A technical assessment of advanced television

A traditional description of the video spectrum and a three-dimensional representation of video that is useful in understanding advanced television (ATV) are provided. Component video systems are described highlighting the desirable characteristics, such as no crosstalk between the components that make up the color signal, which virtually all ATV systems seek to achieve. The three categories of ATV-high-definition television (HDTV), enhanced definition or extended quality television (EDTV/EQTV), and improved definition television (IDTV)-are explained. The basic approaches to ATV and the influence that the FCC (US Federal Communication Commission) has had on shaping the typical systems in theses categories are discussed. Standardization efforts are evaluated. It is concluded that the two delivery systems with long-range potential for highest-quality ATV are fiber-based networks and prerecorded material for home players. The likely time windows for the success of different forms of ATV are predicted, along with speculation about the effect of competition between the three areas of ATV for market share. The general ATV market potential is considered. Video processing is addressed. The importance of display technology for ATV and the need for a CRT replacement are discussed.