NEWS November 26, 1996 Press Statement of Commissioner Chong on Digital TV Announcement I join my colleagues in praising the compromise struck between the broadcasters, consumer electronics manufacturers, and the computer industry on the issue of the digital TV standard. I understand they struggled long and hard to come to an agreement, and I thank them for their dedication and hard work. I look forward to reviewing their compromise. I am hopeful that we will be able to promptly conclude that this compromise will serve the public interest. I understand that the industries have asked us to adopt all of the ATSC standard by incorporating it by reference in our rules. The sole exception they have made is to ask the FCC not to reference Table 3 of the ATSC standard, which sets forth the video display formats. These video display formats will remain part of the ATSC standard, but, if we follow this recommendation, would not be incorporated in the FCC's rules. This compromise, the coalition contends, will allow the computer industry to have the flexibility to produce less expensive computers containing only hardware that will receive progressive formats. The broadcasters will have the certainty of a uniform standard for all DTV television sets. Because broadcasters and manufacturers had planned to use both interlace and progressive scanning in the new digital TV sets, owners of new TVs can be confident that their sets will receive both interlace and progressive formats. I wholeheartedly endorse the call for a conclusion to the digital TV standards phase of the proceeding by the year's end. There has been ample posturing and dithering about; it is now showtime. I think that any further delay would be a great disservice to the American people who ought to have the benefits of new technology. Moreover, broadcasters are anxious to meet their competition on the digital playing field. The FCC should not be acting as a "barrier to entry" by delaying this transition any further. -FCC-