It\'s a debate for our times. Which is better, cable TV or satellite? Each has its own advantages, disadvantages and features.

But before you even start weighing the pros and cons of each, something else should enter your mind. Is it even possible to get one or the other where you live? In particular, isn\'t it difficult to get satellite TV in an apartment complex, since it requires a dish, usually on top of your house, facing the south?

A clear view of the sky to the south is one of the primary requirements to get a satellite signal. Just because you live in an apartment community, this basic rule of physics does not change.

You still must have a satellite dish installed on a property with an unobstructed view of the southern sky. And since you don\'t own the building, this is not always something you can ensure.

So for apartment dwellers, there are two primary concerns to be addressed. First, can the apartment physically host a small dish, and if so, how clear will its view be?

There are some apartments located smack in the midst of a big complex, and then the complex itself might be surrounded by tall trees or high buildings.

There are other apartment communities built in low-lying areas. If so, these are also not good for receiving satellite transmissions, especially if there\'s a lot of interference from nearby objects.

Another consideration is if the landlord even allows satellite installations. It\'s not uncommon for an apartment manager to have a contract with a cable company for its tenants.

In other cases, the landlord might not care which service you use, but they might restrict where you can place a dish. For instance, they might not let you put one on top of the roof, which in most cases is the best place for it.

If the roof is off limits, you could instead place it on a balcony or small patio. But will it work in those locations? Maybe or maybe not.

One of the smartest things to do might be to call a satellite provider and ask him to come and evaluate whether the system would work. However, if you do so, they might charge a fee before they come out and inspect. And if setup is not available, they normally won\'t refund this fee.

However, most satellite companies want your business and will be willing to bend some to accommodate you and make sure you get a working system.

Cable or TV? It might be a matter of whatever works. However, there are definite advantages to satellite, so even if you have a bit of a struggle to make it work, many apartment dwellers find it worth the hassle to receive satellite transmissions.