Cable TV operators require a basic range of hardware to successfully wire a building to receive cable service. While cable television operators may not have to complete all of the wiring, they may need to perform maintenance and repairs on wiring components if cable services are affected by wiring damage.

Supplies for cable TV operators include equipment for grounding, mounting and wiring coaxial cables to wall outlets. Cable operators use coaxial cables to connect TVs to wall outlets, and often need other supplies to manage the cables connected to televisions.

When searching for supplies for cable TV operators, consider the following options:

1. Get grounding blocks and connectors for wiring cable service;

2. Use wall boxes and wall plates to create a safe and convenient wall outlet;

3. Connect the TV to the cable TV services using coaxial cables.

Action Steps
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Build the foundations for cable service with grounding blocks and connectors

The most basic equipment for cable service operators to use when wiring cable services includes the grounding block and connectors or compressors. Connectors come in several varieties and may be rubberized on one end, or a rubberized tip may be added, depending on your specific wiring needs. The grounding block is used to ensure that the cable signal is uninterrupted between the ground path and the wire, even when using a splitter for the signal.

I recommend: Sadoun Satellite Sales sells a wide range of connectors and rubber sleeves for any wiring need cable television operators may have. YourBroadbandStore.com sells a grounding block for use on basic wiring projects.

Wire a wall outlet for cable service using wall boxes and wall plates

Wall boxes and wall plates are used for cable service and other electrical and telephone wiring. All types of wall boxes have essentially the same design, and are used to manage the wiring and to be accessible behind the wall plate. The wall plate is attached on top of the wall box to cover the wires, and the holes in the wall plate vary depending on the type of wiring.

I recommend: HomeTech Solutions sells wall boxes for wiring cable service, and BroadbandUtopia offers a wide range of Leviton wall plates. Wall plates for wiring coaxial cables may be multi-purpose to fit coaxial cables or telephone jack wiring.

Connect to service from cable operators using coaxial cables and wire management

The final step for cable service operators is to connect the TV to the coaxial cable jack that provides the cable TV service. Coaxial cables are used for running cable television service to the TV, and may differ widely in size and quality. Special supplies can also be used to manage cables behind the TV and keep them out of sight.

I recommend: Wild West Electronics sells a complete range of Monster coaxial cable products for use wiring cable service. CableWholesale.com offers a number of wire management solutions, including clips and ties, in bulk for use by cable service providers.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Cable service providers may also be responsible for setting up additional services, such as telephone or Internet. Other supplies required to set up these services might include a cable modem, Ethernet wiring or a digital cable receiver. While cable operators typically furnish coaxial cables free of charge, costs for peripheral items may be transferred to the consumer.

In the beginning, rooftop antennas captured a television signal out of the air and delivered it to your TV set. Then came a revolution. Cable service operators began delivering crisp, clear images to TVs using cables strung from telephone poles.

Now the industry has grown into a network of cable television operators that can deliver hundreds of local and national television stations into your living room.

We benefit from this in several ways.

1. TV programming becomes localized to specific communities, delivering events and other local access depending upon your local cable operator.
2. Small businesses are given the opportunity to advertise on major cable networks.
3. Cable service can be bundled with low-cost Internet and telephone service.

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Contact your local cable service operator

Cable television operators maintain local offices in every community where cable services are offered.

I recommend: Major cable TV operators localize their operations by opening small offices in every coverage area. The top four cable operators include Comcast, Cox, Charter and Time-Warner. A visit to their websites can give an idea of how your advertising can be geared toward specific audiences.

Gear the TV stations toward your customers

Cable TV operators can set up cable TV service for your business or waiting rooms so you will only receive programming geared toward your industry.

I recommend: Check the business services listing on your cable TV operator's website, or call them to gear TV programming toward your customers. A few of the companies offering this service include Cablevision, Charter, Comcast, and Cox.

Bundle it

Combine TV, Internet and telephone services to get a package price that is often cheaper than ordering them separately. Bundling cable services is a great way to save money and have one company handle all of your communications. For more information, contact your local cable TV provider.

I recommend: All of the major providers, including Comcast, Cox, Charter and Time-Warner, offer bundles to business and residential customers.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Pick the right networks to maximize your advertising dollar. For instance advertise on the Do It Yourself Network (DIY) or the Home and Garden Network if you're selling lumber or tools.
• •  Check for special introductory prices for advertising and bundles.
• •  See if you can get a better rate if you sign a long-term contract or agree to spots on several stations.
• •  Consider producing your own show on the public access stations made available by cable providers. Cable operators are always looking for new ideas, and the show could be relevant to your business.

Cable TV operators offer a wide range of services, from basic cable to premium service, with add-on packages like high definition and sports and entertainment channels. Many cable operators allow users to bundle cable with other services, like Internet and telephone, for a better overall value. Other costs that must be taken into account are digital cable converters and recorders, which may or may not be included in package prices.

