Network heads want digital standard; they say of FCC doesn't mandate one, it risks 'viewer disruption.'(Cover Story)

Broadcasting & Cable, September, 1996 by McClellan, Steve

They say if FCC doesn't mandate one, it risks 'viewer disruption' The heads of the three major networks took issue with FCC Chairman Reed Hundt s suggestion at Interface X last week that the government should not set a technical standard for digital television and should let would-be providers battle it out in the marketplace.

Recalling the videocassette-format battle between VHS and Beta providers, CBS Inc. President Peter Lurid argued that "it's always easy to say let's compromise, but historically, compromises on technical issues have not necessarily proved to be in the best interests of consumers and the public." A lot of consumers, he said, "got stuck with $500 Beta machines that are useless." David Westin, president, ABC Television Network...

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