While it is entirely too early write a history of television technology over the past decade it can be noted that:

In the past decade closed-captioning has opened up television to millions of hearing-impaired viewers and V-Chips have enabled parents to take control over what their children watch. Digital video recorders are empowering television viewers at the same time they challenge traditional assumptions about television financing and viewing.

The FCC continues to play an active role in this changing television environment. In 1994 HDTV standards were established and a plan for the transition from analog to digital transmission of television programming has been rolled out throughout the decade.

The challenge ahead for viewers, members of the television industry, and the FCC will be to work together to harness television’s still evolving technologies in such a way that they ensure that all Americans share in the benefits of the digital revolution.

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