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I hate to say it, but “when I was young” we only had one television in our whole house.  And its pictures were black and white.  There were these two wire bunny-like ears sticking out from behind it.  Every once and awhile Dad would get up off the chair and move them around, asking us if the picture got any better.  You actually had to get up and go to the television and turn a knob to change the channel.  Not that there were very many channels to watch.  Just a few local stations.  Forget television after midnight unless you liked to watch the “snow” and listen to the horrible scratchy noise emitting from the station.

Now I sit back and turn the television on or off with my controller.  The controller has so many small buttons on it that my fat fingers usually end up pressing more than one.  There are so many channels that “channel surfing” has become too time consuming.  I can watch TV 24/7 and then some.

There are also more options for receiving television stations.  Gone are the ugly antennae sticking up from behind the screen.  The screen itself is flat and needs a whole wall.  I must choose between cable television and satellite television providers.  Therein lays the dilemma.  Which should I choose?  Which is the best provider?  Which costs less?  These are items I must now take the time to research.

Satellite television comes from outer space.  It requires a dish and a box to unscramble the signals.  Your satellite dish must point to one of the provider’s satellites in space without any obstructions.  Trees, mountains, buildings, and sometimes the atmosphere can get in the way.  Basic satellite television provides 40 – 50 channels, with up to 250 premium channels.  Satellite television is known for its entertainment and sports programming.  It is usually the only provider of television services for customers who live in urban areas where there isn’t any cable.  However, local programming is not as easy to come by.  

Cable television requires a cable provider.  Your area must have cable service.  While that is easy in the city, if you live in the country it’s almost impossible.  Cable television usually offers about 20 basic channels, 50 – 60 standard channels, and 200 – 300 premium channels.  Cable television also provides more local programming.   It also requires a box to unscramble the cable provider’s signals. 

The basic cost of satellite television compared to cable television is similar.  With either provider you will pay extra for premium channels and entertainment.  You must rent the cable box from your cable provider and some providers have an additional charge for each television.  Additional fees also apply to digital signals and DVRs.  Satellite television providers, on the other hand, usually provide service for up to four televisions and the DVRs for the same price.  You must also purchase your signal box and DVR.  This should also be taken into account when making your decision. 

According to recent surveys, satellite television providers have a better record for service and support than cable providers.  This is a premium consideration in today’s world where servicing the customer is not always first on the provider’s to-do list. See what is available in your area.  Calculate the costs.  Decide what’s important to you.  Sit back and enjoy the entertainment!

Thierry Henry has hinted he could play a super-sub role for France at the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals after he again came off the bench in the 1-1 friendly draw with Tunisia last night. To avoid missing the world cup match, you can Watch Uruguay vs France Live online using an easy to set up software.

“I had a chat with the coach, he told me that I wouldn’t be starting the game,” Henry told L’Equipe.

“As I’ve oftentimes said, the most important thing is the team. I try to come on and to give something, give some movement when I’m called on.

“We’re not here to know who will play and who won’t play. No one is above the team, we’re all in this to go as far as we can together.”

France had to rely on a second-half equaliser from defender William Gallas, who impressed after his late injury concerns, to claim a draw away to a Tunisia side who failed to qualify for South Africa.

Henry admitted France had failed to play to their potential, but believes the best is yet to come as they finalise their preparations after their training camp in Tignes.

“I’m not saying we will go to the World Cup and win our matches 3-0, but we are in a phase of preparation,” Henry added. “We knew very well that it would be a difficult game.

“The important point is that we came from behind. It was difficult , especially in this atmosphere.

“You could see that everyone worked hard to recover the ball. We defended together, we attacked together. Of course, there are still things to tweak, but that is what we are here to do.

“Playing away against Tunisia is difficult . If you look around the world at other teams you will see they had problems too. England also struggled to win against Japan (2-1), with goals late in the game. I’m not looking for excuses, but it is a truth.”

France ended their preparations with a friendly against China before their opening match of the FIFA World Cup against Uruguay on 11 June, where you can Watch Uruguay vs France Live online on the comfort of your computer or laptop computer.