FCC gives DTV a plug-and-play push.(Top of the Week)

Broadcasting & Cable, September, 2003 by McConnell, Bill

Cable-ready digital TV sets should be on the market by fall 2004, set makers predicted last week following the FCC's approval of industry-brokered standards for "plug-and-play" TVs. The sets are compatible with cable TV and don't need a set-top converter. Plug-and-play sets are believed critical to speeding the transition to DTV because it will make the service accessible to the 70 million TV households that rely on cable.

The service will be even more attractive to those subscribers, about half, who don't want set-top boxes. "Many consumers have been reluctant to invest in the newest televisions because of uncertainties about compatibility with cable systems and set-top boxes," FCC Chairman Michael Powell said. The next stage in the development...

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