CEMAí SharpiroCEMA President Gary Shapiro Challenges Cable Industry To Work With Manufacturers To Resolve Outstanding DTV Issues. Urges OpenCable to Allow Manufacturer Participation Remarks Delivered By Consumer Electronics Manufacturers Associatio

President Gary Shapiro Before the Convergence on Cable Conference Vail, CO July 12, 1999 In a speech delivered before cable industry executives, CEMA President Gary Shapiro challenged the cable industry to cooperate with manufacturers to resolve quickly the remaining technical issues affecting digital television (DTV). Shapiro specifically called upon the cable industry to complete discussions with consumer electronics manufacturers regarding the definition of cable-ready DTV receivers. ""We believe, and we hope you agree, that cable-ready digital receivers provide the most consumer-friendly solution to the various technical, compatibility, interface, and copy protection issues associated with cable delivery to DTV receivers,"" Shapiro stated. Shapiro also urged OpenCable to complete its navigation device specifications in time to ensure that set-top boxes are available to consumers by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) deadline of July 1, 2000 and encouraged the industry to allow manufactures and other interested parties to participate fully in its OpenCable process. ""Only a truly open process will ensure specifications that are fair and reflective of consumers' interests in affordable multi-function products,"" said Shapiro. ""We share an interest in helping you build your business, and build America's broadband future,"" Shapiro noted. ""However, our products have little value without your services . . . and vice-versa. As industries we are joined at the hip."" Shapiro concluded, ""I encourage you to work in partnership with the CE industry to bring its size and productivity to bear in helping to make cable services attractive to a growing number of viewers. When these issues are resolved, we will all win.""