Digital Cable
How it Works
Digital Cable uses the same cable that already comes into your house, connects to the same TV sets you already have, and uses a set-top box that looks suspiciously similar to the old one. So what’s different about how it works?
What’s “digital” about Digital Cable are the invisible electronic signals that flow to your home over a cable line and ultimately are displayed on your TV set. In the old days, cable companies sent out TV signals rendered in a traditional format known as “analog.” (Don’t worry, there won’t be a test.) Today, cable companies are able to transform those analog signals of old into the new language of digital code – essentially the same type of information that’s used by your personal computer or the CD player in your car stereo system.
Why bother? Because turning signals into digital code not only improves the quality of pictures and sound, but it lets cable companies do many more interesting things. Like sending you lots more channels. And delivering many of those channels in high-definition (HDTV). Plus, digital technology is the foundation for hugely popular new services like On Demand and Cable DVRs. Basically, Digital Cable takes advantage of new advancements in media technology to produce a revolution in the way millions of people enjoy television.