MUMBAI: DisplaySearch which conducts research into the penetration of flat panel display (FPD) television sets and Insight Media have announced a three day high definition television (HDTV) forum in the US.

The event which will have 17 sessions and over 70 speakers will take place from 24-26 August in Los Angeles.

The forum will have representatives from US TV and cable networks, government agencies, satellite and cable providers, retailers, distributors, TV brands as well as TV Other Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs),

The forum aims at creating broad awareness regarding critical trends in the industry. They include the migration to HDTV worldwide, the roadblocks in the path to rapidly expanding HDTV programming. The event will also examine to what customers are aware of HDTV.

Another topic at the event will revolve around how TV brands position their different TV technologies and how fast the prices of flat panel and microdisplay rear projection will fall

The first session will examine global HDTV policy. There will also be a keynote address by ESPN HD VP strategic business planning and development Bryan Burns. He will talk about the future of HD content and what impedes growth in this area.

On the technological front the seminar will also look at whether Plasma TVs can meet the HDTV challenge or whether Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) sets will take over. One key session will provide an overall outlook on the HDTV market from the TV manufacturers viewpoint.