The HDTV effort stems from a Federal Communications Commission mandate. Last November, the FCC ordered broadcasters in major markets to start broadcasting several hours of high-definition digital television signals each evening. By 2006, all broadcasters must convert completely to digital signals.
Broadcasters hope so.
The deals they're cutting could widen the horizons of your browser. For example, startup Geocast plans to deliver aggregate Web pages and digital programs to local TV broadcasters. The speed is more than five times that of most cable modem services. A joint venture called WaveXpress is preparing a rival service. Its backers are Sarnoff, Wave Systems, and The Fantastic Corporation.