We are currently going through a second next-gen TV (r)evolution, from HDTV (2K) to UHD (4K) – and maybe even 8K. Much about this softer transition reminds me of the messy transition to HDTV back in the mid-1990s.
In 2003, I wrote a history of this first transition for the now-defunct DVD Etc. magazine. So, as a point of reference, and since it’s no longer available anywhere else, I’m republishing the story of the miracle that was the development of HDTV here.
Enjoy.