DVR Software

The Software Which Powers Your Cable TV

The main difference between satellite television and cable television is fairly obvious. Satellites receive signals containing data that is transmitted to television receivers. In cable television the date is transmitted through a network of cables till it arrives to the particular television receiver. And the software converts the data to an image which is viewable to the human eye.

Cable television is a system of providing television reception to consumers via radio frequency signals transmitted to televisions through fixed optical fibers or coaxial cables.

Technically, cable television means the distribution of any number of television channels which have been collected at a central location. This location is known in cable TV jargon as a headend. Headends are invariably located in a local television station or channels. The station is the main base for ingathering, producing and transmission of a variety of television channels. There may be hundreds of channels traveling through the cable. Each of the channels has its own wire running through the cable. Once a television receiver opens up a particular channel, it runs through the wire like water runs through a water line. It needs a tap to open the flow. This function is carried out by the set-top box. The set top box is a kind of transformer, with the simplest of cable TV software to back it up.

Most of the major suppliers of cable television services are fairly large corporations. The reasons for this are that the initial investment to establish a cable television network can be really astronomical. This is why cable television is really only available in densely populated areas. The feasibility of running expensive coaxial cables to the peripheral regions will never be likely to be cost effective. The cable companies are more than happy to let the satellite television companies compete for their share of the market.

A monopoly on cable television has historically been enforced by local governments in the United States. The cost of establishing the system has caused many companies to exaggerate with their monthly charges. In recent years, many local governments have relaxed their restrictions and are allowing more competition.

Another advantage for the cable supply companies over the last few years is the ability to provide internet services through cable. In most cases, the coaxial cables are largely underemployed. There is a lot of space left to allow the connection of broad band internet, as well as digital telephone services.

Once the cable connection has been established and the set-top box is in place then the cable data and software, in whatever format you need it be, can begin to flow in either direction, either to and from the home computer, or to the television receiver.