Digital television changes industry

Advocates of the digital age say they want a revolution.

But rather than burning their analog televisions in the streets and storming the malls, many consumers will be sitting back, waiting to see if digital TV's bite is as big as its bark.

Digital television promises to change the face of the television industry, with clearer pictures, more channels and more interactive options. Some cable providers already offer digital services, including Tele-Communications Inc., which serves State College.

For an additional $10 per month, TCI subscribers get better picture quality, more channels and an interactive guide.

TCI's foray into the digital market, which began Jan. 20, is only the beginning. By May 1999, network stations will begin broadcasting digitally to the top 10 markets, and by 2006, everyone will be required to broadcast in digital.

"The stations in the major markets are rushing to be the first to go digital," said Tony Walczak, co-owner of Paul and Tony's Stereo, 121 S. Burrowes St. But the beneficiaries of the technology may not be so eager. Matter said customers have responded enthusiastically to TCI's digital option, but some experts say the digital "revolution" will be a gradual evolution.

The price of digital televisions will delay the inevitable switch from analog, said Rob Frieden, professor of telecommunications. Price estimates range from $2,000 to more than $10,000 for the first wave of digital televisions.

"Right now, it would be kind of stupid to buy one," said Aaron George (junior-political science).

Like many consumers, he said he will wait for prices to go down.

Rather than buying a new television, many people will simply buy a converter to attach to their analog sets, said Anne Hoag, assistant professor of communications.

Even with lower prices, the benefits of the new televisions may be limited in an already crowded entertainment environment, she said.

"I don't think it will improve the usefulness of the mass media for the costs," she said, adding that prices will probably not fall below $2,000 for many years.

"In our culture, we've practically reached the limit of how much culture and entertainment we can consume," she added.

Rather than affecting how much television people watch, the new technology may simply change how they use television, Hoag said.

The result may be less emphasis on high definition television, said Rob Frieden, professor of telecommunications.

Instead, companies may opt for Internet options that blur the boundaries between television and computer, which may one day cause the two to merge into a single appliance, he said.