A Still-Neutral FCC Eyeing HDTV Evolution

by Terry Costlow

High-definition television (HDTV) is gathering momentum in the marketplace. But even while more HDTV broadcasts fan out, the technology’s ultimate impact on the broadcast industry remains unclear.

Foremost in the HDTV evolution is the growing interest in multicasting several programs over a single HDTV channel. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), while continuing to take a “neutral” position on HDTV, will monitor steps taken in this direction.

Industry Endorsement Growing

High-definition television is beginning to make a significant impact in the television and broadcasting industry. Several network and independent station broadcasters and cable providers have endorsed the technology firmly, and that number continues to grow. In addition, many industry leaders heralded a late-December 2002 agreement between the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and the National Cable Television Association (NCTA) guaranteeing consumers that HDTV sets will be able to receive HDTV signals over cable without a set-top box, simplifying installation and eliminating extra hardware costs.

FCC Still More Vocal on Digital TV Matters

The Federal Communications Commission plans to adopt the NCTA-CEA agreement, saying it benefits both the industry and consumers. But other than this endorsement, the FCC continues to take a fairly hands-off approach to HDTV. Instead, FCC Chair Michael Powell is being far more bullish about promoting HDTV’s close cousin, digital television.

The FCC draws a sharp distinction between digital TV and HDTV. While broadcasters are free to use their HDTV bandwidth for HDTV, interactive TV or multiple standard-resolution broadcasts, the FCC has been more aggressive about requiring TV manufacturers to phase in digital tuners over the next four years.

Multicasting Versus HDTV — A Matter of Dollars

Many broadcasters are now testing out their digital spectrum, transmitting some multicasting and some HDTV. Multicasting makes it possible to target such various audiences as children, foreign-speaking viewers and special-interest audiences.

“Usually there’s only one PBS station in a given market, so PBS finds the idea of multicasting attractive,” said Ed Williams, a senior engineer at PBS. “That’s not to say, though, that PBS won’t do HDTV, especially for features like Nova.”

Ultimately, the decision will come down to what broadcasters think will make them the most money. The considerations will be many, and the final decision may bring about other discussions that will prompt the FCC to get more involved in the marketplace.

FCC’s Must-Carry Rule May Cloud the Issue

Even with the questions surrounding HDTV's future, it’s almost a guarantee that the FCC’s must-carry rule, requiring cable operators to carry local stations, will cause some problems. If every broadcaster transmits a single HDTV program, the debate over the intent of the must-carry rule will be minimal. But when broadcasters multicast, the rule becomes subject to interpretation.

“What happens when a local broadcaster decides to broadcast six channels? Does the cable operator have to carry not one local channel but all six?” said Stu Lipoff, past president of the IEEE Consumer Electronics Society.

Broadcasters’ interpretation will probably go toward carrying all channels, while cable operators will likely want to carry only one station. Observers are divided on whether the FCC will eventually resolve this issue, or whether Congress will step in and make the decision.

Congress Hoping for Quick Conversion

Congress is monitoring the changes in the television and broadcast industry closely. In addition to watching the potential for debate surrounding FCC’s must-carry rule, several representatives are hoping that broadcasters convert quickly, so they can auction off the spectrum now used for analog broadcasts. That auction was originally set to take place in 2006, but most observers don't believe the auction will occur until around 2010. Stay tuned.

Terry Costlow has written about the electronics industry for more than 20 years, covering a wide range of technologies and topics.