Analog TV labels: FCC cites 4 more retailers
Saturday, June 9th, 2007The FCC issued citations to four more large retailers Thursday, saying they failed to display appropriate “consumer alert” notices near analog-only TVs offered for sale on their web sites earlier this month.
Amazon.com, Sears, J&R and Fry’s received the latest warnings. According to Broadcasting & Cable’s John Eggerton, “hundreds of citations” may be on the way for these and other stores. Since May 31, FCC citations have also been issued to Kmart, Best Buy, Circuit City, Radio Shack, and CompUSA.
The required consumer alerts warn purchasers that conventional TVs not equipped with digital tuners will need a DTV converter box to receive over-the-air broadcasts after February 17, 2009.
Here’s what struck me: One of the seven models listed in the citation letter to Amazon was a Syntax Olevia 32-inch LCD flat panel, model LT32HVE. Amazingly, the same model number appeared in a list of TVs manufactured by Syntax-Brillian that the FCC says were imported and shipped in violation of the digital tuner mandate. So what we have, apparently, is a chain of rule-breaking extending from manufacturer to retailer. In the end, consumers who don’t know about the DTV transition are being harmed. It’s heartening to see the FCC take action.
The commission warned retailers to expect fines of up to $11,000 a day, limited to $97,500 per violation, for any future breach of its analog TV labeling rules.
Critics portray the digital TV adapter coupon program as “TV welfare” and a drain on the federal treasury. But if the FCC uncovers enough violations, who knows—the digital transition could turn into a profit center. They clearly need one, too, now that Cher can say the F word for free. Anyway, the enforcement bureau found a consumer-friendly way to usher in this new era, closing out the uniquely memorable week in which Chairman Kevin Martin managed to put the F back in FCC.
• Link: B&C