Fiber-optic technology can be expected to play an increasingly important role in TV transport because of its essentially unlimited bandwidth, along with its potential for reducing operating costs and service interruptions. While a variety of fiber-optic TV transport options have been demonstrated in the laboratory and in actual field trials, the principal barrier to advanced TV distribution over fiber is the first-cost of cable installation.
A number of commercial scenarios are discussed which could lead to optical fiber implementation. The technical attributes of fiber-optics and their relevance to advanced TV transport are discussed, as well.