Network Effects and the HDTV Standard Setting Process in China

摘要

Through examining the process of the HDTV (High-definition TV, henceforth HDTV) standard-setting in China, this paper aims to answer two questions, critical for us to understand the dynamics of standards setting in developing countries: (1) why China develops her own HDTV, which to some extent incompatible with that in Europe and USA? (2) Which organizational forms are adapted by China to develop her own HDTV standard? The paper has following conclusions. In the first place, China sets its own standard, aiming to create an advantage for its domestic players. Secondly, consortium has been used by China to develop its own HDTV standard.