Cable vs. Network — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 13, 2024
Cable provides TV content via physical connections, offering exclusive channels; networks broadcast over airwaves, available widely without subscription.
Difference Between Cable and Network
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Cable TV operates through physical connections, specifically coaxial or fiber-optic cables, which carry television signals directly into homes. Network television, on the other hand, operates via terrestrial broadcasting, transmitting content over-the-air. This method requires only an antenna to receive signals, making it free after the initial setup costs.
The programming on cable TV can include exclusive access to movies, original series, and special sports packages, which are typically available for an additional fee. Network television focuses more on general audiences with news, popular serials, reality shows, and live sports.
Cable TV generally requires a paid subscription, which can be customized with different packages and bundles, including internet and phone services. Network TV, being free-to-air, does not require a subscription, but the content is limited to the channels available in one's local broadcast area.
The audience reach differs significantly; cable TV can target more niche markets with specific content tailored to diverse interests, whereas network TV aims to appeal to a broader demographic with programming intended to attract the widest possible audience.
Comparison Chart
Delivery Method
Via coaxial or fiber-optic cables.
Over-the-air broadcast signals.
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Cost
Subscription-based, generally paid monthly.
Free, requires only an antenna.
Programming
Wide range, including premium and niche channels.
Limited to major national broadcasters.
Target Audience
Diverse, with content for specific interests.
Broad, mainstream programming.
Availability
Requires physical connection and infrastructure.
Available wherever there is signal reception.
Compare with Definitions
Cable
A television service delivered through coaxial or fiber-optic cables.
They subscribed to cable TV to get access to the extensive sports programming.
Network
Includes major national channels like ABC and NBC.
Popular series and nightly news are staples of network TV programming.
Cable
Often includes a variety of channels, including premium options.
Their cable package includes several movie channels and documentaries.
Network
Limited to the range and quality of the broadcast signal.
Their reception of network TV channels depends heavily on their antenna's quality and placement.
Cable
Can offer bundled services with internet and phone.
Cable TV providers often offer discounts when you bundle your services.
Network
An openwork fabric or structure in which cords, threads, or wires cross at regular intervals.
Cable
A strong, large-diameter, heavy steel or fiber rope.
Network
A system of lines or channels that cross or interconnect
A network of railroads.
Cable
Something that resembles such steel or fiber rope.
Network
A complex, interconnected group or system
An espionage network.
Cable
(Electricity) A bound or sheathed group of mutually insulated conductors.
Network
An extended group of people with similar interests or concerns who interact and remain in informal contact for mutual assistance or support.
Cable
A sheathed bundle of optical fibers.
Network
A chain of radio or television broadcasting stations linked by wire or microwave relay.
Cable
A heavy rope or chain for mooring or anchoring a ship.
Network
A company that produces the programs for these stations.
Cable
A cable length.
Network
A group or system of electric components and connecting circuitry designed to function in a specific manner.
Cable
Cable television.
Network
(Computers) A system of computers interconnected by telephone wires or other means in order to share information. Also called net1.
Cable
A similar service providing internet access.
Network
To cover with an openwork fabric or structure.
Cable
A cablegram.
Network
To broadcast over a radio or television network.
Cable
Of or relating to a subscription television or internet service that uses cables to carry signals between local distribution antennas and the subscriber's location.
Network
To interconnect as components in a group or system.
Cable
To send a cablegram to.
Network
(Computers) To connect (computers) into a network.
Cable
To transmit (a message) by telegraph.
Network
To interact or engage in informal communication with others for mutual assistance or support.
Cable
To supply or fasten with a cable or cables.
Network
A fabric or structure of fibrous elements attached to each other at regular intervals.
Cable
To send a cablegram.
Network
Any interconnected group or system
A network of roads crisscrossed the country.
Cable
(material) A long object used to make a physical connection.
Network
A directory of people maintained for their advancement
To get a job in today's economy, it is important to have a strong network.
Cable
A strong, large-diameter wire or rope, or something resembling such a rope.
Network
(broadcasting) A group of affiliated television stations that broadcast common programs from a parent company.
Cable
An assembly of two or more cable-laid ropes.
Network
Multiple computers and other devices connected together to share information
The copy machine is connected to the network so it can now serve as a printer.
Cable
An assembly of two or more wires, used for electrical power or data circuits; one or more and/or the whole may be insulated.
Network
(intransitive) To interact socially for the purpose of getting connections or personal advancement.
Many people find it worthwhile to network for jobs and information.
Cable
(nautical) A strong rope or chain used to moor or anchor a ship.
Network
(transitive) To connect two or more computers or other computerized devices.
If we network his machine to the server, he will be able to see all the files.
Cable
(communications) A system for transmitting television or Internet services over a network of coaxial or fibreoptic cables.
I tried to watch the movie last night but my cable was out.
Network
(transitive) To interconnect a group or system.
Cable
(TV) cable television, broadcast over the above network, not by antenna.
Network
To broadcast across an entire network of stations and affiliates at the same time.
Cable
A telegram, notably when sent by (submarine) telegraph cable.
Network
A fabric of threads, cords, or wires crossing each other at certain intervals, and knotted or secured at the crossings, thus leaving spaces or meshes between them.
