Satellites improve TV picture, sound

By JOSH SCHWOEBEL
Collegian Arts Writer

Private homes may soon be able to get a clearer picture, better sound and more channels, by way of a pizza-sized satellite dish.

The new technology, called Digital Television or HDTV (High Definition Television), works by a satellite dish pointed toward the southern sky, receiving signals from direct broadcast satellites (DBS).

Primestar, owned by General Electric and six cable operators, including Telecommunications Inc. (TCI), is already marketing this new system in the area.

"It's the latest technology in home satellites," said Christine Pancerella, a sales representative for the State College division of TCI Primestar.

The Primestar system requires a 39-inch dish that offers up to 75 channels. Primestar costs between $150 and $300 --depending on the region -- for installation. This is less than other new systems because it allows customers to lease satellites instead of buying them.

In State College, Primestar costs $199 for installation with an additional monthly rate of $31.95, which includes the satellite lease fee. The State College package currently includes 32 video channels, including HBO and Cinemax. It also has 16 audio music channels and 10 pay-per-view channels.

By midsummer, Primestar will offer up to 80 channels.

"Satellite systems along with new fiber-optic technology will eventually replace cable," Pancerella said.

In competition with Primestar is a group of telecommunications companies including GM Hughes Electronics, RCA/Thomson and Hubbard Broadcasting. Their Digital Satellite System (DSS) offers a system similar to that of Primestar, requiring HDTV equipment consisting of a smaller 18-inch satellite dish, a decoder box and a remote control.

The cost runs between $700 and $900 because the satellites are sold instead of leased, but the additional monthly rates are in the same range as Primestar and cable rates.

DSS offers 150 channels --twice as many as Primestar. The DSS package includes 50 pay-per-view movie channels featuring a variety of films that are shown at half-hour intervals so customers can catch the beginning of a movie at almost any time.

The technology behind both of these systems, HDTV, is based on a digital system that utilizes the computer binary code. The code compresses the brightness of pixels, the little dots that make up television screen images, into a string of eight easily distinguished ones and zeros. This allows for much less static on television screens.

Regular television uses an analog system that creates pixel brightness proportional to electronic signals received by the television. Regular television is not as direct as a satellite system, so there is more room for interference.

Despite offering a clearer picture, better sound and more variety, HDTV has a few drawbacks --it does not pick up local stations; storms may block the satellite and cause interference; and fast action, such as some sports plays.

Because HDTV uses the same language as computers, it will create televisions that act like computers to send out and receive information. But it is unable to offer the level of interactivity that cable will eventually offer.

Cable, around the turn of the century, through new fiber-optic technology will offer up to 500 channels and provide fully interactive television that will allow viewers to get programs on demand, buy merchandise at the touch of a button and talk to others in a variety of ways.

"Television will definitely be more convenient for the consumer, who will in turn have more opportunities," said Curt Kosko, operations manager for TCI.

Kosko also said testing on interactive television is in progress, but there is no set date for when the new technology will be available to the American public.