If the U.S. fails to participate aggressively...

If the U.S. fails to participate aggressively in the emerging high-definition television market, American companies could lose ground in the personal computer, semiconductor and automated manufacturing equipment markets as well, the American Electronics Assn. said. In an economic impact analysis, the trade group predicted a ripple effect of non-participation in the new field. Although the start-up costs are high and profits will be low or non-existent for up to 10 years, the group called for cooperation by industry, government and academia to preserve U.S. competitiveness.