Cable TV Software Key Terms

Understand cable TV software key terms to bring TV to your computer

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
DTV.gov has a detailed page explaining DTV.