With the coming change in broadcast television signals, from analog to digital, better known as the digital television transition, or DTV, if you are still clinging to the rabbit ears, or cable TV, then it might be time to consider switching to the alternative. Namely, going to satellite television.

You see, cable television providers are not required to convert to digital. Some channels already are broadcasting in digital, but cable, after the government-mandated cut off date of February 17, 2009, is not required to change over. That could mean the loss of some broadcast channels, particularly local channels, or worse, the necessity of newer, additional equipment, in the form of converter boxes.

For around the same cost you are incurring now, give or take a few dollars and depending upon the type of programming package you are currently using, satellite television might be the better choice. Satellite TV is already broadcasting in digital, and even HD in some venues, so you would not need any new or extra equipment once you switch over.

Of the multitude of choices available to satellite television consumers, there are really only two to consider in the United States. Directv, and Dish Network. Both are around the same in age, with Directv starting in 1994 by acquiring Primestar, and Dish came on board a year later.

Aside from the free equipment on start up, such as multiple receivers and digital video recorders, the area to look at more closely is in the programming arena. In the area of foreign language programming, Dish Network comes out shining on top, with a wide variety of international programming not covered by Directv. This includes channels from Abu Dhabi, Al Jazeera, NBM, Fijian Straits TV, Beijing TV, Phoenix Chinese Television, Euro News, TVCI, Zee Cinema, Gemini, Azteca America, and TV Columbia.

While DirecTV does have its En Espanol add-on, which will give approximately 30 Latino channels to an existing package, Dish Network practically caters to the Latin community in America. Subscribers can get the Latin Package by itself, or add it on to another package.

Another nice feature of satellite television is the interactive features available. But the most important feature of all is cost per channel in entertaiment value, with DishNetwork coming out ahead in that comparison. Add to this the fact that, when you switch from cable or rabbit ears to a satellite provider, you can sleep in on February 17, 2009 instead of out shopping for a new television with a digital tuner or a converter box. Just stay in bed that day and enjoy your new programming.