HDTV is the slogan, high volume-high tech is the issue

High-definition television (HDTV) is a central concern for US business and policy: US high-tech preeminence cannot be sustained without participation in high-volume markets for high-technology products. High-volume markets are increasingly driving sophisticated component quality and cost, which threatens even the ability of preeminent US computer companies to control their own technological destiny. The US failure to participate in high-volume, high-tech markets carries several risks that intensify as high-volume products become ever more sophisticated. It is argued that, before embarking on an ad-hoc HDTV policy that is uncoordinated with other needs, US policy makers ought to consider the underlying problem. An American HDTV initiative should be only one small part of a more comprehensive infrastructure strategy.<>