As in other HDTV systems, the picture is wide like a movie screen, not boxy like today's television sets.

HDTV systems are attempting to raise definition to well over 1000 lines so the quality jump is likely to be dramatic.

Although not an HDTV system, the joint venture shows that more advanced systems can be built in the future.

Demand for such an HDTV system is expected to surge in the next few years.

This means that all proponents of an HDTV system now start from the same point, giving no one system an advantage over another.

A complete HDTV system is scheduled to be tested late this year, with final fieldtesting in early 1995.

The first HDTV systems are expected to be on the market by 1997.

Most HDTV systems support some standard resolutions and frame or field rates.

Federal regulators have said they will license only those HDTV systems that permit continued use of existing sets.

Japan already has an experimental HDTV system in operation.