If you're outfitting your business with cable television to increase customers, the right equipment is key. But you can't overlook cost. Cable TV can't be a major expense, so you must find bargains for cable TV accessories and TV cable supplies.
Buying your own cable equipment can save you money in the long run instead of constantly renting the accessories from your cable provider. It can cut down on your bill's "hidden fees," which are an extra $100 to $160 per year (depending on your region). Consider the following information on the pricing and costs of cable TV equipment:
1. Locating the best price on equipment like converter boxes, filters and recorders.
2. Improving your picture quality with better cable connectors
3. Finding cable television tools at low cost to perform your own maintenance
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Buy or rent reliable cable TV equipment at low cost
You can purchase cable television supplies like converter boxes and digital recorders from independent dealers if you're not satisfied with what your provider rents out. You can legally get these products elsewhere as long as you still pay the provider for the cable TV service.
I recommend: Cablewholesalers.com sells converter boxes from Tristar, GS3, Viewmax, Cleartron and more. Their wholesale prices range from $119 to $149 per unit.
Aaron Cable Box Decoders offers converters and descramblers compatible with many traditional name-brand boxes, and most of them are priced in the $200 to $215 range.
Fry's Electronics' supply of DVRs range anywhere from $350 to $1000, depending primarily on how much hard drive space is included.
WeaKnees sells the TiVo recorders from the 80-hour unit at about $150 to the 1800 for about $900. They also offer $49 to $69 warranties and ship for free.
Look for cables and connectors of higher quality than basic cable supplies
You can find coaxial cable and connectors of higher quality than what your provider uses. Gold or nickel-plated connectors lead to better picture quality for your viewers and less maintenance for you.
I recommend: Radio Shack's line of gold series coaxial and RCA cables are priced anywhere from $10 to more than $30, depending mainly on the cable's length. They also sell coaxial adapters and splitters in the $4 to $6 range.
Fry's Electronics' wide range of cables sell from $3 for 3 feet to $18 for 100 feet. Their splitters sell for $2 to $20.
Find good cable TV installer equipment at the right price
You need the right cable TV tool equipment if you are installing the cable yourself. You should only install cable TV equipment if you are experienced and get permission from your provider. You can avoid installation fees on your first bill, which are usually $40 to $60, but you'll lose your maintenance rights, which are free.
I recommend: Check out
Techtoolsuppy.com. Most of their locking tools, hex wrenches and cable strippers are priced at $15 to $45. Their torque wrenches generally cost $32 to $40.
Pro Satellite Supply's crimpers and compression tools sell for $15 to $90, while their testing and termination cable TV tools are in the $10 to $26 range.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Talk to the manufacturer of the products you are looking for (like converter boxes). You may talk them into a better price if, in return, you advertise that you use their brand.
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