As the world of television moves from analog to digital, political and
economic forces are being brought to bear on companies as they attempt
to deal with changes occurring in their industries. The impetus for the
conversion from analog to digital TV comes from many quarters, including
the broadcasting industry, the computer industry, governments, consumer
electronics manufacturers, content developers, and the Internet. The
widespread acceptance of digital technology in both the home and the
workplace account for the ready acceptance of the belief that the move
to digital television is an appropriate advancement. Not all authors in
this volume however are believers.
This book is divided into four sections each dealing with one aspect of
the transition from analog to digital TV broadcasting. The first section
presents the various technologies. It establishes a structure for
understanding the technologies currently in use as well as those being
developed by the industries involved in the delivery of digital
television. Section two presents information about consumer TV viewing
and includes examples of innovative, experimental interactive programs.
Economics and financial issues are addressed from a variety of
perspectives in section three. Section four concludes the book with a
look at the international environment and the history of digital TV
globally.