Like Computer Users, HDTV Buyers Will Be on the ‘Upgrade’ Treadmill

I am greatly concerned about the public relations juggernaut regarding the “virtues” of high-definition television. My concern is not about advancements in picture quality, which have been joyously received by those of us who enjoy TV.

However, since there is a rush of excitement from the cable industry, the networks and the TV manufacturers, I suspect a Trojan horse in the form of picture quality for its own sake. The problems we may soon experience if HDTV becomes the new standard will quickly parallel the problems that businesses, and now consumers, must confront with what we in advertising and graphic design refer to as “The Black Hole of Upgrades.” Computer programmers will be writing codes designed to make any TV set, like computers, immediately obsolete as advances improve picture transmission technology.

Currently consumers have the option, finances permitting, of keeping or replacing their TVs. Unless the networks and cable companies allow this HDTV technology to be an option to consumers, instead of a nonoptional standard, we will indeed be forced to upgrade our TV sets or suffer the consequences of a Microsoft-like conspiracy to drag consumers kicking and screaming into the technology dream world of the entertainment industry.

Perhaps the upside of this conspiracy would be a return to reading as a major source of information. Reading scores might even rise exponentially, resulting in dangerously high levels of self-esteem by today’s students as their achievements in school are recognized and rewarded.

DAVE OHMAN

Irvine