CATV

Definition: CATV is a shorthand term for cable television service. Many providers offer cable Internet service together with television to their customers over the same CATV links.

Despite the similar naming, CATV is not related to CAT5 or other categories of traditional network cables. CATV also traditionally refers to a different kind of television service than IPTV.

CATV Connectors

To hook up a television to CATV service, a coaxial cable must typically be plugged into the TV. The same type of cable is used to connect a cable modem to Internet service. These cables use a standard "F" style connector often called a CATV connector, although these are same connectors that were commonly used with analog TV setups over the past few decades.