Digital Video In Information Networks (September 1995)

HDTV Broadcast Technology

Sponsor: Sarnoff Corporation

• Project Performance Period: 10/1/1995 - 9/30/2000
• Total project (est.): $58,092,005.00
• Requested ATP funds: $28,421,489.00

High-definition television (HDTV) is an emerging technology that combines remarkable image clarity with compact disc-quality sound. Commercialization of HDTV is expected to lead to profitable new data services and entertainment programming as well as new multimedia tools and products that are compatible with computers and communications networks. At present, however, there is no way to cost-effectively produce and disseminate HDTV programming, which involves vast amounts of data. A team of leading computer, communication, and broadcasting companies led by the Sarnoff Corporation, proposes to develop the critical technologies needed to enable production and delivery of HDTV. The effort will focus on development of compression technology that permits editing and distribution of video; routing systems that foster interoperability among satellite, computer, telecommunications, and television networks; and software-based tools that permit end users to browse, retrieve, and view HDTV programs. The ATP project will bring together a critical mass of resources and expertise, enabling the United States to maintain its lead in HDTV development and recapture dominance of the broadcast equipment industry from Japan. Other members of the joint venture include Thomcast Communications, Inc. (Southwick, MA), IBM (Yorktown Heights, NY), MCI (Richardson, TX), NBC (New York, NY), New Jersey Networks (Trenton, NJ), Sun Microsystems (Mountain View, CA), Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc. (Washington, DC), and Wegener Corporation (Duluth, GA).

For project information:

Bill Shumann, (609) 734-3038
wshumann@sarnoff.com

Active Project Participants

• IBM Corporation, T.J. Watson Research Center (Yorktown Heights, NY)
  [Original, Active Member]
  
• New Jersey Network (NJN) (Trenton, NJ)
  [New Member since original JV was formed]
  
• Sun Microsystems Computer Corporation (Santa Clara, CA)
  [Original, Active Member]
  
• Thomcast Communications, Inc. (formerly Comark Communications, Inc.) (Southwick, MA)
  [Original, Active Member]
  
• Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc. (Indianapolis, IN)
  [Original, Active Member]
  
• Wegener Communications, Inc. (Duluth, GA)
  [New Member since original JV was formed]
  

ATP Project Manager

Barbara Cuthill, (301) 975-3273
barbara.cuthill@nist.gov