Cable TV services

Cable TV is how the television entered American homes. In its early stages, cable TV service was quite different from the modern cable TV we know now. Before the introduction of fiber optics technology in early 1970's it could only deliver a limited number of channels - up to a dozen in the allocated Very High Frequency (VHF) range. Later, it was expanded with with up to 55 additional channels, by allocating to cable TV a portion the Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) range.

Another drawback of the early cable television was its low-quality signal transmission. The loss of signal in ordinary cable through which the programming was distributed from the main antenna, required up to a few dozen amplifiers before it would reach the subscriber. The amplifiers were inducing noise and distortions, resulting in low signal quality. The system as a whole was also unreliable, prone to disruptions and interference with programming.

New fiber optics (glass cable) technology, introduced slowly but surely since early 1970's, revolutionized cable television. Not only that its quality transmission ultimately nearly eliminated the need for signal amplifiers, it also increased the channel capacity tenfold. Gradually, as the new technology was adapted, cable television service improved, technically and programming-wise. However, it hasn't been unfolding fast enough. Through the late 1990's, and early 2000's, cable TV was eclipsed by the new kid on the block, satellite TV, which was offering more channels, as well as better prices, reliability and customer service.

But cable rebounded, and these days the differences are mainly insignificant. Both offer plenty of channels, choice of different packages and high reliability. Cable television as a whole is still somewhat behind on customer satisfaction scale, but its advantage is better capability to offer video (TV)/ voice (phone)/internet service packages at more attractive prices than when bought separately. 

Today, cable TV service comes as basic, premium and on-demand, or pay-per-view (PPV). Basic service is least expensive, but also offers the least variety of programming. Premium cable TV service offers premium movie and sport channels, as well as a variety of special cultural and other content channels. And on-demand service make it possible to order and receive specific programming, directly paid for.

In general, cable TV installation is simpler than satellite TV, and also requires less in the equipment. Unlike the satellite, cable service providers are numerous, ranging in size for small local to large regional companies. Most people can choose between cable and satellite TV service, and some also have two or more cable TV providers to choose from. You can follow the links to find out more about the service that interest you, including the latest service offers by a number of cable TV providers. 

______________________________________________________

Home  Remember those happy days with no cable television, no satellite TV? Only a single analog TV service available, and everything about getting and using it was as simple as: get it, click, go...

Cable or satellite TV?  Which one is better: satellite TV or cable? In most any comparison, the answer seems to depend on whom you ask...

Cable TV  Cable TV is how the television entered American homes. In its early stages, cable TV service was quite different from the modern cable TV we know now...

Direct Broadcast Satellite  Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) TV service is a high-powered broadcast service to homes using satellites as the primary form of signal transmission. Its high transmission power makes possible use of relatively small dish antennas for efficient signal reception and utilization. Commercial satellite TV, as we know it, is a DBS service...

Dish Network  Dish Network is the second largest direct broadcast satellite (DBS) service provider in the US. Together with DirecTV, it shares the US home satellite TV market. Dish Network started commercial DBS broadcasting  in 1996, after its first TV satellite - EchoStar I - has been launched in 1995...

DirecTV  DirecTV is a direct broadcast satellite (DBS) service provider, based in Las Vegas, Nevada. Launched in 1994 by Hughes Electronics Corporation, it was the very first high-powered (mini-dish) DBS service in the world...

High-speed INTERNET  Whether you spend many hours browsing the Internet on daily basis, or use it less frequently, high-speed Internet connection appears to be irresistibly convenient. While it comes at added cost, most people find its benefits worth added expense, which can be quite low...

High-definition TV  Are you too mystified and intrigued by this new kid on the TV block: high-definition television. Expectations run high, but so is the uncertainty - what is really different about it, when compared with standard-definition television (SDTV)?...

Satellite Radio  If you like listening to radio programming, satellite radio has some goodies to offer. Great variety of channels, most of them commercial-free, high quality sound when it is needed, possibility to listen to your favored programming wherever you are...

 News Wire  The latest in the satellite/cable industry...