HDTV looks greatest on smaller screen as pixels are closer together as so does NTSC.
1 year ago Sears had a $500 HDTV, 25" or 27" that had one of the BEST HD pictures I had ever seen for TWO important reasons over sets costing ten times as much. Screen size was big enough to watch, but NOT too large to dilute high definition picture qualities. Two, this was a direct view CRT that cannot be rivaled in Contrast, shapness , and brightness(DLP rear projection sets are close but no cigar), also limited viewing angle of DLP set.
I have two front projectors HDTV resolution compatible--DLP and high quality LCD video projectors that produce fantastic pictures --- until screen reaches a certain size that drags down picture quality down. HD resolution can be kept on larger screens, but line doubler is expensive and most people not familiar with. Front projectors also can be viewed at any angle like regular TV . Rear projection sets are still lacking in theatre quality for HDTV unless outragious amount of money is spent on upscale model. My point is---- HDTV isn't the same unless you are actually watching HDTV resolution on your final screen size.
Early color roundies with a DVD video signal and video amplifier in between TV and DVD player from Rat Shack will reduce noise in signal to give tuner a strong signal. This shows full quality of NTSC as DVD resolution is greater and doesn't take away NTSC picture quality. It's weird to watch a 50 year old color TV and see such a great picture as same standard used for many years. It feels liked I'm not watching shows on old technology or an "antique TV". Color roundie still feels state of the art ---and a marvel of modern technology.
I don't see public accepting Digital that instantly makes their current sets obsolete if not backward compatible to NTSC. Home theatre owners have small fortunes invested in video setups as so do Plasma TV people. Television stations I'm sure will do a gradual transition to Digital as has happened with color in 50s/60s. IT HAS GOT TO BE NTSC backward compatible for this reason. Most will be reluctant probaly since just spent money for HDTV conversion. ANY standard will be abandoned if costs public too much/ not feasable anyways.
Both topics are rehash of other threads .