FCC orders set makers to add DTV tuners by March 2006

WASHINGTON — The Federal Communications Commission moved Thursday (June 9) to speed up the U.S. digital TV transition by refusing to delay the introduction of digital tuners in new TV receivers.

Consumer electronics manufacturers were seeking to delay the date by which set makers would be required to build digital TV tuners into half of all new mid-size TV receivers measuring 25 to 36 inches. Instead, the FCC said it has moved up by four months the date for full compliance with the rule to March 1, 2006.

FCC rules require that all large TV sets larger than 36 inches be equipped with digital tuners by July 1. Smaller sets and other receivers, including VCRs and DVD recorders, must have built-in tuners by July 1, 2007.

The FCC also proposed moving up the date by which all TV receivers 13 inches or larger and receiving devices must have built-in tuners by seven months to Dec. 31, 2006. That date corresponds with statutory target date for ending U.S. analog broadcasts.

"Today's order makes clear that [the FCC] is committed to moving the digital transition forward," Commissioner Michael Copps said in a statement. "Each time a consumer purchases a set with a digital tuner, we move one step closer towards accomplishing the transition."

The FCC's latest announcement brought mixed reactions from the Consumer Electronics Association (Arlington, Va.), an industry trade group.

While applauding the FCC's decision to expedite the tuner mandate, the CEA expressed concern over the FCC's refusal to delay the 50-percent deadline for mid-size TVs to have digital tuners. The CEA argued that the requirement would increase market uncertainty and slow the ramp-up of volume production needed to keep prices down.

In a similar vein, the CEA expressed concern that accelerating the timetable for smaller sets to be DTV-broadcast compliant was unrealistic for manufacturers and could raise prices for smaller sets to levels unaffordable for low-income consumers.