Evolution during Revolution

The future of the TV broadcaster is today very unclear as the effects of new technologies such as the digitalization of current operations, the introduction of HDTV, and explosive growth in the number and kind of distribution channels are considered. The broadcaster is pulled forward inexorably by the seemingly insatiable requirements of viewers for more programs, better programs and higher technical quality, fuelled by new developments in consumer electronics. Innovation is needed to contain his production costs, to meet the viewers' demands for the quality and quantity and to retain a reasonable share of viewing time and of slots on the channel selector. The competition from other media such as cable, quasi-DBS, pre-recorded discs and tapes is strong. The broadcaster of today is faced with the dilemna of planning this future in the face of a plethora of competing but incomplete systems, many with confusing economic and political complications. At the same time, new uses for the large investment in plant and equipment owned by himself, his communications partners and his viewers must be evolved. There is no doubt that the need for innovation and major change is certain – the questions are concerned only with when and how. In this paper, the critical technical questions facing the broadcasting industry will be summarized and some possible future directions will be outlined.

Published

1987-02

Content type

Original Research

DOI

10.5594/M00889

ISBN

978-1-61482-916-4