Davis Stays Progressive

摘要

As an early expert in ENG technology whose knowledge of 3/4-tape launched a rapid rise through ABC's engineering ranks, Preston Davis, 52, isn't afraid of new technology. But Davis, president of ABC Broadcast Operations and Engineering since 1993, knew he was venturing into uncharted territory in early 1998 when ABC decided to adopt the 720-line progressive scan HDTV format. The choice of 720p ran counter to the conventional thinking among broadcasters and manufacturers that 1080-line interlace was the right HDTV format. Davis realized he would face hard questions, from both affiliates and vendors, as to why ABC was bucking the tide.