CEA RESPONDS TO KENNARD'S CALL
ARLINGTON, Va., Oct. 10 The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) today released the following statement:
"The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) applauds Chairman Kennard for his continued leadership on digital television. We support his efforts to hold the broadcast community accountable for promises made long ago - promises to deliver digital television to American consumers. Our industry believes that broadcasters have a public interest obligation to use the $70 billion spectrum, loaned to the industry by the American people, to provide digital, high-definition programming.
"CEA supports the enforcement of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) DTV rollout schedule and actions that give broadcasters financial incentive to hasten their transition to digital television.
"The FCC should avoid efforts that will shift the burden of broadcasters' responsibility to consumers. The proposed mandate requiring built-in DTV receivers in all televisions by January of 2003 will undoubtedly result in increased costs to consumers. Under this scenario, one manufacturer estimates that the cost of a 13" TV will be $1000 -- a significant increase over today's average price of $125.
"The mandate also would severely limit consumer choice. Consumers have demonstrated that they want options when making the decision to upgrade to DTV. Many consumers are choosing to upgrade their monitor now - to enhance their DVD, DBS or analog experience -- and buy a digital tuner later when more programming becomes available. Requiring consumers to purchase a digital television set conflicts with every public policy goal behind a market-driven transition to DTV.
"Broadcasters have not delivered on DTV -- let's not make consumers suffer the consequences."
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), a sector of the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA), 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.
CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES -- Your Source for Workstyle and Lifestyle Technology (SM). 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
/CONTACT: Jeff Joseph, 703-907-7664, or [email protected], or Ann Saybolt, 703-907-7644, or [email protected], both of the Consumer Electronics Association/ /Web site: http://www.ce.org/
