CEA Welcomes MSTV Support For 8-VSB

The following statement was issued today by Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) President and CEO Gary Shapiro in response to today's announcement by the Association for Maximum Service Television (MSTV) that it will continue to back the existing Federal Communications Commission (FCC)-approved digital TV (DTV) modulation standard, 8-VSB:""We are pleased that MSTV - representing major U.S. broadcasters - has restated and reaffirmed its strong support for 8VSB. MSTV's test results can now be added to the reams of evidence demonstrating that 8-VSB is the best modulation standard for the United States. We again urge the FCC to accept our petition and MSTV's recommendation to dismiss Sinclair Broadcasting's request to add COFDM as a DTV modulation option.""Real world experience underscores the success of 8-VSB. Retailers across the country report that consumers who have purchased DTV products and are receiving over-the-air programming are exceedingly pleased with the technology. Just this week, CEA co-hosted an event held in Baltimore, Maryland showcasing a live, over-the-air, high-definition television (HDTV) broadcast of Super Bowl XXXIV.""The transition to DTV is moving forward at a strong pace. Already more than 100 stations are broadcasting digital signals using 8-VSB. DTV products are available at more than 200 locations across the country. In 1999, the technology's first full year on the market, more than 120,000 digital television products were sold. CEA predicts that more than five times that number will sell in 2000, with sales of 600,000 sets.""Receiver manufacturers remain committed to ensuring that all consumers have access to over-the-air DTV. As with any new technology, receiver performance will only improve in future generations of product. We look forward to working with all interested parties to bring the promise of digital television to all consumers.""CEA is a sector of the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA), the 76-year-old Arlington, Virginia-based trade organization representing all facets of electronics manufacturing and connecting the industries that define the digital age. CEA represents more than 600 U.S. companies involved in the development, manufacturing and distribution of audio, video, mobile electronics, communications, information technology, multimedia and accessory 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, industry promotion, engineering standards development, market research and legislative advocacy.

Source: Consumer Electronics Association