NCTA: End set-top integration ban
By Bill McConnell -- Broadcasting & Cable, 3/7/2003 10:36:00 AM EST
An interindustry agreement allowing the manufacture of "plug-and-play" cable-ready digital-TV sets is one more reason not to ban system operators from offering set-top converter boxes that integrate both security and program-guide functions, cable lobbyists are telling the Federal Communications Commission.
Supplementing its argument against the 2005 ban on integrated set-top boxes, the National Cable & Telecommunications Association March 6 told the FCC that recent plug-and-play agreements demonstrated the cable industry's commitment to creating a competitive retail market for set-top "navigational devices."
The ban was imposed by the FCC as a way to stimulate a retail market for set-top boxes by eliminating cable operators' perceived advantage in marketing devices directly to their subscribers.
The cable industry said the ban "would limit consumer choice" and potentially force cable customers to buy devices laden with features they don't want.
On the other side of the issue, the Consumer Electronics Retailers Coalition and manufacturer Thomson Consumer Electronics maintained that the ban remains necessary and urged the FCC not to even consider relaxing the ban until the agency rules on whether to approve the plug-and-play agreement.
Comments on the plug-and-play standard are due March 28; replies April 28.
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