What are the six methods by which signals arrive at the cable system headend?

The correct answer identifies the six methods by which signals arrive at the cable system headend: direct feed, satellite, over-the-air, terrestrial microwave, local origination, and PSTN.

Direct feed refers to signals that are directly sourced from service providers or other content sources without intermediaries. Satellite transmission enables the reception of signals from satellites that broadcast content to cable operators. Over-the-air signals come from terrestrial broadcast stations and are typically utilized for local stations that reach audiences without requiring a cable connection. Terrestrial microwave is a technology used for high-capacity data transmitting over long distances, which is particularly useful for delivering signals to cable headends from various locations. Local origination involves content specifically created by the cable provider, often aimed at local audiences, to enhance viewer engagement and local programming. The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) can also provide signal transmission, especially for services that combine voice and video.

Understanding these methods is vital for recognizing how diverse sources contribute to the content that cable systems deliver to viewers. Each method plays a critical role in the ecosystem of cable broadcasting, ensuring that a variety of programming options are available to the end consumer.