Tuning into Digital TV
Now that the FCC has set a schedule for rolling out digital TV, various interests are pushing their agendas:
TV MAKERS
Sony, Philips, and others will build souped-up sets that can also receive data. They say consumers don't want PCs in their living rooms.
BROADCASTERS
NBC and others plan to transmit their programs in a TV-friendly format. They hint that PCs that aren't equipped for that format will get blank screens.
PC MAKERS
Compaq, Gateway 2000, and others are betting that the interactivity and flexibility of PCs will make them best for digital TV.
MICROSOFT
By buying WebTV Networks and working with PC makers, the software giant is hoping to extend its influence to the 98% of homes with TVs.
PROGRAMMERS
Content creators like any and all digital TV schemes because they allow new kinds of programming and new outlets for existing programs.
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