District Court Strikes Down Cable Industry Delay Tactics; CEA Applauds Court Decision That Will Ensure Competitive Market for Security Devices in Consumer Electronics and Cable Devices

Business Wire, August 18, 2006

ARLINGTON, Va. -- Today, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit issued its opinion in the matter of Advance/Newhouse and Charter Communications, Inc. v. Federal Communication Commission (FCC). The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA(R)) intervened on behalf of the FCC.

"The Court's unanimous decision to uphold the FCC's decision regarding common reliance on separate security functions in cable and consumer electronics devices is a decisive win for consumers," said CEA's President and CEO Gary Shapiro.

"Today, the District Court finally said 'enough is enough.' Cable has waged a nonstop campaign to thwart the will of Congress and the FCC since these rules were enacted in 1998. In fact, the opinion cites overwhelming evidence of cable's refusal to support consumers with CableCARDs.

"Today's opinion sets the record straight: consumers are entitled to a broad array of products that can connect to cable systems featuring innovative new features for competitive prices. In the wake of the Court's decision, we are hopeful that cable will stop its foot-dragging and comply with the law for the benefit of consumers.

"We now call on the FCC to deny all cable petitions to further thwart Congress and the FCC."

About CEA:

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the consumer technology industry through technology policy, events, research, promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA represents more than 2,100 corporate members involved in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and integration of audio, video, mobile electronics, wireless and landline communications, information technology, home networking, multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services that are sold through consumer channels. Combined, CEA's members account for more than $125 billion in annual sales. CEA's resources are available online at www.CE.org, the definitive source for information about the consumer electronics industry.

CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES - Defining Tomorrow's Technology. All profits from CES are reinvested into industry services, including technical training and education, industry promotion, engineering standards development, market research and legislative advocacy.

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