When the pay-TV industry reported second quarter numbers, it became apparent that although satellite providers are having financial success, rounding up subscribers is becoming more and more difficult. But now, cable operators are touting the fact that their triple-play bundles are stealing satellite customers easier than ever before.

One such company is Cox Communications, which on Tuesday said satellite customers are subscribing to the cable giant in record numbers due to the value and convenience of its triple-play bundle. Among new connections, the company said, the percentage of basic cable customers who are former satellite customers has nearly doubled in the past two years.

"In 2004, six percent of our basic connects were former satellite customers; in 2006, we've driven that number to 11 percent," said Cox president Patrick Esser. "The convenience and value of buying video, telephone and internet services from one provider and our superior customer care experience are bringing more and more DBS customers to Cox."

According to the company, Cox's success in attracting satellite customers helped the company gain approximately 84,000 basic cable customers since July 2005. Advanced video services such as cable-only on-demand, HD and DVR also contributed to new customer acquisitions and a reduction in churn.

Said Esser, "Former satellite customers are great cable customers. Over 40 percent buy the full three-product bundle."