HDTV adaptability to multiple media

The spectrum-compatible high-definition television (SC-HDTV) system is concisely described in the context of terrestrial broadcasting. The system's application to the other three consumer TV delivery means, cable, satellite, and VCR, is discussed. Comparisons are made with other proposed ATV (advanced TV) systems. It is concluded that the SC-HDTV system has features that are attractive in all three cases. The minimized interference between SC-HDTV and NTSC (National Television System Committee) allows the assignment of an extra channel (currently taboo) to each broadcast station, permitting simulcasting without rendering obsolete the 160 million NTSC receivers in current use. The low and evenly distributed power of the SC-HDTV signal is of advantage in all media and especially so for the cable operator, both initially and ultimately. Cable also benefits from the possibility of encryption without loss of quality. Satellite and VCR benefit from the improved quality possible with the time-multiplexed format used for frequency modulation.< >