CEA Tunes DTV Definitions

Cable World, Sept 11, 2000 by David Connell

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) has added a third definition for digital television products now available to consumers. The new digital TV product category, called "Enhanced Definition TV," has been added between "High Definition TV" and "Standard Definition TV."

Under the new classifications, high definition sets and tuners must have a 720 progressive, 1080 interlaced or higher display scanning format, and HD monitors must have a 16-by-9 aspect ratio.

Enhanced digital sets must have a 480p or higher display scanning format, but no aspect ratio is specified. Sets with a display scanning format lower than 480p will be carry an SDTV label.

"This new terminology, developed by the TV manufacturer members of CEA, will give consumers a `good, better, best' choice when shopping for digital TV products," Association president Gary Shapiro says. "Manufacturers created this range of definitions so that consumers will be armed with the information they need to make informed buying decisions across varying budget levels."

The new labeling standards should start showing up on retail shelves in the next few months, he adds.

The new definitions do not relate to the labeling of DTV compatible cable set-top boxes, according to CEA spokeswoman Ann Saybolt.

"Those discussions are ongoing," she says, "and these changes only address the core television product."