Worldwide multistandard TV-sets in lieu of a world TV-standard

The author argues that the problem of compatibility between present analog TV with 525/625 lines and future digital TV with 900-1250 lines cannot be solved unless a two-channel concept is adopted in which different signal paths are used in parallel, even if only one channel at a time is in operation. The first (and main) channel would stay analog for many years using NTSC, PAL, SECAM, or D2-MAC systems with their specific field rates. The second channel, which is the augmentation channel, could then be designed according to the latest semiconductor technology. It would transmit digitally encoded information to increase the horizontal and vertical resolution of the analog main picture and to extend the picture area to the new 16.9 aspect ratio.< >