Cable
(nautical) A unit of length equal to one tenth of a nautical mile.
Network
Any system of lines or channels interlacing or crossing like the fabric of a net; as, a network of veins; a network of railroads.
Cable
100 fathoms, 600 imperial feet, approximately 185 m.
Network
A system of computers linked together by communications channels allowing the exchange of data between the linked computers.
Cable
(finance) The currency pair British Pound against United States Dollar.
Network
A group of transmitting stations connected by communications channels that permit the same program to be broadcast simultaneously from multiple stations over a very wide area; as, the CBS television network;
Cable
(architecture) A moulding, shaft of a column, or any other member of convex, rounded section, made to resemble the spiral twist of a rope.
Network
Any arrangement of electrical devices or elements connected together by conducting wires; as, a power transmission network.
Cable
(knitting) A textural pattern achieved by passing groups of stitches over one another.
Network
A group of buildings connected by means of transportation and communication between them, and controlled by a central organization for a common purpose; as, a book distribution network.
Cable
(transitive) To provide with cable(s)
Network
To take steps to make and cultivate the acquaintance of people who can be helpful to oneself, especially in finding new employment, advancing to a higher position in one's occupation, or exchanging information.
Cable
(transitive) To fasten (as if) with cable(s)
Network
To connect together into a network; as, to network computers; to network the printer with computers.
Cable
(transitive) To wrap wires to form a cable
Network
An interconnected system of things or people;
He owned a network of shops
Retirement meant dropping out of a whole network of people who had been part of my life
Tangled in a web of cloth
Cable
(transitive) To send a telegram, news, etc., by cable
Network
(broadcasting) a communication system consisting of a group of broadcasting stations that all transmit the same programs;
The networks compete to broadcast important sports events
Cable
(intransitive) To communicate by cable
Network
An open fabric of string or rope or wire woven together at regular intervals
Cable
To ornament with cabling.
Network
A system of intersecting lines or channels;
A railroad network
A network of canals
Cable
(knitting) To create cable stitches.
Network
(electronics) a system of interconnected electronic components or circuits
Cable
A large, strong rope or chain, of considerable length, used to retain a vessel at anchor, and for other purposes. It is made of hemp, of steel wire, or of iron links.
Network
Communicate with and within a group;
You have to network if you want to get a good job
Cable
A rope of steel wire, or copper wire, usually covered with some protecting or insulating substance; as, the cable of a suspension bridge; a telegraphic cable.
Network
Broadcasts television programming over-the-air, accessible for free.
They watched the live broadcast of the Oscars on network TV without any subscription.
Cable
A molding, shaft of a column, or any other member of convex, rounded section, made to resemble the spiral twist of a rope; - called also cable molding.
Network
Focuses on broad appeal to attract a large audience.
Network TV schedules its prime time shows to capture the largest possible viewership.
Cable
To fasten with a cable.
Network
Does not require a subscription.
All you need to access network TV is a good antenna.
Cable
To ornament with cabling. See Cabling.
Cable
To telegraph by a submarine cable
Cable
A telegram sent abroad
Cable
A conductor for transmitting electrical or optical signals or electric power
Cable
A very strong thick rope made of twisted hemp or steel wire
Cable
A nautical unit of depth
Cable
Television that is transmitted over cable directly to the receiver
Cable
A television system transmitted over cables
Cable
Send cables, wires, or telegrams
Cable
Fasten with a cable;
Cable trees
Cable
Requires a monthly subscription fee.
Their monthly cable bill also covers high-speed internet and a landline.
Cable
Targets specific viewer interests with niche content.
Cable TV is great for finding specialized channels that cater to unique hobbies.
Common Curiosities
What are the advantages of cable TV over network TV?
Cable TV offers a wider variety of programming, the ability to subscribe to premium channels, and bundled services like internet and phone.
Why might someone choose network TV over cable?
Network TV is free after the initial cost of an antenna, making it cost-effective for viewers interested in accessing major broadcasters without the need for a wide channel selection.
Is cable TV becoming less popular?
With the rise of streaming services and cord-cutting, some viewers are moving away from traditional cable subscriptions in favor of more flexible and often cheaper online options.
Are there any ongoing costs with network TV?
There are no monthly fees associated with network TV; however, maintaining or upgrading equipment like antennas may incur costs.
How does network TV differ from cable TV?
Network TV is broadcast over-the-air and can be accessed for free with an antenna, primarily featuring major national channels, unlike cable TV's broad and subscription-based channel offerings.
What is cable TV?
Cable TV is a subscription-based television service delivered through coaxial or fiber-optic cables, offering a wide range of channels, including premium and specialized content.
Can you receive network TV on cable?
Yes, cable TV packages typically include all major network channels along with additional cable-exclusive channels.
How do you set up network TV at home?
Setting up network TV typically involves installing an appropriate antenna to capture over-the-air signals.
How does the quality of broadcast differ between cable and network TV?
Cable TV usually offers better signal quality and reliability since it is less susceptible to interference than the over-the-air signals used by network TV.
What type of programming is unique to cable TV?
Cable TV often hosts exclusive content such as specific sports packages, premium movie channels, and original series not available on network TV.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
