TABLE OF CONTENTS K. Blair Benson
D. Stevens McVoy, Joseph L. Stern, Charles A. Kase, Wilbur L. Pritchard
Cable television systems use coaxial and fiber optic cable to distribute video, audio, and data signals to homes or other establishments that subscribe to the service. Systems with bidirectional capability can also transmit signals from various points within the network to the central originating point ( head end).
Cable distribution systems typically use leased space on utility poles owned by a telephone or power distribution company. In areas with underground utilities, cable systems are normally installed underground, either in conduits or buried directly, depending on local building codes and soil conditions.
While current cable practice involves extensive use of fiber in new construction and upgrades, it is important to understand cable techniques used prior to fiber s introduction. This is partly because a significant portion of cable systems have not yet upgraded to fiber and because these older cable techniques illustrate important technical principles for the service.
Cable television began in rural areas of the U.S. in the early 1950s as a means of bringing television service to regions with no broadcast stations. Other early systems brought television reception into mountainous areas where the terrain blocked signals from individual home antennas. These systems typically had limited capability. During the 1960s, cable moved into areas served by broadcast stations but without a full complement of network channels. Twelve to 20 channels were common and were used almost exclusively to carry...
