Arlington, Va., February 23, 2000 -- The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and the National Cable Television Association (NCTA) announced today that they have reached voluntary agreements that will allow future consumer digital television (DTV) sets and digital cable systems to work together. The agreements detail the technical specifications that will enable consumers to receive DTV programming and services over cable systems.
"This is good news for cable customers contemplating a purchase of a digital television receiver," said Robert Sachs, President and CEO of the NCTA. "The cable and consumer electronics industries now have specifications that ensure that signals transmitted on cable will be easily viewed on digital sets. This voluntary solution makes unnecessary government involvement in setting compatibility standards for the dynamic digital TV marketplace."
"While our industries celebrate today's announcement, the true winner is the American consumer," said CEA President and CEO Gary Shapiro. "With these agreements, many more consumers will soon be able to access the wonders of digital television through cable. This is yet another giant step forward in the transition to DTV. Indeed, all parties with a true interest in the success of DTV should celebrate today."
Both Shapiro and Sachs praised Chairman Kennard and the FCC for expediting industry resolution of these issues and contributing greatly to the success of the joint CEA/NCTA discussions. They also pledged their respective industries' commitment to implementing these agreements promptly and to resolving the remaining issues.
The agreements announced today detail the technical requirements that permit the direct connection of digital television receivers to cable television systems, specifying the signal levels and quality as well as video formats. They also provide for the carriage of Program and System Information Protocol (PSIP) data on cable systems to support on-screen guide functions in digital receivers. Subject to certain conditions, PSIP data enables features such as on-screen program guides, virtual channel tables, program name and description (for a minimum 12-hour period) and content advisory information.
With roughly two-thirds of U.S. households receiving television programming via cable, these agreements mark an important milestone in the U.S. transition to digital television.
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, as well as related services, that are sold through consumer channels. Combined, these companies account for more than $60 billion in annual sales.
NCTA is the principal trade association of the cable television industry in the United States. Its members include owners and operators of cable television systems serving over 90 percent of the nation's cable television households and over 100 program networks. Its membership also includes cable equipment suppliers, and others interested in or affiliated with the cable television industry. Sachs also thanked Dr. Richard Green, President and CEO of Cable Television Laboratories, and his team for their assistance in reaching the agreements announced today.
