Cable Tv

Cable television began offering special services to consumers in the mid-1970s, providing high-quality signals as well as more television channels. Some cable systems offer up to 50 channels. Cable-television systems distribute signals across two frequency bands – the normal television broadcast band and nonbroadcast frequencies. To receive cable channels, consumers need a frequency-conversion device. The higher number of channels allows for a more diverse lineup of programming, including access to premium pay-TV materials.

Before cable television was a commercial business, many hobbyists had installed small systems in their backyards. These early cable systems would amplify weak broadcast channels and transmit them via unshielded wires to subscribers in neighboring communities. They were limited in coverage, as each subscriber would have to purchase an expensive, tall receiving antenna. In hilly areas, these systems would have to be constructed at high elevations. But cable systems have grown into an industry worth billions of dollars and are the leading television provider in the US.

To avoid conflicts and ensure the safety of consumers, cable systems must follow certain regulations. The Children’s Television Act of 1990 limits the amount of commercial matter cable operators may transmit during programming geared towards children. In general, cable operators are limited to transmit ten minutes of commercial matter per hour during children’s programming on weekends and twelve minutes during weekdays. As long as they follow the law, cable operators must maintain records of their compliance. This is a significant concern because the federal government does not want its citizens to be exposed to excessive commercial matter.