Typical pricing and costs of cable TV operators can be difficult to calculate, since some geographic areas may have only one or two cable service operators and others may have several. Keep in mind, therefore, that cable TV services and their accompanying fees vary depending on the cable providers serving your area and the packages they offer.

When calculating pricing and costs of cable TV operators, consider the following:

1. Investigate different package prices available for cable service.

2. Consider the pricing of cable bundles that include additional services.

3. Factor in costs for a cable converter and other cable service add-ons.

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Browse service packages from a range of cable operators

Several national cable operators offer a range of comparable packages that can help you get an idea of the pricing of cable TV services. Because your local area may have different national, regional or local cable providers, the specific package prices will vary by location.

I recommend: Cable service available from the major cable television companies tends to be fairly similar, with Comcast and Chambers Cable, a regional company, both offering digital cable packages in a price range from about $45 to $100 per month. You can also find basic cable service for as low as $20 per month. Chambers allows customers to build packages starting at between $40 and $90 for cable service, plus five to $15 for a cable receiver.

Save on additional services by bundling with cable service operators

Many cable service operators also offer Internet and telephone services and promote bundling services, which can save you money. Prices on cable TV service bundles, like prices on cable packages, vary by location, as does the availability of bundle packages.

I recommend: Charter Communications and Horizon both offer bundles ranging in price from about $40 to $130 per month, with available options varying by geographic region. When signing up for a cable service bundle, be aware that bundles may start at a special rate for the first three or six months, and then go up to a higher price for the duration of your contract period.

Budget for peripheral costs that aren't included in cable television operators' standard fees

Some TVs (older models of cathode-ray tube televisions) require a digital-to-analog converter box to receive cable service. Your cable service operator may include a cable converter box in the cost of service, but if you have to purchase a converter be aware that you should expect to pay between $40 and $75 to purchase one from a retailer. Since many cable packages also offer services like digital recording, you may also need to factor the cost of a digital recording device into the overall pricing of cable service if one is not provided.

I recommend: Summit Source sells a Channel Master digital-to-analog converter box, and OneCall offers an LG converter box model. Both products are priced between $60 and $75, and may be eligible for a coupon discount issued by the US government for the digital cable service transition. For digital recording devices, expect to pay about $130 to $225. Provantage offers the well-known TiVo brand recorder, while B&H photo and video services offers Toshiba models.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 makes a provision for individuals to receive a $40 coupon from the US government applicable toward a digital-to-analog converter box. Customers are limited to one coupon per box, and some restrictions may be applied by manufacturers as to which models a coupon is good towards. Check with your cable service operator for more information about the transition.

Cable TV brings the world to you through a wide variety of programming. With cable television, viewers have access to local channels ABC, NBC, FOX, PBS and CBS, but they also have access to niche programming that only cable can offer, like The Food Network, ESPN and The Weather Channel. Cable TV operators offer a variety of features so you can specialize your cable package to meet your needs. Use cable TV operators key terms to find the service that works best for you.

Action Steps
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Cable networks

The biggest advantage of cable television is the cable networks offered by cable TV operators. Cable networks, whcih are channels, essentially, offer specialized niche programming that appeal to a wide range of viewers.

I recommend: See a listing of cable networks on the Comcast Cable website. You can click on each logo to learn more about that particular network.

Cable TV advertising

The beauty of advertising on cable television is that you get to choose your market. If your target audience is new moms, you can choose to advertise on cable networks that offer programming for young children or babies. If your target audience needs storm shelter supplies, you can advertise on cable networks that specialize in weather. Cable TV advertising is also often less expensive than advertising on your local television network affiliate.

I recommend: Read about cable TV advertising at Charter Media.

Bundles

Cable TV operators often sell more than just cable television. Many operators also provide phone and Internet service. To promote all of these services, and to consolidate billing, cable TV operators offer bundles - combinations - that include all or some of their available services.

I recommend: Read about the bundles offered by Time Warner Cable Online.

Business video, commercial cable

Business video, also referred to as commercial cable, allows you to pick and choose the cable TV offering in your office to only offer options that best meet your customers' needs.

I recommend: Read about the business video services available through Cox Communications for more information.

DVR, digital video recorder

A digital video recorder, known as a DVR for short, is a device that allows you to digitally record your favorite programs. It functions much like a VCR, but there are no videotapes to use and you can easily schedule future recordings of your favorite shows.

I recommend: Read about cable TV packages that include a DVR through Mediacom.

DMA, designated market area

Even though there are cable companies that offer service in locations across the United States, each office is different. Cable TV providers in these offices serve that local designated market area, or DMA.

I recommend: Nielsen Media Research explains designated market areas on its website.