver per TV but that is all the equipment needed. Should you disconnect your service the receivers will be turned into the cable company where as with Satellite TV you own the dish.
In the end the prices are comparable and it depends on which system will best suit your television needs. Cable TV is most commonly purchased from Comcast. Satellite service is usually purchased from DirectTV or Dish Network.
Internet
There are often packages of internet, cable, and a phone line being offered together at a discounted rate. National and local providers include Comcast, Pacificnet, and Los Angeles Free Net . Prices depend on connection speed and specific deals. DSL is the fastest and most expensive while dial-up is very slow and fairly cheap. A good connection should cost you around $60-90 a month.
Newspapers and Magazines
The main paper in Los Angeles is the Los Angeles Times. There are also neighborhood papers that concern the individual regions and special interests. La Opinion is the largest Spanish-language newspaper in the United States and can be found anywhere in La The Los Angeles magazine is a monthly periodical concerned with Los Angeles events and issues.
Television and Radio
There are 16 TV stations broadcast in the Los Angeles area.
The 33 AM and FM radio stations broadcasting there feature a wide assortment of music, news, and information programming; stations broadcasting in surrounding communities are also received in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Online
City of Los Angeles Home Page. Available www.ci.la.ca.us
La Opinion. Available www.laopinion.com
Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. Available www.lachamber.org
nightlife inside scoop www.LA.com
Los Angeles Times. Available www.latimes.com
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