DBS Complains About FCC’s New Plug-And-Play Rules

The limited political clout of the direct broadcast satellite (DBS) industry in Washington was evident Wednesday when the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted rules for the manufacture of digital “plug and play” TV sets. Those rules, which are designed to enable future digital TV sets to be compatible with U.S. cable operating systems, were drafted without the input of the DBS industry. The new rules are meant to let consumers plug their cable connections directly into digital TV sets without needing set-top boxes. FCC officials explained that their action is aimed at easing the transition to digital TV by promoting competition, convenience and simplicity for consumers.

For more on this story, see the Sept. 15 issue of SATELLITE NEWS. For info on subscribing to PBI Media’s satellite newsletters, check out our Web site at https://www.satellitetoday.com.