DTV Compression Pioneer Woo Paik to Be Honored

Dr. Woo Paik, a key developer of digital compression technology which made digital TV (and HD) possible—including the DBS industry—has been named a "Giant of Broadcasting" by the Library of American Broadcasting at the University of Maryland.

Dr. Paik, currently the president/CTO for LG Electronics, had led the Advanced Development Team at General Instrument that, among other achievements, developed the DigiCipher HD television system nearly 20 years ago—which evolved into the world's first all-digital HD system. He also served as a member of the Grand Alliance Technical Oversight Group and numerous Technical Specialist Groups which contributed to the development of the ATSC digital TV standard.

He is co-inventor of more than 25 inventions earning U.S. Patents in the digital area of video compression, transmission and signal processing. Among a host of other awards, Paik has received a technical Emmy Award for his digital achievements.

Other newly named Giants of Broadcasting to be honored at a New York City luncheon in October include: TVB's Chris Rohrs; CBS News' Katie Couric; PBS' Ken Burns; RTNDA's Barbara Cochran; Westwood One's Norm Pattiz; and posthumously, entertainers Bea Arthur and Ed McMahon.