Growing Array of Technologies
Technological advances are opening the door to a broad range of new telecommunications services:
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Local Multi-Point Distribution: Given the go-ahead Thursday by the FCC, this system uses super-high-frequency microwaves to beam cable signals, local telephone service and interactive video to a compact disc-sized home antenna. A pilot project is operating in Brighton Beach, N.Y.
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Cellular Cable: Can deliver scores of cable TV channels and other telecommunications services to six-inch, window-mounted antennas. The technology uses very-high-frequency microwave signals that are beamed from multiple locations within a single service area.
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Wireless Cable: Another microwave-based technology, wireless cable systems are already emerging in many cities across the country. But they cannot be used in all areas because of lack of frequencies, and they’re subject to interference from buildings and trees. They also require a larger receiving dish and have less capacity than the cellular cable technology.
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Traditional Cable: Most major cable operators plan to use digital video compression systems to dramatically increase the capacity of their systems. The nation’s largest operator, Tele-Communications Inc., is working on a system that will carry 500 channels. Digital systems don’t require changes in the cables themselves, but do require expensive new converter boxes.
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Telephone Networks: New technologies make it possible to send a few channels over existing copper phone lines. But phone companies are installing fiber-optic cables in some areas that will make it possible to increase both quality and capacity. It will be years before fiber-optics reaches all the way to the home.
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Satellites: Today a large and expensive receiving dish is required to capture TV signals from a satellite. In the future, the size of the dish will be dramatically reduced. Combined with digital transmission technology, such satellite systems will be able to deliver hundreds of channels to pizza-sized, window-mounted dishes.
