Cable TV software is a software package that allows you to watch and manage your favorite television programming on your computer, using an Internet connection. These programs usually do not require complicated technology or much tech savviness, but allow you to enjoy digital, high definition television right on your computer. With cable TV software, you can take your shows with you. Understanding cable TV software key terms can help you make the most of this technology.

Action Steps
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Cable TV software

Cable TV software allows you to combine your computer and your television into one interactive device. With this software, you can view cable television programs on your computer and view computer content on your TV.

I recommend: BusinessWeek has a useful article about the latest technology in cable TV software.

On-demand cable TV

Traditionally, television viewers interested in a specific show needed to wait until the show aired in order to watch. If the show aired at an inconvenient time, viewers needed to use a recording device to tape the show. On-demand cable TV allows viewers to access the shows they want, when they want, using an interactive menu on their television or computer. Using cable TV software allows you to enjoy on-demand cable TV.

I recommend: Border Crossing Media offers a comprehensive explanation of what on-demand TV is.

High-Definition (HD)

High definition (HD) is a term used to describe a digital TV broadcasting system that boasts higher resolution than most television systems. HD is the next stage after traditional SDTV (standard-definition TV) broadcasting systems. Today, digital television signals are used to create the HD experience for customers, and this uses less bandwidth while providing excellent quality sound and picture. When you use cable TV software, you enjoy HD quality on your computer.

I recommend: How Stuff Works has a useful guide explaining not only what HD is, but also how it works.

Broadband Internet

Broadband Internet is a type of Internet service that offers faster service and connection speeds. You need Broadband Internet for cable TV software. Cable TV software can also cause a bandwidth level increase, so before you buy software, make sure that your servers can handle the increased volume.

I recommend: ExplainThatStuff offers a detailed description of broadband technology.

Digital media content

Digital media content, also known as digital content, is any information that is transmitted through a digital form. Digital media content can include text, audio recordings, images, motion pictures and software.

I recommend: New Idea Engineering has an extensive and useful explanation of digital content.

Digital television

Digital television (DTV) allows your television to receive and send images and moving pictures through discrete (digital) signals rather than with analog signals (used by older TVs). Cable TV software allows you to experience digital TV reception on your computer.

I recommend: DTV.gov has a detailed page explaining DTV.

The way people watch television is changing rapidly, and cable TV software is playing a leading role in this change. Because of the ever-increasing viewing options available, cable TV on PC software enables the user to sort through the options with more efficiency. These advancements not only help the viewer but they allow for more targeted programming and advertising. Cable TV software is also making the transition from the set top box to the computer a much easier proposition.

As more media content goes digital and the use of broadband Internet increases, cable television software is the next obvious choice. Cable TV software allows you to combine the best of Internet interactivity and television viewing by allowing you to watch television on your computer and vice versa. Satellite TV software allows you to enjoy satellite television without the need for complicated hardware and setup. As with most technological advances, there are a few items to consider before investing business assets in the process:

1. View the online demonstrations of cable TV software’s capabilities.

2. Locate the necessary hardware and software to watch cable TV on your PC.

3. Understand the laws regarding cable TV software.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Observe cable TV software in action

As with any product purchase, you should understand the services offered by the cable TV software providers. Some of these software platforms are from established companies like Microsoft and others are from industry start-ups.

I recommend: Observe the Internet demonstration of the Microsoft Mediaroom software platform. Download and install the free cable TV software on Internet PC from Sopcast player to test drive this application. Try the free software to watch cable TV on your computer by JLC Software. Test the beta version of the new on-demand cable TV software from Tidal TV.

Locate technology that works in conjunction with the software to watch cable TV

One growing aspect of the cable TV software business are products that connect the two through software and hardware components.

I recommend: Use the technology available at Slingbox to connect the TV to your computer, laptop or smart phone. This is great if you have salespersons on the road that want to keep up with local news and events. Review Location Free TV from Sony that is a similar product but has not gained the market tractor of the aforementioned product.

Connect with cable TV industry organizations

Nothing helps you understand just how an industry or product is evolving like being around other professionals in the industry. Talking to salespeople or viewing web demonstrations only gives you part of the equation.

I recommend: Contact your state chapter of the National Cable and Telecommunications Association to understand the regulations and opportunities within the industry better. Join the Association of Cable Communicators to familiarize yourself with the challenges of the industry and to network with others.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  It is important that before you invest in or purchase any software for cable TV that you verify that your company servers are able to handle the bandwidth level increase that these products can cause. Your IT department or Internet service provider should have these answers as they can vary depending on the type of service you have.