USA mandates HDTV

[richard@auscoms.com.au]

Marghanita -- 

Yes, there is a notionally "more efficient" spectrum utilisation in the digital
arena -- but let's take another look at that one. The more efficient use of the
spectrum will provide: (a) a cosmetic upgrade to identical content; (b) more
channels of crappy content; or (c) a limited and asymmetrical interactive
capability.

IMNSHO, (a) and (b) only represent more efficient spectrum use from a pretty
esoteric standpoint; the net benefit to the consumer is pretty small, especially
given the declining time spent watching TV; (c) only makes "more efficient" use
of the spectrum if it offers a service worth having. (My social opinions
intrude: I don't see that freeing up spectrum so that more people can place more
bets without leaving the armchair, for example, is an efficient use of
spectrum.)

Putting my own hyperbole aside, though: the technical arguments still don't
undermine my *main* point, which is that in a "free market", the coercion should
be unnecessary.

Richard Chirgwin
___________________Reply Separator____________________
Subject:    Re: USA mandates HDTV
Author: <marghanita@ramin.com.au>
Date:       28/10/98 16:11

Richard,

You are missing the point, the Digitisation is not about better
pictures, though the current electronic media would have you believe
that, it is about better utilisation of the spectrum providing for more
services. 

There are a few issues here:

a)the value (in terms of alternative services) of the spectrum used for
the current Analogue TV/Radio services.

b)the convenient retention of control over a significant slice of the
spectrum if Analogue Licenses are converted directly to HDTV spectrum
licenses rather than translating to sufficient spectrum for the
broadcast of standard digital TV. 

c)the cost and availability of Digital Devices to receive the cable and
terrestrial services. (Apparently, Satellite delivered services are
already digital). Maybe we will all buy a Digital Receiver for our PCs
and select a frequency and decode mode in software.... KCTS a Seattle
based public (US subscriber funded) TV station is already experimenting
with Digital TV. see: http://www.kcts.org/

d)whether licenses should be apparatus related, or simply a right to use
the spectrum as desired. Compare mobile phone broadcasts and datacasting
on the sideband of current TV broadcasts.

By the way, the Australian Radio Frequency Spectrum plan (a 247 page
tome) is currently published by the ACA in draft mode seeking public
comment.

Marghanita

-- 
Marghanita da Cruz
Principal Consultant
Ramin Communications
http://www.ramin.com.au
Tel: (+61) 0414-869202

richard@auscoms.com.au wrote:
<snip> 
This without, as far as I can see, any proven consumer benefit
> beyond "it's new, it's digital, the pictures are great." At least colour
signals
> were backwards compatible with B&W receivers...
> 
> So just like Americans, we Australians will have the choice of the same old
> crappy content on wonderful new TVs, or no TV at all...
<snip>