| Contacts: | Jeff Joseph tel: 703 907-7664 e-mail: jjoseph@CE.org |
Megan Pollock tel: 703-907-7668 e-mail: mpollock@CE.org |
CEA APPLAUDS HOUSE-SENATE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE APPROVAL OF DTV LEGISLATION
| Arlington, Virginia | 12/19/2005 |
The following statement was issued today by Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) President and CEO Gary Shapiro in response to the passage of the Digital Television (DTV) Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005. The DTV legislation is incorporated into the Budget Reconciliation conference report, approved yesterday by the House-Senate Conference Committee and passed this morning by the House of Representatives:
"Today the U.S. is one step closer to completing the transition to Digital Television. This legislation will provide the much needed certainty to expedite our nation's transition to DTV in an effective and pro-consumer manner. CEA has long supported a hard cut-off date for analog broadcasts and is pleased with the decision for the analog spectrum to be returned to the federal government by February 17, 2009. This deadline will provide certainty to manufacturers, retailers, consumers and all others with a stake in the transition.
"The return of the analog spectrum has immense public benefits, most importantly additional spectrum for first responders. The returned spectrum also will have enormous potential for the development of exciting new wireless technologies and capabilities including fast ubiquitous wireless broadband connectivity. The potential is great, promising a host of fantastic wireless applications yet to be developed. This is truly the beginning of a new era.
"Now we call on the Senate to finalize the bill quickly for final signature by President Bush. At the same time, CEA will continue its award-winning consumer education efforts to make sure all consumers are aware of the options and opportunities. We also look forward to working together with the broadcasters, cable system operators, government officials and others to make the final steps in this transition a seamless reality."
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 APPLAUDS HOUSE-SENATE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE