Cable TV is a joy that about 77.6 million households appreciate. There's nothing like staying in the loop with the best-scripted shows, sporting events and reality TV moments throughout the year. If you don't yet have cable, it's important that you research the companies that provide it in order to make a decision that's good for your wallet and your entire household. This article will show you how to shop for the best cable package.

#1: Try to catch a special and find a bundle

A great thing about cable TV providers is that they often have specials, bundles, and promotions. It's not uncommon to find special discounts that even let you get a month for free. Cable companies frequently bundle services with telephone and internet providers so that a household can get all their communication needs done on one bill. These bundles usually come at a discount as well to incentivize new customers. You have a lot of options for your cable services, so start by considering your budget and finding a provider that makes it all financially make sense for you.

#2: Decide on whether you want any premium channels

You can also get more out of a cable subscription by checking out the premium channels. Keep in mind that cable companies don't always carry every channel. If there's a must-have premium channel on your list, make sure that your cable company has it before signing the contract. Many companies will let you test out their movie channels, sports packages, and niche networks for a month or two to see if you like it. Find out how the company handles PPV orders, especially if you're a sports nut that always watches the big fight.

#3: Lock in your deal, handle billing, and book an installation appointment

After you know exactly which company you'd like to purchase cable TV from, lock in the package and price, and schedule an appointment for installation. The installation and setup fees are typically included in your first bill. Find out how much your bill will be per month after this first bill. Schedule an appointment time block that works for you so that you can get a technician out to your home. Figure out the best way to arrange cable boxes and whether or not they'll need to do any drilling to install wires.

Consider these tips as you start shopping around for the best cable TV package. To learn more, contact a resource that offers options like Spectrum television packages.