SEATTLE, Jan. 21 /PRNewswire/ via ATP. -- KOMO TV 4 became the first
commercial broadcast station on the West coast to transmit digital high-definition
television (HDTV). The ABC affiliate, owned by Fisher Broadcasting Inc.,
began its first digital HDTV broadcast yesterday under an experimental
license granted earlier this month by the Federal Communications Commission
(FCC).
A leader in the broadcasting industry, KOMO TV was also first in the
Northwest to broadcast live in color (1954) and to provide television stereo
sound (1984).
The landmark broadcast makes "KOMO TV-HD" the third station
in the country to launch digital HDTV transmission. KOMO's HDTV transmission
uses a digital television transmitter provided by LARCAN Inc. and antenna
technology from Dielectric Communications. The digital modulation, demodulation,
and decoding equipment was developed and provided by Zenith Electronics
Corporation.
Advancements in high definition technology will replace today's current
analog standard, making it the first fundamental change in television in
over 50 years.
"Digital HDTV is as close to reality as I have ever seen. The crystal
clear pictures and surround sound stereo audio will take our viewing experience
to an extraordinary new level," stated KOMO TV's Senior VP & General
Manager Dick Warsinske.
"Fisher Broadcasting is excited to work with Zenith Electronics
Corporation, Dielelectric Communications, and LARCAN Inc. to bring HDTV
to the Puget Sound region. This is the next step in continuing our commitment
to bring news, information and entertainment programs and services to future
generations," stated Patrick Scott, President and CEO of Fisher Broadcasting
Inc.
The "KOM0 TV-HD" broadcast comes less than a month after the
FCC adopted the digital television broadcast standard developed by Zenith
Electronics Corporation and other members of the Digital HDTV Grand Alliance.
Yesterday's test transmission of high definition television was the first
step. Plans for the next phase of testing, transmission and future demonstrations
will involve the ABC Television Network and will announced next month.
KOMO TV, an affiliate of the ABC Television Network, is owned and operated
by Fisher Broadcasting Inc. Fisher also owns KATU Television in Portland
and 23 radio stations in Washington, Oregon & Montana. SOURCE KOMO
TV
/CONTACT: Maria Lepper of KOMO TV, 206-443-4024; or John Taylor of Zenith,
847-391-8181; or Dennis Wallace of LARCAN, 303-665-8000/ CO: KOMO TV ST:
