From: rkim@OPUS.CALSTATELA.EDU ("Richard H.S. Kim")
Newsgroups: rec.video
Subject: HDTV: intro history (long)
Date: 14 Oct 92 05:27:24 GMT

I've noticed a lot of confusion about HDTV, so I've typed this out...
Hopefully, beginners will scan through this, getting a better idea...

_________O/______CUT_IT_HERE_________________________________________________
         O\

Some helpful background on HDTV....

HDTV (High-Definition TV)>  This term is reserved for future incompatible
systems that required a new receiver and a new, presumably higher, band-
width channel.

When NHK started their HDTV project, they coordinated with various Japanese
companies to attack the various component technologies.  Sony handled the
camcorders and recorders; Ikegami did cameras as well.  NEC, Mitsubishi and
others tackled the displays, projectors, tubes and processing electronics.

NHK's goal was to produce a new system that could become a future TV
broadcasting standard for the world.  The system was designed for direct
satellite broadcasting using a 30-MHz channel.  First results came in 1970,
with a system a scaled-up version of NTSC:  Analog processing, a 1125 line
display, newer signal-modulation techniques, and a 5-to-3 screen aspect ratio.
The NTSC frame rate and interlaced scanning patterns weren't changed, so
basically, you had a doubled NTSC.

In 1979, NHK showed off their system, along with efforts to set a universal
broadcasting standard.  The world took notice almost immediately.
American and European companies started their own HDTV projects.

In 1981, a compression format for the 30-MHz, NHK standard was shown.
Called MUSE, this helped generate interest for HDTV fashion accessories,
like camcorders, VCRs and LaserDiscs.

Also, the concept of digital processing started to catch on.  The 30-MHz
channel was too much bandwidth for regular broadcasting, cable tv and
satellites.  Digital could help thru use of data compression techniques.
  
In 1985, NHK applied for certification with the CCIR, the international
standards-setting body sanctioned by the United Nations International
Telecommunications Union (ITU).  This effort failed, due to the efforts
of the Europeans who pointed out flaws with the NHK system.

Despite the progress NHK had made, their system was expensive and
imperfect.  The Europeans were concerned about accepting a totally
foreign system.  They wanted European TV to remain with European industry.
 
The Europeans began a coordinated, multinational effort called Eureka-95,
premiering an all-European HDTV system in 1988.

In 1987, the FCC opened a notice of inquiry requesting proposals for an
American broadcasting standard.  Leaning heavily towards a digital system,
the standard is to be decided by 1993.

<...obviously not finished...>

IDTV:  Improved Definition TV.
In a nutshell, this is better TV performance using existing standards.
Compatibility with normal TV is the key.  IDTV sets have appeared, with
mixed blessings.  Some, like Consumer Reports, felt that Sony's IDTV set 
had the best picture they had ever seen.  Others didn't feel the price
justified the performance (that set was $4000, now discontinued).

IDTV isn't limited to just sets.  Yves Faroudja has come out with new
NTSC encoders/decoders that reduce/eliminates NTSC artifacts for
broadcast use, so such benefits are availiable now.

(quick aside: NHK helped to coordinate with companies such as Sony, NEC,
 Mitsubishi to help overcome various component problems, developing new
 technologies for cameras, tubes, recorders, electronics, etc.  This is
 why your seeing more fancier video stuff like Sony's XBR^2.  Also, these
 companies have slashed prices on their earlier analog HDTV stuff to move
 it out and to help recoup some R&D money, but that's another story :) ).  

<...end of ramblings...>

Hope this helps.
Rich K.

email/inet> rkim@opus.calstatela.edu
Newsgroups: rec.video