Communication Technology Update, 9th Edition

7

Digital Television

Peter B. Seel, Ph.D. & Michel Dupagne, Ph.D.^*

The period between 2004 and 2006 will usher in a crucial stage in the diffusion of digital television (DTV) in North America, Europe, and Japan. As DTV standards and transition policies have been implemented over the past decade, much of the debate has now shifted to receiver costs, innovative display technologies, and new programming choices. In the United States, December 31, 2006 will mark the end of the 10-year window defined by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) (1997) for the national conversion from analog to digital television broadcasting. While it is doubtful that this deadline will be met due to the lack of critical mass in consumer adoption, all U.S. full-power ...