Two leading EBU technologists played key roles today in an International Telecommunication Union (ITU) celebration of its 40 years of activity in digital TV broadcasting.

The UN agency paid tribute to Russian Professor Mark Krivocheev, dubbed ‘the father of digital television’, who began working in television in the Soviet Union in the 1940s. His contribution to the ITU’s work began in 1972, chairing ITU Study Group 11.

Prof. Krivocheev, now honorary chairman of ITU-Study Group 6, opened the proceedings by recounting the development of digital TV since its inception.

He was followed by Phil Laven, former EBU Technical Director and current chairman of broadcaster-industry alliance DVB. Mr Laven explained the forward-looking worldwide project, the Future of Broadcast Television (FoBTV). FoBTV aims to reach a common, global technical standard for digital television in the coming years.

The Chairman of ITU-R Working Party 6C David Wood, who recently retired as Deputy Director of EBU Technology & Innovation and currently chairs the Technical Committee of the eight World Broadcasting Unions, presented the ITU with a commemorative plaque signed by 21 leading bodies in broadcasting.

Afterwards Mr Wood said: “The EBU has helped to write the history of digital television over the last 40 years. I remember the EBU Technical Assembly in 1977, where EBU Members had an eye-popping demonstration – with a go-go dancer – to show that digital television tape recording was finally possible. This kick-started the whole standards process. The FOBTV project, I might add, is the fulfilment of Prof Krivocheev’s long-held dream. Let’s hope human nature will allow mankind to reach a common view on this occasion.”