On our “Tips List” – an email forum for those seriously interested in HDTV - a question concerning the proposed Federal “subsidy” for ATSC tuners (to the needy) was hotly argued. One side said it was another example of inept government giving the store away and the other claimed that it was already paid for out of auction money from the analog spectrum, and, while still terribly odious, it was at least comprehensible. The argument was the only thing on target with responses being deeply shaded by political persuasions so, I decided to wade into the conflagration with a little historical memory and perspective. Shane, my stalwart partner in Internet affairs, said he had seen the topic hashed out on other forums with little more then hysteria and hyperbole waging war with one another and would I kindly arrangement my “Tips” comments into an article for wider distribution. With this introduction I hope what follows—the unedited Tips responses—will serve as that article.

The HDTV initiative of 1987 wound up freeing from non-use a large chunk of prime broadcast spectrum. Prior to that the unusable "taboo" or separation channels were essential to protect analog TV transmission from otherwise unavoidable adjacent channel interference. The taboo channels acted as buffers between most of the VHF channels and contained no other useful content, though they did consume a significant part of the broadcast spectrum.

The way to make use of the buffer spectrum along with many unused UHF channels was to transition from analog to digital broadcasting by both broadcasters and the public alike. The analog spectrum could then be shut off when all were broadcasting in digital and most-all (at least 85%) of the public were equipped to receive digital signals.



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Greetings from Toronto,

I've always tended to be suspicious when I hear "I'm from the govenment and I'm here to help."

I was under the impression that the day is almost upon us mandating HD display devices of any size to come with built in HD tuners.

When applying for a subsidy is it possible that I can afford a 70" LCOS display but if I have to pay an extra $50.00 for a HD tuner I fall into the needy category?

I think the means test for the needy would cost more than the subsidys themselves.

In anycase as soon as broadcasters know that the capability of receiving and decoding HD signals will be available to all regardless, the flood gates of programming and with it advertising will open. The big question is, with the gates open, are they ready to create that flood.

Perhaps I'm missing the point but I feel the subsidy issue is moot.

Peter M.