Cable-TV or Satellite

Cable connections are available in almost all apartments in the USA. All you have to do is activate the connection. It is a good idea to choose a plan or ask for a Preferred Plan. cable Plans offer a choice of channels and hence they charge different rates. You can choose the one you like best from among the different plan or package.

You may also chose between a Cable and a Dish based connection. Chose a Dish based connection if you want to subscribe to dedicated Indian Channels, because cable connections generally offer a few Indian programmes, and that too for limited time during weekdays or weekends, depending upon your location in the USA. But dish connection companies like Dish Network offer round the clock access to Zee TV, Asia Network, etc. Also, you can get live cricket coverage on Dish connections, but these are not available over the cable!

You can consider any one of the following two satellite dish companies, viz.1. Dish Network and 2. Direct TV. Both of these companies offer services (i.e. satellite broadcasts), through franchising agreements with different retailers. They have contracts with different companies, both for national TV broadcast, as well as for other package deals.

Dish Network uses its own satellite dish to broadcast Indian programs like TV-Asia, and ZeeTV. Few specific packages like ZeeTV (Gold), South Indian channels you will need another receiver.

Direct TV uses Satellite receivers mfd. by either RCA, Sony, HNS, Pro Scan etc., and has different contracts for broadcasts with some companies. These Indian Channel packages and deals are subjected to change from time to time. Find out, what is offered at the time you want to subscribe.

The advantage of dish over cable is, that you can get the Indian channels, as well as live cricket matches from time to time.

Verify with your Apartment Management before you buy a dish. Some apartments do not allow personal dish installations. Important links: Links to the two Dish Companies mentioned here: Dish Network, Direct TV. Some apartments don't allow to put personal dishes. Verify it with the apartment management before investing into Dish.
For perfect reception, dish antennae should be facing in a particular direction. Keep this in mind while putting up the dish.
Remember, you can always return a connection package if you do not like it. But this has to be done within a specified time limit.