As expected, the FCC took action Wed. to ‘hasten’ the DTV transit...
As expected, the FCC took action Wed. to “hasten” the DTV transition by commencing an open channel election process in Nov. and setting firm deadlines. “We take today’s actions, most notably to set channel election and replication and maximization…
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deadlines not only to bring consumers more over-the-air digital services, but to help usher in the beginning of the end of the DTV transition,” said FCC Chmn. Powell. Much of the process is in tune with previous recommendations from MSTV (CD Aug 4 p2), said Rick Chessen of the FCC DTV Task Force. The FCC also agreed to eliminate, for now, the simulcasting requirement to permit the transmission of additional programming on DTV channels. The FCC deadline includes a Dec. date where stations with 2 in- core channels elect the DTV channel they prefer. In July 2005, stations with a current in-core channel assignment select a channel from those available after the first round of selections. In Jan. 2006, stations that haven’t been assigned a channel or assigned Ch. 2-6, may elect a channel. By Aug. 2006, the Commission expects to issue a proposed rulemaking on the new DTV table of allotments. The Commission clarified its digital closed captioning rules to ensure that those services are consistently and effectively delivered. The FCC also mandated that after an 18-month transition period, all DTV receivers contain V-chip functionality that will permit the current TV ratings system to be modified. Separately, the Commission officially issued a notice of proposed rulemaking concerning the effectiveness of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and how it can be improved. The Commission had previously said it would address EAS concerns (CD June 24 p7). The Commission has already begun to coordinate with the Dept. of Homeland Security, FEMA, the Dept. of Commerce and the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration’s National Weather Service. The FCC also seeks participation from state and local emergency planning organizations. Enforcement Bureau Chief David Solomon said the notice asks several questions about imposing EAS requirements on wireless phone carriers, but draws no conclusions. Carriers support a voluntary program but would oppose mandates. “We've asked broadly what is the capability, what is the technology, what is the impact of imposing ESA obligations on those technologies,” he said.