TCI blasts CEMA remarks on HDTV approach

Electronic News, Feb 2, 1998 by Peter Brown

Mr. Cassell said another problem is with CEMA. He said the organization has been rolling out broad definitions on what constitutes HDTV, confusing the matter even further. With more than 10 standard formats and the Holy Grail of consumer electronics up for grabs, the entire market is highly volatile.

Other cable companies have not yet adopted the HD-0 plan; however, this might change and the industry may see companies signing up in the near future. Microsoft recently invested $1 billion in yet another cable giant ComCast, which might very well be the next company to sign onto the HD-0 format.

Next-Gen Boxes

TCI is also going to deliver next-generation cable boxes sometime in 1999. These will be digital boxes that will not allow a full HDTV signal but will feature some digital content at the lower 480-P format. The boxes also will feature the ability to receive E-mail through the cable line and a number of other broadband services, said Ms. Marsik.

"It is too premature to say how these technologies will shape, but whatever signals and formats are agreed upon and accepted by the market, we will support," said Ms. Marsik. "To say we won't be there for a format would be completely false and wrong by anyone or organization."

Another issue that is being discussed by TCI is what to do with consumers who want to continue to receive programming on their NTSC analog televisions. Current configured boxes will be able to transfer and convert the digital signal into a standard signal, however, the picture will not be any better. TCI may develop new boxes for these customers as well. "There are two camps forming here, one is the broadcasters and terrestrial guys who are very hot for HDTV," said Mr. Cassell. "The others are the cable guys and Microsoft who are going for lower definition picture with movement toward this interactive and data TV formats. Needless to say it should be very interesting to see what happens in the next six months, but that's what makes this market intriguing."