Cable television
was first known as Community Antenna Television after inventor and appliance store owner, John Walson, assembled an antenna to a utility pole in 1948. He recognized the need for a better broadcast system in his mountainous Pennsylvania hometown. In an effort to continue his television set sales, Walson persisted in his discovery, connecting more and more people to the system and improving picture quality.
Significance
The significance of cable television has been, not only for entertainment, but as a means to keep people connected and informed all over the world.
Time Frame
In 1948 cable television (or CATV) was founded. By the 1950s into the 1960s signals were able to be picked up from miles away. People no longer had to rely on local broadcasts. The 1970s brought syndicated programming and saw the birth of satellite television. Today subscribers are able to enjoy wireless cable, High-Definition television, Video-on-Demand and several other attributes that are continuing to evolve.
Features
Cable television subscribers have the opportunity now to gain high-speed wireless Internet through their cable connections. High-Definition (HDTV) allows incredible picture quality and connection signals. Video-on-Demand enables recording of programs with just a remote for future viewing and VCR functionality.
Misconceptions
A common misconception is that cable television came to be in the 1970s because that's when it became more popular and prominent in people's lives.
Fun Fact
In the late 1960s the Federal Communications Commission put a four-year freeze on the development of cable and limited the program offerings of the broadcasters.
Tags: cable television, picture quality