Future enhancements to terrestrial TV

Broadcast television services in the UK are currently under review and new legislation provides for the revision of existing, and the creation of new services. Over the next decade, the terrestrial broadcaster will be faced with competition not only at programme level but also technically, as many of the new services will have the opportunity and capability of distributing an improved and enhanced quality of television image. Enhanced services will generate a base of new generation wide screen receivers, initially at EDTV quality, but latterly for HDTV. The objectives of an enhanced system are fourfold: (1) compatibility with existing receivers; (2) reduction of PAL defects; (3) wide screen display; and (4) improved horizontal and vertical resolution. The authors discuss these objectives and some additional considerations which need to be taken into account