Business of Digital Television

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The analogue television business today

The background to a digital future

It is frequently suggested that the ‘golden age’ of television was during the period 1950–60. It is true that television almost ruined Hollywood’s fortunes during this period; but if this was the golden age, then it was one of black and white, somewhat limited creativity, poor reception, lack of competition (except in the USA) and, by and large, public service broadcasting.

In 1950 television was at its most mature in the USA where, during the first six months of that year, some three million sets were sold. Four networks competed for viewer loyalty (NBC, CBS, ABC and DuMont), although NBC and CBS dominated. The DuMont network went out of business in 1956 and ABC struggled ...