What was HBO known for that initiated the cable revolution?

HBO played a pivotal role in the initiation of the cable revolution primarily because it was one of the first networks to effectively combine live sports events and movies with high-quality original programming. This approach attracted a large audience and differentiated itself from basic cable options, thus encouraging viewers to subscribe to cable services. The network's innovative strategies, such as broadcasting unedited films and offering exclusive sports content, laid the groundwork for the premium cable model.

While other options might highlight aspects of HBO's programming, they do not encapsulate the initial impetus that drove subscriptions and viewership the way live sports and unique movie offerings did. By leveraging these strategies, HBO set a new standard for cable television, showcasing what premium content could offer to audiences, and ultimately encouraging the growth of the cable industry as a whole.