Now Is The Time: Dale Cripps on HDTV's Commercial Moment After 28 Years

By
Dale Cripps

For the last 12 years naysayers increasingly clouded the outlook for HDTV. Armed with university tenures they took aim at its Japanese origins, exploited the desires of the computer industry (for progressive scanning), and snarled at the high cost. They scoffed at the ATSC standard, claiming it is already out-of-date (if not out of touch). They worked to preempt the public's right to make up its own mind by issuing endless demands, giving speeches, writting articles, and delivering technical papers. After creating a state of confusion in the public's mind they suggested to government officials there was no market--no demand--and we had just as well await their action for a more advanced technology (from them). This strategy proved nearly successful as a public relations objective since the public has no knowledge of HDTV or its benefits and generally distrusts the people likely to profit. With manufacturers worried about building up anticipation in consumers at the expense of business today, no public demonstrations, promotions, or advertising have been done to create demand for HDTV.

In spite of this dampening high-definition television has steadily persevered throughout its 28 year odyssey... all to the unsung credit of its small band of visionary and faithful champions. It was never an easy road for them. No one can recall even one good break to refresh their hope. There was never a chard of good luck to lighten the load. Why this unprecedented faith, and for so long? Few even slightly familiar with HDTV seem able to entertain doubt that the public will fall in love with this astounding achievement, if it would just reach them. Now, fully developed, HDTV is up on its starting blocks ready to enter the unerring judgment of the commercial marketplace. The world anxiously waits to see if the faith of its developers is justified... or that of its naysayers.

In just days the standard will be set by the FCC. Next, that agency will make new digital channel allocations to broadcasters along with the rules governing the use. That action essentially brings government involvement to an end and sets the stage for private initiative, investment, and commercialization.

If a commercial success occurs it is thought that HDTV will carry many other standards benefiting from communications to new heights--education; medicine; industry; home life. The business opportunities brewed out from a success are sure to be many. New processors, new high-grade displays, new transmission methods, high grade programming, etc., will spring from the quest for faster, better, and cheaper HDTV systems. It is certain to be a great--even a golden--era. Good luck in positioning yourself in the digital revolution.