Tech Directions - February 2008 - (Page 24)

career directions CABLE TELEVISION TECHNICIAN Cable television technicians install, maintain, and upgrade cable systems. They also perform repair work and respond to service problems at the homes of cable users. Their main goal is to keep a cable system operating efficiently. In the field, there are no supervisors to make decisions. Technicians must be motivated to find the problem and fix it quickly. Technicians must be interested in technical matters, take pride in their work, and enjoy working with the public. Good communication skills are essential. History The birth of cable TV can be traced to the development of coaxial cable (copper wire inside an aluminum tube, both with the same axis), which was invented in the 1930s in the Bell Telephone Laboratories, primarily to improve telephone transmission. It was soon discovered that coaxial cable could also carry television transmissions. By the early 1950s, cable television systems were in use and within about 10 years, cable television operators began using microwave radio relays for signals. This allowed the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish its authority over cable television, since the FCC regulates the use of microwave transmission systems. In the 1960s, channel converters were introduced, allowing systems to deliver a greater number of channels. At this time, pay-TV was first offered; however, the FCC soon placed restrictions on cable company’s abilities to import signals in response to much public outcry and opposition from the broadcast industry. In 1972, pay-TV, or pay-cable, was reintroduced by Home Box Office (HBO), which offered special programs to subscribers who paid a fee in addition to a basic cable service charge. In 1975, HBO began distributing paycable by satellite, which led to the rapid expansion of cable television, as we know it today. Training High School ● ● English Science ● Electronics ● ● Math Computer basics ● Technology education Postsecondary Training is available for high school graduates at trade schools or from a cable company’s onthe-job training program. Some trade schools offer a five- to seven-week course in electronics repair and maintenance. Trunk, service, and bench technicians have specialized telecommunications training. Community colleges and technical institutes offer programs that usually last one to two years and cover the basics of electrical wiring and electronics, broadcasting theory and practice, blueprint and schematic diagram reading, and physics. Chief technicians need at least two years of electronics training and a considerable amount of experience in the field. Personal Skills/Characteristics ● Certification One-year certification programs in specialized technology, such as digital technology, digital compression, and fiber optics are available at many community colleges. These certifications prepare students to work with the more advanced technologies used in many cable TV systems. The Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE) also offers training programs and certification in broadband communications technology. High school diploma or equivalent ● Driver’s license ● Clean background ● Excellent customer service skills ● Good verbal, written, and interpersonal communications skills ● Mechanical aptitude ● Manual dexterity ● Physical strength and agility ● Ability to lift and carry loads of up to 70 lbs. ● Ability to climb a ladder and poles and work safely and effectively at heights ● An aptitude for math ● Knowledge of electronics and fiber optics ● Ability to read charts, graphs, blueprints, technical drawings, and diagrams ● Ability to operate a computer and test equipment 24 techdirections ◆ FEBRUARY 2008

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Tech Directions - February 2008

Tech Directions - February 2008 Technically Speaking Contents Direct from Washington The News Report Technology’s Past Technology Today Mastering Computers How Engineers Engineer—Lessons from My First Big Engineering Project Tips on Creating Complex Geometry Using Solid Modeling Software Press to Test—Shop-Built BJT Checker Is Easy Cable Television Technician International Technology Education Association Conference—Teaching TIDE with Pride Professional Development Opportunities Product Central Free for the Asking More than Fun

Tech Directions - February 2008

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