A broadband communications technology in which multiple television channels, as well as audio and data signals, may be transmitted either one way or bidirectionally through an often hybrid (fiber and coaxial) distribution system to a single or to multiple specific locations. CATV originated in areas where good reception of direct broadcast TV was not possible. Now CATV also consists of a cable distribution system to large metropolitan areas in competition with direct broadcasting. The abbreviation CATV originally meant community antenna television. However, CATV is now usually understood to mean cable TV.