The Digital TV and Broadcasting

[{RA}SKYFURNACE]

"For too long, broadcasters have tried to enhance or even save themselves by pushing for regulations on other industries," Shapiro continued. "Too many competitors and innovations are out there - all competing for the same eyeballs - for that approach to be successful in the long run."

Shapiro's comments came as the NAB issued a misleading attack on CEA's good faith attempt to modify the DTV tuner rollout schedule and accelerate the DTV transition.

CEA is requesting the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) advance the deadline for manufacturers to include digital tuners in all televisions with screens sized 25- to 36-inches from July 1, 2006, to March 1, 2006. In exchange, the association is urging the Commission to eliminate the July 1, 2005, deadline that requires 50 percent of sets offered for sale in this size range include a digital tuner.

"How the NAB can distort the facts and accuse CEA of delaying the DTV roll out with our proposal is unfathomable. Yet again, the NAB is pushing for regulations on other industries instead of taking seriously their responsibility to move the DTV transition forward," said Shapiro.

"CEA opposed the tuner mandate because so few Americans (less than 15 percent) rely on antennas to receive a television signal for the primary TVs in their homes.

We accept the fact that the mandate is now law but our proposal would accelerate the DTV transition as the 50 percent requirement has not worked because consumers are not demanding tuner-equipped sets. The FCC cannot order consumers and retailers to buy products."

http://news.designtechnica.com/article7183.html