Several House Communications Subcommittee members see virtue in the industry’s "Ditch the Box" alternative set-top proposal, their offices told us. The issue is expected to come up and create pressure at the subcommittee’s Tuesday FCC oversight hearing, scheduled for 10:15 a.m. in 2123 Rayburn. FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler's appearance is seen by officials on both sides of the set-top matter as applying some time pressure to the FCC's set-top plans, they said in interviews. Opposition to the original FCC proposal has been more bipartisan and more strenuous than FCC officials expected, both proponents and opponents of the FCC plan have said.
Several House Communications Subcommittee members see virtue in the industry’s "Ditch the Box" alternative set-top proposal, their offices told us. The issue is expected to come up and create pressure at the subcommittee’s Tuesday FCC oversight hearing, scheduled for 10:15 a.m. in 2123 Rayburn. FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler's appearance is seen by officials on both sides of the set-top matter as applying some time pressure to the FCC's set-top plans, they said in interviews. Opposition to the original FCC proposal has been more bipartisan and more strenuous than FCC officials expected, both proponents and opponents of the FCC plan have said.
An FCC advisory committee voted unanimously in favor of reports on an updated emergency alert system handbook and enhanced coordination for submarine cables, at a meeting Wednesday of the Communications Security, Reliability and Interoperability Council (CSRIC). The FCC meanwhile is to vote next month on an EAS order (see 1606220063).
An FCC advisory committee voted unanimously in favor of reports on an updated emergency alert system handbook and enhanced coordination for submarine cables, at a meeting Wednesday of the Communications Security, Reliability and Interoperability Council (CSRIC). The FCC meanwhile is to vote next month on an EAS order (see 1606220063).
The House Rules Committee deemed 70 of the 139 amendments filed to the Financial Services bill in order Tuesday and up for floor consideration, including all telecom amendments except the Lifeline budget cap amendment. Rep. Austin Scott, R-Ga., withdrew that Lifeline amendment. The Obama administration “strongly opposes” the FY 2017 funding bill and President Barack Obama’s senior advisers would recommend a veto, the White House said in a statement.
The House Rules Committee deemed 70 of the 139 amendments filed to the Financial Services bill in order Tuesday and up for floor consideration, including all telecom amendments except the Lifeline budget cap amendment. Rep. Austin Scott, R-Ga., withdrew that Lifeline amendment. The Obama administration “strongly opposes” the FY 2017 funding bill and President Barack Obama’s senior advisers would recommend a veto, the White House said in a statement.
Sonos issued a software update to users Tuesday that includes higher streaming bit rates for Napster and Rhapsody users. Sonos support didn’t tell users the former or new bit rates but said the increase would translate to “vibrantly detailed sound.” The company didn’t immediately respond to questions. Also new in software version 6.3: quick control from an iOS lock screen, allowing users to control volume, pause and skip features without having to unlock the phone, good on iOS version 8.0 and higher, said Sonos. A new split-view feature for iOS lets users view content from another app while using Sonos functions. A “slide over” function that works on later model iPads lets users begin playing music and then “get back to your emails,” Sonos said. Improvements to the Trueplay feature simplify the tuning process possible with a Sonos speaker to improve sound regardless of location or positioning. Sonos addressed a “system not found” error that resulted from the previous software update: users who encounter the error message now will find it easier to fix, or they can connect directly with Sonos support for assistance, said the company. Users with a question or problem with their Sonos system can reach customer care from the main menu of a phone or tablet app through the new Help button, it said.
Sonos issued a software update to users Tuesday that includes higher streaming bit rates for Napster and Rhapsody users. Sonos support didn’t tell users the former or new bit rates but said the increase would translate to “vibrantly detailed sound.” The company didn’t immediately respond to questions. Also new in software version 6.3: quick control from an iOS lock screen, allowing users to control volume, pause and skip features without having to unlock the phone, good on iOS version 8.0 and higher, said Sonos. A new split-view feature for iOS lets users view content from another app while using Sonos functions. A “slide over” function that works on later model iPads lets users begin playing music and then “get back to your emails,” Sonos said. Improvements to the Trueplay feature simplify the tuning process possible with a Sonos speaker to improve sound regardless of location or positioning. Sonos addressed a “system not found” error that resulted from the previous software update: users who encounter the error message now will find it easier to fix, or they can connect directly with Sonos support for assistance, said the company. Users with a question or problem with their Sonos system can reach customer care from the main menu of a phone or tablet app through the new Help button, it said.
As a pay-TV backed alternative to the FCC set-top proposal gains steam (see 1606200048), the commission's plan may face an additional hurdle from Capitol Hill in the form of an appropriations rider that could delay new rules until after further study. The study would focus on the effects of set-top rule changes on diversity in programming. Supporters of the FCC set top proposal have characterized it as a delaying tactic by the pay-TV industry.
As a pay-TV backed alternative to the FCC set-top proposal gains steam (see 1606200048), the commission's plan may face an additional hurdle from Capitol Hill in the form of an appropriations rider that could delay new rules until after further study. The study would focus on the effects of set-top rule changes on diversity in programming. Supporters of the FCC set top proposal have characterized it as a delaying tactic by the pay-TV industry.