kábeltelevízió

Kábeltelevízió, often referred to as cable TV, is a system for delivering television programming and, in some cases, internet and telephone services, to consumers through a network of coaxial cables or fiber-optic lines. This method contrasts with over-the-air broadcasting, which relies on radio waves, and satellite television, which uses signals transmitted from orbiting satellites.

The origins of cable television can be traced back to the late 1940s, initially developed to improve reception in areas with poor broadcast signals. Over time, cable systems evolved from simply retransmitting existing channels to offering a much wider array of specialized programming, including news, sports, movies, and educational content. The infrastructure typically involves a central headend that receives signals from various sources, processes them, and then distributes them to subscribers' homes via a network of underground or overhead cables.

Modern cable television services often bundle television with high-speed internet access and digital phone service, a practice known as triple play. This integration leverages the same cable infrastructure to provide multiple communication services. The technology has also seen a shift towards digital transmission, offering higher picture and sound quality, interactive features, and on-demand content. Cable TV remains a significant player in the media distribution landscape, though it faces increasing competition from streaming services and other digital delivery methods.