Methods and apparatus for implementing a reduced cost HDTVSDTV video decoder are disclosed. Particularly, in the present invention, the diffraction grating 32 produces the mn number of sub beams. A single common electrode pad is electrically connected to the first sustainer electrode in the first sustainer electrode pair and the first sustainer electrode in the second sustainer electrode pair. In one form, the insert upper surface is flat to provide for line contact against the rod so as to minimize damage thereto. The second processing method can include identifying a sub-membership condition.