Advanced Television in the US — System Selection and Launching Concepts

Abstract

In the six months since the announcement of a “Grand Alliance” to develop the high definition television (HDTV) broadcast standard for the U.S., the new system has been largely specified, with one key parameter (modulation scheme) still to come. It is rather different than the earlier, individual systems, which had been competitively tested under the auspices of the FCC Advisory Committee. While its performance goals are higher, and its operating requirements are more complex, its potential for implementation has seemed less clear recently than the TV pictures it will make possible.

But, wilh System changes made to meel apparent market requirements, and the building consensus on international design targets, thcre are substantial reasons to believe that the emerging Standard will become a vehicle for many of the dramatic shifts foresecn in the nature and business of television.