| Contacts: | Jeff Joseph tel: 703 907-7664 e-mail: jjoseph@CE.org |
Megan Pollock tel: 703-907-7668 e-mail: mpollock@CE.org |
CEA WELCOMES HOUSE PASSAGE OF BUDGET BILL AS A CRICITAL STEP FORWARD TOWARD COMPLETING DTV TRANSITION
Budget Reconciliation Includes Hard Date for Termination of Analog Broadcasts
| Arlington, Virginia | 11/18/2005 |
The following statement was issued today by Consumer Electronics Association (CEA®) President and CEO Gary Shapiro regarding federal budget legislation passed late last night by the House of Representatives:
"With the passage of this reconciliation bill, the House of Representatives has taken a giant step toward completing the nation's transition to digital television (DTV)."
"Earlier this year at our HDTV Summit we stated that a hard date to end analog broadcasts is critical to provide the certainty required to complete the DTV transition. By including a hard date provision within the budget bill, the House has taken a critical step toward providing this certainty for manufacturers, consumers, retailers, broadcasters and all others invested in the transition."
"Our nation's first responders are now a step closer to getting the spectrum they need for effective communications, and America is a step closer to the arrival of fast ubiquitous wireless broadband connectivity along with a host of fantastic wireless applications yet to be developed."
"The differences between the DTV-related provisions in the House and Senate budget bills are incremental compared with the massive public benefits to be gained by this legislation. We encourage the conferees to move quickly to ensure final passage of this legislation."
About CEA:
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the consumer technology industry through technology policy, events, research, promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA represents more than 2,000 corporate members involved in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and integration of audio, video, mobile electronics, wireless and landline communications, information technology, home networking, multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services that are sold through consumer channels. Combined, CEA's members account for more than $122 billion in annual sales. CEA's resources are available online at www.CE.org, the definitive source for information about the consumer electronics industry.
CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES - Defining Tomorrow's Technology. All profits from CES are reinvested into industry services, including technical training and education, industry promotion, engineering standards development, market research and legislative advocacy.
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CEA WELCOMES HOUSE PASSAGE OF BUDGET BILL