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February 1993

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Subject:
From:
"Michael K. Kuentz" <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Film and TV Studies Discussion List <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Mon, 22 Feb 1993 21:49:49 EST
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Dear Ben:
  In your recent post about HDTV concerns you mentioned something about
control and program origination(control). As I cannot recall the exact state
ment, you said something to the means of 'who is to say that people who
watch HDTV won't have what they want to watch controlled by the government
[or some governing group]'.
  My question in response to this statement is: How is that any different
from what we have today?
  The governing bodies are called networks. No matter whether its 30
channel or 500 channel cable TV, the variety does not make a difference,
there is still control of the program content and transmission times.
  So its not necessarily who will control the new technology, but rather how
will it be delivered. Every station and network willing to broadcast in
high definition will need to convert over from as low as the tape stock to
as big as the transmitter. The control, however, will be by those who can
afford the switch to the equipment over those who cannot.
  As far as controlling the technology, let's use JVC as an example when they
developed VHS. VHS is a copyright of the Japan Video Corporation, but nearly
every broadcast equipment related company has their own VHS tape, cameras,
and equipment. Even Sony, the developer of BETA, has VHS, SVHS, and VHS-C
equipment. Now small companies like Radio Shack and BTS, which are in no
way small by size but rather by popularity in this field, are offering VHS
and BETA... with little or no control by JVC.
 
Is my point understood? Or are we on different wavelengths?
Michael K. Kuentz

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