Hierarchical NTSC compatible HDTV system architecture-a North American perspective

The authors describe a possible advanced television (ATV) architecture for North America and define its functional modules and corresponding interfaces. The developed model is recommended as a design tool for standardizing ATV in North America and analysing interrelationships of the functional modules on the economic basis. They propose a `hierarchical´ ATV emission system with full NTSC compatibility and HDTV quality. Solutions are recommended for terrestrial broadcast, CATV and satellite. The authors describe a total systems approach to HDTV called HDS-NA (high definition system for North America). The two emission signals of HDS-NA: HDMAC-60 and HDNTSC are characterized. RF alternatives for the terrestrial broadcast of HDTV are also discussed