n the (three) scanning lines. Interlaced scanning offers only 50% of maximum vertical resolution unless the image is still. Moreover, interlacing produces serrated edges, and flicker along horizontal edges and improperly aligned frames. From July 1995 until November 1996, the Grand Alliance and CICATS remained at a standoff. Finally, when it appeared that the FCC was prepared to do nothing rather than approve a hotly contested standard, the broadcasters compromised. The Grand Alliance agreed to include progressive scanning in with the interlace specification. The FCC approved the modified HDTV standard in December 1996. In April 1997, it adopted an expedited timetable, ground rules, and a preliminary channel allocation; in February 1998, it approved a final channel plan. At that point, the FCC mandated that all HDTV outlets be broadcasting by 2003, and announced that it would repossess all analog channels by 2006. By 2000, the number of HDTV stations grew to nearly 100. Despite HDTV's startling improvement, it is enhanced definition that consumers were buying as of 2005. According to Displaysearch, in the third quarter of 2004, 54% of all plasma sets shipped worldwide were 42-inch EDTVs. In the US, according to NPD Group, more than 60% of plasma sets sold were EDTVs. After SO much investment in HDTV, manufacturers are stuck anticipating whether consumers will Video Communications: The Whole Picture remain satisfied with enhanced-definition television rather than moving up to HDTV as more programming becomes available. Broadcast television, especially sports events, night-time dramas, and comedies are commonly available in high-definition. It is also available on a small proportion of cable and satellite channels. Today, more than 50% of TV shows are broadcast in HDTV, and more than 80% of USA households get five or more DTV channels. The industry is hoping, and some industry analysts believe that, as HD programming becomes more common, EDTV popularity will yield to HDTV. If that is the case, TV upgrading will be 