FCC decisions aiming at speeding DTV transition could actually ’s...
FCC decisions aiming at speeding DTV transition could actually “slow or stymie the transition” unless they're changed, NAB, MSTV and ALTV said in joint petition for reconsideration (MM 00-39). Petition said many of decisions were based on what it…
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considered unrealistic 2006 deadline for analog channel giveback, and were done “virtually in the abstract” since there was little real-world experience with DTV. Decisions “disproportionately and unfairly burden broadcasters without advancing the goals of a speedy and effective digital rollout,” broadcasters said. They asked FCC to reconsider its decision not to establish minimum performance thresholds for DTV receivers, saying they were “necessary step in remedying many of the performance shortfalls experienced by DTV viewers.” They said recent testing of 8-VSB system showed that market wasn’t enough on receiver improvements: “While receiver improvements are being made, progress is slow and inadequate.” Other changes sought by broadcasters include: (1) Current deadlines for broadcasters to replicate their existing signal service area and choose which will become their final DTV channel are “premature.” (2) Tougher principal community coverage requirement would “create undue hardships.”