KOMO TV Becomes First West Coast Station to Transmit Digital HDTV
Summary
Seattle ABC affiliate KOMO TV 4 became the third station in the United States and the first on the West Coast to transmit digital high-definition television under an experimental FCC license. The landmark broadcast used transmitter technology from LARCAN Inc., antenna equipment from Dielectric Communications, and digital modulation hardware developed by Zenith Electronics Corporation.
KOMO TV - First West Coast Station to Test
Television of the Future
Zenith Electronics Corporation, LARCAN Inc., and
Dielectric Communications Provide Technology for Landmark Broadcast
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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: |
