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Originally Posted by andy
I think the big problem with portable DTVs is the power needed. It's probably going to be a while before we can receive and decode ATSC on 4 AAs. Has anyone ever tried running an ATSC set top box in a moving car? Is it even possible to receive it unless you're standing still?
I like the way the UK is handling digital TV. They have added digital channels to the analog carrier, but still have the analog signal. All you do is plug a digital box into you existing antenna and you can get more channels for free plus digital copies of the analog channels and a program guide. They will eventually turn off the analog signal, but by then everyone will be able to receive digital.
They can do this because the TV network reallly is a network that coveres the entire county. Everyone can recieve the same 5 broadcast channels clearly.
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Good thoughts. I know there have been stories where the Feds who used the digital mode on their walkie-talkies complained the battery life was short so they used the analogue mode for comms unless the digital encryption is really needed. Everything uses power and to use a computer to decode and decompress the HDTV signal will take its share of power along with the RF circuits to receive the signal in the first place. Mobile reception of HDTV, would be interesting to try, maybe in an urban/suburban area, it would work but if you're out in the sticks, I think it would be tough.