Summary

Consumer Electronics Manufacturers Association president Gary Shapiro issued a statement in July 1999 defending the ATSC's 8VSB modulation standard against Sinclair Broadcasting's demonstrations favoring an alternative system. Shapiro warned that reopening the DTV standard would cause costly delays and potentially derail the entire digital television transition.

Source document circa 1999 preserved as-is

"Receiver manufacturers are 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. I urge those industries invested in this transition - and all of us committed to bringing the benefits of DTV to all Americans - to move forward despite the efforts of those who have other agendas."

 

 

 

 

 

 :Arlington, VA, July 26, 1999 - Gary Shapiro, President of the Consumer Electronics Manufacturers Association, today released the following statement:

"As a member of the ATSC, we stand by the ATSC's statements regarding the recent Sinclair demonstrations. The ATSC digital television standard represents more than a decade of open, multi-industry testing. Of all the technologies tested, the 8VSB modulation system best met the ATSC's stated goals - including its primary goal of replicating current NTSC coverage area. By contrast, the Sinclair proposal would increase broadcasters' transmission costs, while reducing coverage to Americans in rural areas."

"The system proposed by Sinclair has already been examined and rejected by all of the affected industries. The Sinclair demonstrations are just that - demonstrations. The results of these demonstrations, conducted by one broadcaster who has historically opposed HDTV, do not warrant a reexamination of the digital television standard."

"Reopening the standard will at the very least cause delay - and could completely derail broadcasters' transition to digital television. If the process is reopened, all issues relating to the standard could be fair game and we will - after more than a decade of research and investment - be back at square one."

"Receiver manufacturers are 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. I urge those industries invested in this transition - and all of us committed to bringing the benefits of DTV to all Americans - to move forward despite the efforts of those who have other agendas.
Copyright 1999

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