So when digital transmission began in Australia on Jan. 1, Nelson was one of the first in line for a set-top box decoder. The prospect of dazzling pictures and cinema-quality surround sound isn't the only reason digital TV is being hailed as the medium's most important innovation since color. So far, the revolution is hardly being televised-or watched. Few consumers have bought the necessary hardware. That snag has been addressed by Thorn Australia, which rents all its decoders in a package with an 80-cm set.
Some manufacturers are more optimistic.
Sony and Panasonic say they are planning to bring out HD-ready sets later this year. But they'll be future-proofed for other technology developments. Commercial broadcasters have started enhancing digitally transmitted programs with bonus information, displaying onscreen recipes during a cooking segment or letting sports buffs choose camera angles and view player statistics during big events. But commercial broadcasters are forbidden to use their digital spectrum for multi-channeling until 2005, while abc and sbs will have to keep drama, comedy and current affairs off any additional channels. It's interactive services that have the most potential to change Australian viewing habits.