Cable television

Cable television (CATV) is a television distribution method in which signals from distant stations are received, amplified, and then transmitted by (coaxial or fiber) cable or microwave links to users. CATV originated in areas where good reception of direct broadcast TV was not possible. Now CATV also consists of a cable distribution system to large metropolitan areas in competition with direct broadcasting. The abbreviation CATV originally meant "community antenna television." However, CATV is now usually understood to mean cable television.