Wiley GAAP 2008

Definitions of Terms

Cable television plant	The cable television plant refers to the equipment required to render service to subscribers including: Head‐end. This includes the equipment used to receive signals of distant television or radio stations, whether directly from the transmitter or from a microwave relay system. It also includes the studio facilities required for operator‐originated programming, if any. Cable. This consists of cable and amplifiers (which maintain the quality of the signal) covering the subscriber area, either on utility poles or underground. Drops. These consist of the hardware that provides access to the main cable, the short length of cable that brings the signal from the main cable to the subscriber's television set, and other associated hardware, which may include a trap to block particular channels.Converters and descramblers. These devices are attached to the subscriber's television sets when more than twelve channels are provided or when special services are provided, such as “pay cable” or two‐way communication.
Direct selling costs	Direct selling costs include commissions, the portion of a salesperson's compensation other than commissions for obtaining new subscribers, local advertising targeted for acquisition of new subscribers, and costs of processing documents related to new subscribers acquired. Direct selling costs do not include supervisory and administrative expenses or indirect expenses, such as rent and other facilities costs.
Subscriber‐related ...