Broadcast Systems

Cable

Cable television is a system of distributing television programs to subscribers via radio frequency (RF) signals transmitted through coaxial cables or light pulses through fiber-optic cables. This contrasts with traditional broadcast television (terrestrial television) in which the television signal is transmitted over the air by radio waves and received by a television antenna attached to the television. FM radio programming, high-speed Internet, telephone service, and similar non-television services may also be provided through these cables.

Satellite
Satellite television is television programming delivered by the means of communications satellite and received by an outdoor antenna, usually a parabolic reflector generally referred to as a satellite dish, and as far as household usage is concerned, a satellite receiver either in the form of an external set-top box or a satellite tuner module built into a TV set. Satellite TV tuners are also available as a card or a USB peripheral to be attached to a personal computer. In many areas of the world satellite television provides a wide range of channels and services, often to areas that are not serviced by terrestrial or cable providers.

Freeview

Freeview is the only prevailing free-to-air UK digital terrestrial television service. It is delivered by the company DTV Services Ltd, a joint venture between the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Sky and transmitter operator Arqiva. It was launched in 2002, when the company was known as DWSCO 2284 Ltd. The service provides consumer access via an aerial to the six DTT multiplexes covering the United Kingdom. In August 2013 it had some 60 DVB-T TV channels, 26 digital radio channels, 4 HD channels, 6 text services, 11 streamed channels, and 1 interactive channel. Some ten additional feeds, whereof five more HD feeds, are expected for the first half of 2014, and up to 10 new HD channels are planned to be launched later in 2014, from a new group of multiplexes awarded to Arqiva.

Internet

Internet television (or online television) is the digital distribution of television content via the Internet. Internet television is a general term that covers the delivery of television shows and other video content over the Internet by video streaming technology, typically by major traditional television broadcasters. It does not describe a technology used to deliver content. Web television is a similar term often used to characterize short programs or videos created by a wide variety of companies and individuals, or Internet Protocol television (IPTV) - an emerging Internet technology standard for use by television broadcasters. Some Internet television is known as catch-up TV.