Advanced Compatible Television: A Progress Report

Michael A. Isnardi, Charles B. Dieterich, Terrence R. Smith

Advanced compatible television (ACTV) is an evolutionary system that can be introduced in a single 6-MHz channel. The introductory system (ACTV-I) can be augmented with a second 6-MHz channel (to become ACTV-II) when spectrum is available. The ACTV broadcast signal is compatible with the existing NTSC broadcast service. NTSC receivers will display a normal aspect ratio, NTSC-quality picture. ACTV receivers will display a wide aspect ratio image with improved horizontal and vertical resolution. ACTV-II offers full HDTV performance that can be implemented when bright high-definition displays are available at consumer prices and when additional spectrum is available. ACTV-I's performance is intermediate between NTSC and ACTV-II. It is consistent with display technologies anticipated for the immediate future, and it can be delivered without waiting for additional spectrum to become available.

Print ISSN
Published
1989-07
Content type
Original Research
DOI
10.5594/J02713