Obituaries touting the death of NTSC television may be premature.

[old_tv_nut]

Originally Posted by merrylander

I would need to check the standard again,it has been too long, but IIRC the digital signal is supposed to include the old 4:3 525 line screen image so all the box would have to do is decode a digital signal.

Rob

By general agreement, digital receivers for the US system receive any picture format that is transmitted, from full high-def to standard def, and convert it to the native format of the display. The NTSC converter boxes do/will do the same for conversion to NTSC. This "all-format decode" was not implemented in Europe or anywhere using the DVB standard, so they are now stuck replacing a bunch of gear or duplicating broadcasts in order to start a HD service. A great example of European protectionism for the interests of their large industries, and let the European consumer bear the cost.

The Australian government really screwed it up, when they chose DVB under the false claim that all-format decoders would become available. It never happened, and as a result, they forced simulcasting of analog, digital HD and digital SD of the same program. I don't know if this has actually done anything to promote HDTV in Australia, or just delayed it more.