Intel is seeking permission to launch an experimental digital TV station in California, to test the delivery of digital TV signals to personal computers. Computer manufacturers, including Intel, are hoping to get a piece of the action as broadcasters begin transmitting digital signals next autumn.

Intel and Microsoft which both have significant Irish operations and other computer hardware and software manufacturers hope consumers will use a combined TV and computer to receive the new digital signals, which give movie-quality sound and pictures as well as two-way data communication.

"The great potential [of digital TV] is in the amount of data that can be shipped over that broadcast because of compression technology," said Mr Michael Maibach, Intel's vice-president for government affairs.

Intel recently asked the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for permission to test the data transmission technology using four different channels in California.

It is critical for the computer industry to prove to broadcasters that data transmission over their digital TV spectrum is not only viable, but something that consumers want.

The FCC gave the industry flexibility in developing a digital TV standard, yet only one of the standards being discussed would allow the signals to be carried by personal computers. "Because the FCC has handed over to the networks the additional bandwidth to do this, we want to make sure the products are available," Mr Maibach said. Other experimental digital TV stations operate in Raleigh, North Carolina, in Seattle, and in Washington DC. However, those are not testing digital transmissions to personal computers.

Altogether, 26 TV stations in the top 10 US markets will begin airing digital signals next autumn, according to FCC rules.