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FCC Frequently Asked Questions/Answers - Digital TV
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I have heard about special rules for televisions to be digital in 2007. What is that about?
The FCC wants to free up more radio spectrum, and by forcing conversion to a digital television system, they will do so. The FCC requires that all televisions or television devices with tuners (VCR’s, Digital Video Recorders, etc.) imported or sold across state lines in the United States on or after March 1, 2007 have a digital tuner (known as an ATSC tuner). Devices cannot have only an analog (NTSC) tuner. Digital TV infrastructure will also enable High Definition (HD) TV.
I heard small TV’s like battery powered TV’s with 5” diagonals were exempt. Are they?
They were. Originally, the rules exempted TV’s less than 13” diagonals. And the final date was July 1, 2006. These rules are still in the 2005 Title 47 CFR Part 15.117(i).
However, the FCC changed their position in a Second Report and Order (FCC 05-190) and removed the exemption and advanced the date. All TV’s now require a digital tuner by March 1, 2007. The reason given is that in emergencies, small and battery powered TV’s are a vital source of information. Therefore, the FCC wants them compatible with the new digital TV broadcast system.
The FCC press release is here: FCC Digital Tuner Requirements Press Release.
This rule is burdensome to my business, was this not considered by the FCC?
The FCC addressed public comments in the FCC Second Report and Order FCC 05-190.
Is there a phase in or grace period on this March 1, 2007 date?
No. They take effect on that date. The rules ban import and sale across state lines, including internet and catalog sale. Retailers can ship within state warehouses to retail to clear inventory. Retailers cannot import TV’s without digital tuners, even if they have taken ownership of them starting on or after March 1, 2007.
If a retailer has NTSC only product in their own distribution centers on March 1, 2007, can they ship the NTSC only products to their store?
They can ship analog-only TV receiver inventory to stores in the same state as the distribution center, but not to stores in different states.
If the retailer owns the inventory of NTSC only products, can they ship or import
this product to their stores after March 1 2007?
No, see response above; and if they own the products but the products are
not in this country by March 1, 2007, they cannot bring them in.
In this situation, does interstate commerce mean the movement of products across state lines or only sales of the product across state lines?
It means any movement of products across state lines. A vendor (retailer or distributor) cannot sell across state lines. Note that Internet sales across state lines are not permitted.
What is the penalty for shipping NTSC only products after March 1, 2007? How strict will enforcement be on shipment of NTSC only products after the date?
The Commission assesses penalties on a case-by-case basis. Generally with respect to products that are not compliant with the rules, penalties are applied on a per unit basis. It not a good business decision to just assume the Commission's penalties can be averaged out and treated as a cost of doing business, as the penalty may be more than the selling price per unit. There is no grace period.
As a consumer, how do I tell if the TV I am purchasing is Digital and / or NTSC capable?
The FCC encourages manufacturers and retailers to clearly market their televisions in accordance with their tuning capabilities.
Can Bureau Veritas help?
Bureau Veritas electrical certification services are able to provide FCC and Safety certification, as well quality assurance services for televisions. Contact Us
Bureau Veritas, electrical quality assurance services help retailers by using the FCC quick-check protocol (MC-4999.9-US) in their program. This protocol evaluates televisions for FCC compliance with the new Digital Tuner Rules.
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