Digital TV to Broadcast Directly on Cable

By Sushuma February 26, 2000 12:49 PM

     Print Story

(CNN)-Television watchers in 2001 should be able to purchase digital TV sets that work directly with cable systems, thanks to new standards approved by the cable and consumer electronics industries.?But broadcast representatives and federal regulators cautioned that several key matters remain unresolved and could require government intervention.?TV manufacturers and cable operators announced an agreement Wednesday that resolved a deadlock over technical standards and will allow digital televisions to communicate with digital cable boxes.?The industries predict cable-ready digital sets will be on the market within 18 months.?About 65 percent of the U.S.?population receive television signals via cable.?High-definition televisions began selling in late 1998.?More than 100 TV stations reaching 50 percent of U.S.?people now offer the option of receiving digital TV signals, which provide images and audio superior to traditional analog TV.?But the pictures degrade through cable converters to quality not much better than analog.?The agreement includes specifications to ensure consumers can receive cable signals on digital sets, said Robert Sachs, head of the National Cable Television Association.?

Tweet This Now!