Introductory Guide to Cable Television

Cable television (also known as CATV) is a system of providing television to consumers via radio frequency signals transmitted through fixed coaxial cables or optical fibres, rather than via radio waves (the over-the-air method) used in traditional television broadcasting. The advantage of cable TV is that it requires no external aerial or dish to be fitted, as all of the information is transferred over a single underground cable straight into the consumer's home.

Cable TV is most common in North America, East Asia, Australia and Europe, although it is also present in many other countries, mainly in the Middle East and South America. As it is not cost-effective to lay cables in sparsely populated areas, this type of television signal delivery method has had little success in Africa.

How it Works

The cables are laid under the street (typically only in areas of high population), and then linked to the consumer's home when they sign up for the service. A TV aerial is not required; the cable is hooked up to a set-top box, which decodes the compressed digital TV signal. High-speed Internet, FM radio programming, telephony, and similar non-television services can also be provided via this cabling.

Key Features of Cable TV

• Electronic Programming Guide (on-screen information)
• Digital radio channels
• Digital Teletext
• Pay per view
• TV email
• Interactive games and services
• Specialist regional programmes