Digital TV Facts: The Latest

Broadcasting and consumer-electronics industry representatives, once again presenting a united front, have called on the federal government to include cable and satellite TV subscribers in its converter-box subsidy program. The program will provide $40 coupons to U.S. households to ease the transition to digital TV. The digital-to-analog converter boxes (also known as digital TV adapters) will allow continued use of conventional analog TVs after analog broadcasts cease in 2009.

The industry groups object to a proposal from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), a Commerce Department agency, which would limit coupon eligibility to broadcast-only households. Many cable and satellite customers will not need additional equipment to continue receiving local channels. But under the government scenario, cable or satellite subscribers would not get converter-box subsidies, even for spare TVs not connected to those systems.

The industry lobbies also called on the NTIA to make coupons available to requesting households regardless of their income. Other recommendations include:

Allowing subsidized boxes to include certain features, including electronic program guides and “smart antenna” interfaces. While I agree, and strongly, it’s not clear to me that the Digital TV Act of 2005—which specifically limits the coupon program to stripped-down converter-boxes—would permit inclusion of these essential features. But if the NTIA wants to allow it, they probably can.

Setting minimum performance requirements for converter boxes. The industries’ recommendations would exceed the ATSC A/74 “recommended practice on receiver performance” guidelines. Given the over-the-air reception issues already experienced by many U.S. digital TV viewers, the NTIA seriously needs to do everything it can to help consumers get converter boxes with robust reception capabilities. Low-grade converter boxes would further undermine the viability of broadcast television in the United States.

Rejecting stringent state-level energy-efficiency requirements for converter boxes. Broadcasters and electronics firms have sought to preempt a strict but achievable California energy standard that would lead to substantial savings for power customers in that state. Instead of such mandatory state requirements, the lobbyists suggest that the NTIA “be prepared to review and, as appropriate, adopt” energy guidelines under the EPA’s Energy Star program. The Energy Star guidelines for converter boxes would be voluntary—if the EPA ever bothers to adopt them.

The recommendations were issued by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), the Association for Maximum Service Television (MSTV) and the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) on Monday. That was the deadline for comments to be submitted to the NTIA as part of its rulemaking process for the converter-box coupon program.

• Links: press release, industry comments [pdf]