Broadcasters will have an easier task ahead of them when it comes time to make the permanent change to digital, thanks to a recent decision by the <A HRF="http://www.fcc.gov">Federal Communications Commission</A> (FCC).
<A HREF="http://www.blockbuster.com">Blockbuster</A>, the world's biggest video rental chain, is coming to grips with the swelling popularity of DVD by revamping its inventory.
How much power do you need? Many movie lovers believe that 200 watts per channel gives you all the dynamic headroom you need for the most demanding soundtracks.
Even the best can't rest on their laurels. Runco International, one of the world's best in the CRT-projection arena, has announced a new 9-inch CRT, the DTV-1200. The new model incorporates significant improvements in convergence, focus and astigmatism, according to a mid-September press release.
The <A HREF="http://www.ce.org">Consumer Electronics Association</A> (CEA) is reporting that manufacturer-to-dealer sales of digital television (DTV) monitors and sets (monitors with integrated tuners) totaled 117,851 units with $222 million in revenue during July. The CEA adds that these unit sales figures represent a 165% increase over the same period in 2000.
High-definition television will get a big push from at least two major networks this fall. Both <A HREF="http://www.abc.com">ABC</A> and <A HREF="http://www.cbs.com">CBS</A> have announced extensive programming in the format, which almost certainly will improve the awareness of the format among viewers.
First we had Dolby Digital with 5.1 channels (five speakers plus one subwoofer) for DVDs, then the THX and Dolby Digital <A HREF="http://www.guidetohometheater.com/shownews.cgi?277">Surround EX</A> 6.1 format, which added a center channel in the rear. Now comes word that <A HREF="http://www.thx.com">THX</A> is ready to start certifying 7.1 channels with their new Ultra2 format.
<I>Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson, Robin Wright Penn. Directed by M. Night Shyamalan. Aspect ratio: 2.35:1 (anamorphic). DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1 (English, French, Spanish), THX. Two discs. 107 minutes. 2000. Touchstone Home Video 21656. PG-13. $29.99.</I>
In a low-key rollout last week, <A HREF="http://www.hd.net">HDNet</A>, which bills itself as "the world's only all-high definition national television network", went live on DirecTV channel 199 with a broadcast of the Minnesota Twins at Texas Rangers. HDNet, with offices in Dallas and Denver, says that this is the first of 15 Major League Baseball games it intends to air throughout the month.