A common HDTV standard for the entire Western Hemisphere ‘makes e...

A common HDTV standard for the entire Western Hemisphere “makes eminent sense,” and the recommendation last week that Mexico adopt the U.S. ATSC standard was a big step in that direction, said Phillip Bond, U.S. Undersecy. of Commerce- Technology. He told the Advanced TV Systems Committee (ATSC) conference this week he hoped the Mexican govt. would finalize that decision soon. The Commerce Dept. has given the ATSC a 3-year, $400,000 grant to promote adoption of the U.S. standard. ATSC has estimated a common hemispheric standard would generate $8 billion of U.S. exports by 2014.