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Cable TV systems and data communications

Library Systems Newsletter [August 1981]

A number of libraries have entertained the idea of using local cable TV systems for data communication. Most of these systems use coaxial cable or fiber optics to transmit their signals. The newer ones have a considerable amount of unused capacity. One of the major obstacles to using these cable systems for local data communication is that most major metropolitan areas have several systems. The Central Telephone and Utilities Company of Chicago has recently announced a plan to interconnect all Chicago-area cable TV systems through a microwave-radio-linked communications network that will include two-way transmission capability. The system will also incorporate earth station facilities to send and receive communications by satellite.

The linking of several systems in Chicago may lead to similar linkages in other parts of the country. Progress will be slow, however, because there are many economic and political obstacles to the installation of technologies which seek to link competing systems.

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Publication Year:1981
Type of Material:Article
Language English
Published in: Library Systems Newsletter
Publication Info:Volume 1 Number 02
Issue:August 1981
Page(s):9-10
Publisher:American Library Association
Place of Publication:Chicago, IL
Notes:Howard S. White, Editor-in-Chief; Richard W. Boss, Contributing Editor
Subject: Data communications -- cable TV networks
ISSN:0277-0288
Record Number:3686
Last Update:2025-04-10 16:09:24
Date Created:0000-00-00 00:00:00
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