Salt Lake-based U.S. Digital Television LLC said Monday it will be the first broadcast TV service provider in the country to convert its entire network to an advanced video compression technology called MPEG-4 AVC.
The company said the technology will enable it to "more efficiently utilize the digital spectrum leased from its broadcast partners, creating increased revenue opportunities through expanded content and service offerings."
The company is developing low-cost themed content packages that customers can subscribe to, in addition to the basic USDTV service.
USDTV has designed a conversion device that upgrades its existing set-top boxes, and it will convert its entire network and begin offering additional content this summer.
The company will begin shipping next-generation set-top boxes later in the year.
USDTV, formed in 2005, serves customers in Dallas/Fort Worth, Salt Lake City, Albuquerque and Las Vegas.