Advanced television: a terrestrial perspective

The introduction of advanced television systems (ATV) representing a quantum leap in television quality may be imminent in the United States. The ATV transmission system in the most advanced state of development, NHK´s MUSE system, was designed for satellite-to-home distribution. It requires more spectrum than can be provided through existing terrestrial broadcast channels and is incompatible with existing NTSC receivers. This paper explores the major issues presented by the spectrum constraint and identifies tradeoffs which local broadcasters must make in choosing (and developing) and ATV system appropriate for their industry. While it is unclear whether the ATV system chosen by US broadcasters will be suitable for use by local broadcasters in the United Kingdom and Europe as well, the issues faced by local broadcasters everywhere differ only in degree not in kind