Analog Signal

See also: Digital Cable, Digital

CIMM DEFINITION: In telecommunications, analog refers to a transmission standard that uses variable frequencies and amplitudes of electrical impulses to emulate the audio waveform of sound. A traditional form of telecommunications transmission in a constant variable wave, rather than in packet-based (or digital) form. (Source: Definition currently under review by CableLabs)

2: An older version of a TV signal or the Set-Top Box that transmits programs in the lowest television definition in use today – 480i format. Data is transmitted only in one direction – to the household or viewers. There is usually no “back channel” or “return path” transmission where data or usage is transmitted back to the headend or operator.

3:  A continuous electronic signal that carries information in the form of a continuously variable waves unlike digital signals which are made up of discrete pulses. (Source: Nielsen)

4: Refers to the way cable broadcasts are transmitted directly from the television wall cable to the television.   It is one method by which television signals are transmitted since Low Power TV stations still transmit analog signals.

5: Type of cable signal that normally does not allow back channel.  With a  STB or DVR, return path data collection may become possible. (Source: TIVO)

NOTE – In addition to the lack of a return path, analog STBs provide no consistent mechanism for the download or execution of software, and thus cannot provide any interactivity, including IPGs and EBIF. (Source: FourthWall Media)   

NOTE – You can’t serve a household targeted ad via an analog signal. (Visible World)

NOTE – This definition is the definition of an analog STB not an analog signal, and it excludes the key relevant characteristic of an analog STB, namely it has fewer channels than a digital STB. (Source: TRA)