HDTV Is in Demand

Despite talk of $300 TVs, the biggest rise in consumer TV purchases has been in the large-screen type. If many of them are not HDTVs, it is only because of the paucity of such sets (the prices of which are coming down rapidly) and the public’s knowledge that their cable companies won’t provide a high-definition signal for them to watch anyway [“Industry Standoff Has Delayed Digital TV’s Market Momentum,” April 23].

There is no doubt the American public wants a better picture. Just look at the extraordinary sales of DVDs as an example.

The U.S. government has mandated a conversion to HDTV, and the American public wants it. It is time to demand that the cable monopolies, manufacturers and networks put aside their greed for profits and comply.

CHRISTOPHER MANKIEWICZ

Los Angeles