APTS, CPB and PBS Urge the FCC to Allow Mobile Digital Television with Digital Only Tuners
WASHINGTON—June 8, 2010—The Association of Public Television Stations (APTS), the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) and PBS filed comments last week with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the matter of Requests for Waiver of Certain TV Tuner Requirements in Order to Import and Distribute Mobile DTV Receivers Without Analog Tuners. The comments detail the organizations' support of the waivers to allow mobile television receivers to include digital only tuners. Current FCC rules require that all television receivers manufactured and sold in America include an analog tuner. Consumer electronic companies are requesting the waivers to enable the availability of mobile DTV devices, which are incompatible with analog tuners. The waiver request only applies to devices that are primarily powered by batteries and designed "for nomadic and transient use," meaning cell phones and other portable devices.
After spending billions of dollars to upgrade the nation to digital-only television broadcasting, requiring analog tuners in mobile digital receivers and hampering deployment of mobile DTV is counterproductive and out of alignment with FCC goals of promoting digital technology for the benefit of all Americans.
APTS, CPB and PBS stated in the filing that if the FCC were to require analog tuners in all portable devices, the consequences would not be in the public interest as it would significantly slow if not stop altogether the adoption of mobile DTV. Modules that can receive analog signals are "battery hungry" and would be much larger than those that receive only digital signals, making such receivers impractical for use mobile products.
Public television embraces innovative technology in its educational and informational programming. Public television is a leader in the content that market studies show consumers will want most on mobile devices: emergency alerts and warnings, news and current public affairs information, and children's educational programming. PBS is working with a variety of partners to bring two-way interactive children's mobile television programming to the American public.
APTS, CPB and PBS urge the FCC to continue to work with manufacturers and public media organizations as we harness the power of technology to educate, entertain and inspire the American people. A copy of the complete filing can be found here.
About APTS
The Association of Public Television Stations (APTS) is a nonprofit membership organization established in 1979. The mission of APTS is to conduct – in concert with member stations – advocacy, planning, research and communications activities in order to achieve strong and financially sound noncommercial television and advanced digital services for the American people. APTS provides consistent leadership and information that helps our members better accomplish their own missions and goals. APTS promotes the legislative and regulatory interests of noncommercial television stations at the national level through direct advocacy, and grasstops and grassroots campaigns designed to garner congressional support. For more information, visit www.apts.org.
About CPB
CPB is a private, nonprofit corporation created by Congress in 1967 and is steward of the federal government's investment in public broadcasting. It helps support the operations of more than 1,100 locally-owned and -operated public television and radio stations nationwide, and is the largest single source of funding for research, technology, and program development for public radio, television and related online services.
About PBS
PBS, with its nearly 360 member stations, offers all Americans — from every walk of life — the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and online content. Each month, PBS reaches more than 118 million people through television and nearly 21 million people online, inviting them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; to hear diverse viewpoints; and to take front row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS' broad array of programs has been consistently honored by the industry's most coveted award competitions. Teachers of children from pre-K through 12th grade turn to PBS for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life. PBS' premier children's TV programming and its website, pbskids.org, are parents' and teachers' most trusted partners in inspiring and nurturing curiosity and love of learning in children. More information about PBS is available at www.pbs.org, one of the leading dot-org websites on the Internet.
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