Adelstein Praises Analog-to-Digital Converter Box
ADELSTEIN PRAISES ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTER BOX
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable, AUTHOR: John Eggerton]
Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein gave RCA's digital-to-analog converter box a vote of confidence at the Federal Communications Commission's public forum on the digital-TV transition Wednesday. Commissioner Adelstein said the box was simple to use, praising the one-touch closed-captioning function and bilingual instructions. The box -- and others from manufacturers including LG Electronics and Samsung -- was being demonstrated at FCC headquarters as part of the forum. Commissioner Adelstein said it was probably the clearest demonstration he had ever had of the improved picture quality. "Only 300 million more people to go," he said. At the same forum, FCC Chairman took the opportunity to plug the benefits of multicasting. He said it would provide more local news and information, which, he added, is a particularly important issue as regards to the FCC's media-ownership regulations.
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6482949.html?rssid=193
* Chairman Martin's remarks
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-276880A1.doc
* Comments of Commissioner Copps
"Someone needs to coordinate and oversee that effort. In Y2K we had an Inter-Agency Task Force, headed out of The White House. That'd be great, but absent that, it seems to me that the FCC is the only entity in a position to get the job done. We have a lot to do over the next 17 months, and there is a role for all of us - government, industry and private citizens. Working together that way is how we always overcome our greatest challenges. Let's try that here. We have one chance to get this right. It's late, but hopefully not too late."
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-276929A1.doc
* Comments of Commissioner Adelstein
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-276916A1.pdf
* Comments of Commissioner Tate
The most important factor in ensuring a smooth transition is consumer education. Approximately half of all American households that have televisions still have analog-only sets. One article I read says we just tend to keep our old televisions-some homes have up to 11-which adds to the challenges we are here to discuss. It is important that these consumers can continue not only to receive their favorite entertainment shows, but vital news and emergency information as well.
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-276928A1.doc