CEA Urges Quick Senate Action On Satellite Home Viewer Act ñ Bill Is Important Step Forward For Consumers And DBS

The following statement was issued today by Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) President Gary Shapiro regarding the Satellite Home Viewer Act (SHVA) passed yesterday by the U.S House of Representatives:""The Consumer Electronics Association congratulates the conferees for finalizing and the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the Satellite Home Viewer Act SHVA. This bill helps level the playing field to allow digital broadcast system (DBS) companies to compete with cable providers and provide consumers a true alternative to cable and over-the-air broadcasts. While the bill is not perfect, it is a big step forward for consumers who want DBS and local broadcasts.""We have long believed that the ability of DBS subscribers to receive local network signals is critical for the continued success of the home satellite market. The six-month phase-in period for retransmission consent helps meet this goal, allowing consumers to immediately obtain the benefits of 'local-into-local' service while broadcasters and satellite providers negotiate retransmission agreements. ""This legislation would not have been possible without the leadership of Congressman Tom Bliley (R-VA). Additionally, we appreciate the efforts of all of the House and Senate conferees who worked to resolve differences in earlier versions of the bill to craft a solid and important piece of legislation that provides consumers with a true choice. We urge the Senate to act quickly and pass this legislation and President Clinton to sign it into law. Quick passage of the bill into law will bring strong opportunities and benefits for consumers as well as current DBS subscribers, manufacturers and content providers during the coming holiday season and beyond."" CEA (formerly CEMA) is a sector of the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA), the 75-year-old Arlington, Virginia-based trade organization representing all facets of electronics manufacturing. CEA represents more than 500 U.S. manufacturers of audio, video, accessories, mobile electronics, communication, information technology and multimedia products that are sold through consumer channels. CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES - Your Source for Workstyle and Lifestyle Technology. All profits from CES are reinvested into industry services, including technical training and education, product promotion, engineering standards development, market research, and governmental and legal affairs support.