 | Don Checots
(CHEE-CAUGHTS) is a native of Pennsylvania. He left there in 1965 to join the United States Air Force. While in the Air Force Mr. Checots became involved with Armed Forces Radio and Television, and helped install AFTN radio and television services in Thailand. From there, he assumed more responsible management positions in public broadcasting stations and eventually moved to Bemidji, Minnesota where he built a full-service public TV station. While there, he received a Bush Foundation Summer Fellows Award and attended the Harvard Business School's Public Broadcasting Executive Management Program. After Bemidji, he moved to South Bend, Indiana as President/General Manager of public television station WNIT. In January 1997, he moved to Wichita as President/General Manager of KPTS and works with the Board and community to reinvent public broadcasting in South-Central Kansas. Don may be contacted by phone at (316) 838-3090, or by e-mail at dchecots@kpts.org. |
Media
2001-12-01 14:55:00
What will ‘digital’ bring?
Question: If all TV programming ultimately is broadcast in a high-definition format, will it not render traditional TV sets that are not high-definition useless?
Answer: The short answer is yes, and no. Whether the program is in high-definition or a lower resolution, called standard definition, it is all Digital Television (DTV). DTV is a different method of providing TV services to the public. As such, traditional TV sets can not receive this transmission without some type of conversion device, much like a set top box consumers have used to receive the many channels on a cable system. There are now DTV converter boxes available to receive the DTV signal and convert it for viewing on traditional TV sets. These will not allow the viewer to use all of the enhancements of DTV. The higher definition pictures cannot be displayed on traditional sets. Furthermore, the converter reduces the resolution being displayed, when converted from digital to analog. The reception of this type of transmission will work, on channel 4 for example, the same as your VCR. However, a converter box with a traditional set will produce a much clearer picture with a digital broadcast vs. and analog set. You will see a difference. Enhancements available through the use of a Digital TV that may not be supported by a traditional set include; 5.1 surround sound, additional data casting information in the form of second language, descriptive video services, electronic program guide information, data unrelated to the program subscription service, interactivity with internet sources or data broadcast as a part of the program. For cable subscribers, the situation is somewhat different. The cable system supplies the necessary conversion box to connect their cable operating system to your TV so you can use their service. As such, they will supply the right system to allow your TV to function properly. The caveat here is that all services available to DTV over-the-air reception may not be supported. Cable systems are likely to provide one program from a broadcaster even if the broadcaster is sending out more. Cable systems have been adding digital services themselves to increase their offerings but they use a different system than broadcasters. There is still much work being done in the cable industry regarding the accommodation of DTV broadcasters. How these cable units will interface to the various televisions and monitors' being used is still not standardized. The Federal Communications Commission has established a time line to accomplish the conversion to DTV for all commercial stations by May 1, 2002 and all non-commercial stations by May1, 2003. All stations must by simulcasting at least 50% of their programming by 2003, 75% by 2004 and 100% by 2005. At that time, nearly all citizens should have access to DTV and the analog stations are to be turned off by the end of 2006.
