Can DSL do HDTV? Thanks to new codecs and some bandwith-enhancing platforms, the answer appears...

Thanks to the emergence of high-definition television (HDTV), the telcos could end up with a "not me" service, rather than a "me-too" offering, if they're not careful with their technology strategies over the next year or so.

Many telcos, especially the independent ones, have already embarked on video services over their existing DSL lines. The potential problem? They're only doing standard-definition (SD), while cable and DBS move along swimmingly with HD products and programming.

Sticking with an SD-only strategy (mixed in with some video-on-demand) might