CEA Applauds FCC Actions On DTV Transition

Expresses Concerns About Proposed Mandatory DTV Reception Requirements

2-Feb-01

The following statement was issued by Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) President and CEO Gary Shapiro regarding the actions taken by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) surrounding the transition to digital television (DTV):""In total, the actions announced today by the FCC will go a long way toward speeding the transition to digital television.""First, we applaud the Commission for again reaffirming the 8-VSB transmission standard as the best standard for the United States. This action, combined with the recommendation released earlier this week by the National Association of Broadcasters and the Association for Maximum Service Television, definitively ends the debate over the DTV modulation standard. It is time to move on.""We are encouraged that the FCC is setting deadlines to encourage broadcasters to provide digital service to their full service area. This will help ensure that all Americans have access to a digital signal.""We also commend the Commission for recognizing that innovation and market forces will result in continued improvements in already strong-performing DTV products. Continual innovation is a hallmark of our industry. The history of our industry shows that consumer electronics improve in performance even as new features and enhancements are added.""Finally, we again express our concern about the proposal mandating the inclusion of digital receivers in a specific category of analog television sets. As Commissioner Tristani and many consumer groups have said, this mandate would increase the cost of television sets and limit consumer choice. The proposal is anti-consumer and would slow the transition to DTV.""We remain committed to working closely with the FCC to encourage the rapid transition to DTV."" Source: CEA