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Cable television

TLDR: Cable television is a system that delivers TV shows and other content to your home through cables. It's different from regular broadcast TV because the signal is sent through coaxial cables instead of radio waves. Cable TV also offers other services like internet and phone.

Cable television is a way of watching TV shows and other programs. Instead of using antennas to pick up signals from the air, cable TV uses cables to deliver the signals directly to your home. These cables are made of coaxial cables, which are like long, thin wires that carry the TV signals. In some newer systems, the signals are sent through fiber-optic cables, which use light pulses instead of electrical signals.

With cable TV, you can watch a wide variety of channels and programs. You can also get other services like high-speed internet and telephone service through the same cables. Cable TV used to be analog, but now most cable systems have switched to digital operation, which provides better picture and sound quality.

To receive cable TV, you need a cable box or a TV with a built-in cable tuner. The cable box or tuner decodes the TV signals and displays them on your TV screen. Some channels are encrypted, which means you need a special cable box provided by the cable company to watch them. Other channels, like local broadcast networks, can be watched without a cable box.

Cable TV is distributed through a network of cables that run from the cable company's distribution facility to your home. These cables are usually attached to utility poles or buried underground. Inside your home, the cable is connected to a cable box or directly to your TV. The cable company provides different levels of service, with more channels available at higher rates.

Cable TV has come a long way since its early days. It started as a way to bring TV signals to areas with poor reception, but now it's available in many parts of the world. Cable TV systems have also been upgraded to use fiber-optic cables, which provide faster and more reliable service.

In addition to TV channels, cable TV systems can also provide other services like internet access and telephone service. These services are delivered over the same cables that carry the TV signals. Cable companies often offer bundled packages that include TV, internet, and phone services.

Overall, cable television is a convenient and popular way to watch TV shows and access other services. It offers a wide range of channels and programs, as well as additional features like on-demand content and DVR capabilities.