Point of View: Advanced Television Systems for the United States: Getting There from Here

In this article, the origin of the present controversy about improved television systems is discussed. The intense concerns shown in this matter are explained in terms of the economic interests of those involved. The characteristics of the principal contending systems are quantified, and principles are proposed that might form the basis for federal decision making in this area. The probable results of adopting each of a number of possible scenarios for development are predicted. The very different economic effects of these scenarios are stressed, together with the importance of protecting current and future investment in equipment by industry and viewers. A series of recommendations is made, including abandoning U.S. support for adoption of the NHK system as an international standard, setting goals for a final system, establishing a period of experimentation with alternatives, phasing in new systems by a staged process, and considering the guidance of development by legislating certain receiver standards.

Print ISSN

0036-1682

Published

1988-10

Content type

Original Research

DOI

10.5594/J02875