The two-edged sword of microcomputers is becoming apparent to many cable television technical personnel, managers and owners. While the potential uses abound, microcomputers are threatening cable television. The way systems are evaluated is threatened. The lack of programs for cable television threatens this industry. Microcomputers threaten the present methods of electronic design. And the competition will use microcomputers to threaten the industry. The impact of microcomputers could be as much or more than the impact of satellite distribution if the challenges are met.