SBG Pleased with DTV Receivers
BALTIMORE (June 8, 2004) - Latest-generation digital television (DTV)
receiver technology shows significant improvements that will mean better
over-the-air reception of DTV signals using simple indoor antennas,
according to Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: SBGI).
Sinclair's findings, from informal field testing of fifth-generation
prototype receivers, are noteworthy because the company had previously
voiced concerns about earlier generations of receivers, particularly in
receiving signals with strong dynamic multipath (ghosts) and varying signal
levels.
"We are pleased to see the progress made by Zenith that will allow
consumers to easily receive free digital television broadcasts in their
homes. Broadcasters and consumers can now look forward to a robust DTV
service delivered over-the-air without having to subscribe to cable or
satellite," said Nat Ostroff, Vice President, New Technology, Sinclair
Broadcast Group.
"Our concerns that poor indoor reception would hinder the DTV
transition have now been addressed," he said. "And this is especially
timely because of the FCC-mandated rollout of millions of large-screen HDTV
receivers with integrated over-the-air tuners beginning this summer.
"With indoor reception now more viable, broadcasters need to examine
their current transmitting power levels to assure that they deliver an
adequate signal inside the home, and consumer electronics manufacturers
need to ensure that breakthrough technologies such as this are available in
the market," Ostroff said.
The informal joint field tests, conducted last month in Baltimore by
Sinclair and Zenith, involved testing reception at sites Sinclair had
previously identified as having difficult multipath conditions. Many of
these sites did not have successful reception with early generations of
receivers investigated by Sinclair.
Sinclair said results of the new trials show dramatically improved
reception with the receiver built around a new DTV chip developed by LG
Electronics Inc., Zenith's parent company. Specifically, the innovations in
the fifth-generation integrated circuit allow it to lock onto signals in
severe multipath environments even when the ghosts have long delays or are
larger than the main signal. (Earlier-generation receivers were unable to handle these signal conditions).
Data was collected from multiple DTV stations at numerous sites,
including parking garages and sidewalk locations, many without direct line-
of-sight to the transmitter. Simple indoor antennas were used to explore
the improvements that have been
made in indoor reception and ease-of-use in moderate and strong signal areas.
When the fifth-generation receiver is introduced by LG Electronics
(www.lgusa.com) in digital HDTV receivers later this summer, customers will
experience the ability to tune multiple digital channels on simple indoor
antennas without having to change the orientation of the antenna. The
fifth-generation ATSC chipset is tightly integrated with the tuner allowing
greater cost savings.
Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., one of the largest and most diversified
television broadcasting companies, owns and operates, programs or provides
sales services to 62 television stations in 39 markets. Sinclair's
television group includes FOX, WB, ABC, CBS, NBC and UPN affiliates and
reaches approximately 24 percent of all U.S. television households. For
more information, please visit Sinclair's website at www.sbgi.net.
Source: SBG
