76.601(c)(1)

Fact


(c) The operator of each cable television system shall conduct complete performance tests of that system at least twice each calendar year (at intervals not to exceed seven months), unless otherwise noted below, and shall maintain the resulting test data on file at the operator's local business office for at least five (5) years. The test data shall be made available for inspection by the Commission or the local franchiser, upon request. The performance tests shall be directed at determining the extent to which the system complies with all the technical standards set forth in 76.605(a) and shall be as follows:

(1) For cable television systems with 1000 or more subscribers but with 12,500 or less subscribers, proof-of-performance tests conducted pursuant to this section shall include measurements taken at six (6) widely separated points. However, within each cable system, one additional test point shall be added for every additional 12,500 subscribers or fraction thereof (e.g., 7 test points if 12,501 to 25,000 subscribers; 8 test points if 25,001 to 37,500 subscribers, etc.). In addition, for technically integrated portions of cable systems that are not mechanically continuous (i.e., employing microwave connections), at least one test point will be required for each portion of the cable system served by a technically integrated microwave hub. The proof-of-performance test points chosen shall be balanced to represent all geographic areas served by the cable system. At least one-third of the test points shall be representative of subscriber terminals most distant from the system input and from each microwave receiver (if microwave transmissions are employed), in terms of cable length. The measurements may be taken at convenient monitoring points in the cable network: Provided, that data shall be included to relate the measured performance of the system as would be viewed from a nearby subscriber terminal. An identification of the instruments, including the makes, model numbers, and the most recent date of calibration, a description of the procedure utilized, and a statement of the qualifications of the person performing the tests shall also be included.

Myths


"Systems with less than 1000 sub's don't have to comply"

76.601(e).tells what must be done at systems with less than 1000 subscribers

Measurements

There are several types of meters on the market today to make these types of
measurements. 76.609(a)provides some suggestions on how to perform
other tests and 76.601provides test point and data collection information.

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