Everything You Need to Know About Fiber TV

Fiber optic technology is not exactly new. Fiber internet was one of the first commercial uses of the technology, bringing faster and more reliable speeds to users. Then came fiber telephone, which made for clearer connections with little to no interruptions the norm. And now, we have several Fiber TV providers in the United States offering fiber optic television services. This blog discusses what Fiber TV is and what it offers to TV subscribers.

The Best Fiber TV Providers in The United States

Fiber optic technology requires an expensive and extensive infrastructure. This is why only a handful of providers offer fiber internet and TV services. Within the United States, Verizon offers the most fiber TV channels, exceeding 420, along with 100 Mbps in download speeds. Frontier’s FiOS offers more than 130 channels, while AT&T fiber delivers upwards of 125 channels to your home. Other than these providers, tech giant Google also offers fiber services like Google Fiber. However, in February 2020 the company announced it would no longer offer linear TV services. Instead, it would focus on delivering fiber internet instead.

What is Fiber TV and How Does It Work?

Fiber optic television or Fiber TV is a relatively new technology. It makes use of fiber optic cables to transmit signals to your television. This inherently makes it much more reliable and dependable than other forms of television services. That means, of course, cable and satellite TV. Not only does fiber TV generally offer better image quality it also usually has a bigger channel lineup. In order to get a fiber TV connection, your Fiber TV provider will run a fiber optic thread to your home connected to the main fiber optic cable servicing your area. Once done, you can hook up a TV in every room with a cable outlet to your fiber TV connection.

Comparing Fiber to Cable TV

Fiber TV works very differently from conventional cable TV plans like Spectrum TV Select. Cable TV makes use of a copper coaxial cable that transmits electrical signals to the set-top box. This then decodes them into audio and video. On the other hand, Fiber TV uses glass or plastic fibers in a cable that transmits pulses of light. When these pulses reach your television, the TV decodes them into information.

While fiber optic cables can stretch over long distances and still maintain picture quality, they may not always be better than cable. A fiber-optic connection needs to perfect installation, or it will not work. On the other hand, cable installation doesn’t need to be as precise. It is also often cheaper than getting a fiber connection. Of course, fiber does offer more channels and functionality than cable, so there will always be a tradeoff.

Fiber Vs Satellite TV

Satellite TV is often a more popular option than cable. Mainly because it offers more channels and is more readily available than cable service. Fiber TV also offers more programming and reliable image quality but, is not as widely available as satellite TV. Satellite TV makes use of an external receiver that catches signals from the provider’s satellite in orbit. It transmits them to a decoder inside your home. This decoder then converts the signal into audio and video output. However, fiber TV is less prone to disruptions by factors like bad weather. This means it is a more reliable option.

The Pros and Cons of Using Fiber TV

Fiber signals make for a clearer picture and sound on your TV. You also get access to better bundles, as most fiber TV providers also offer fiber internet. Combining both can result in a superior service experience. Fiber is also less prone to disruptions due to weather or peak hours. This makes it a much more reliable option than others. Fiber internet is also a good option for cord-cutters who prefer FuboTV plans to cable programming.

However, there is a downside to fiber TV as well. For one thing, it is pricier than other TV services. This was a problem especially in the early days when the infrastructure was growing. While it has become more affordable, it is still not as widely available as cable or satellite TV. It has coverage usually restricted to urban or metropolitan areas. If you’re in a rural or less populated area, you can always go for a satellite TV service. Even with DIRECTV hidden costs, it is cheaper and more easily available.