Originally posted by VV
The signals are the same but the delivery is different. Cable signals run thru many splitters before the reach you and they pick up more RF interference (as well as other problems) before they reach your door. DSS is direct from the dish to your TV.
I was referring to the comment about optical output being "the best there is".
As far as overall quality is concerned, I think that data compression has a much bigger effect picture (and audio) quality than delivery method will ever have.
Both Cable and DirecTV have their problems here. Cable's problem is that they are burning bandwith with Internet service. If it weren't for Internet service, cable companies could be kicking the shit out of DirecTV's picture quality.
Satellite's biggest problem is local channel regulations and satellite bandwidth. Currently, DirecTV is using up huge amounts of bandwidth broadcasting multiple copies of the same programming to different cities. They are beginning to use spot-beam technology which will allow them to reuse the same satellite frequencies in different parts of the country by sending out very narrow beams that can't be received nation wide. That way they can send NYC locals to NYC and LA locals to LA on the same frequencies because they won't interfere with one another.
As someone who has been a DirecTV subscriber for as long as you have, I think that you'll admit that the picture quality of DirecTV is not as good as it was when you first got it. They learned a long time ago that having more channels is more important than outstanding picture quality.
General consensus is that DirecTV is compressing the signal (of Standard Definition channels) to a point where it will still look good on up to a 36" TV. Once you go beyond that, the picture takes a nosedive. Even on a 36" TV, DirecTV used to be DVD quality (and they would actually make that claim), now it is not much more than VHS quality (now they use the phrase "Digital Quality", that's a meaningless phrase that's supposed to imply DVD quality without saying it).