From: frank.kennedy@u2u.lonestar.org (Frank Kennedy) 
Newsgroups: rec.video.satellite
Subject: FCC Docket          10/15
Date: 4 Jan 93 22:32:00 GMT
Distribution: world
Organization: USER-TO-USER PCBoard (214)492-6565 (USR DS v32bis)
Reply-To: frank.kennedy@u2u.lonestar.org (Frank Kennedy) 

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          caused by the introduction of new technologies in the rapidly

          expanding television industry.

               The standard decoder interface should be universal and  the

          sole product marketed and used by all TV viewing consumers.  To

          that end, it should be totally compatible with all hardware

          systems sold in the marketplace.  The decoder interface also could

          be used at the cable headend, which would end theft of service by

          cable subscribers.  According to industry data, this would mean a

          savings of some $30 million dollars annually to the cable

          industry.


          B. The Smartcard

               An optimal approach to the standard decoder interface would

          involve the use of individually authorized smartcards which would

          be capable of accepting, through its multiple ports, each

          individual programmer's selected encryption standard.

               Smartcards should be designed to be updated only in

          conjunction with the standard decoder interface and could be

          changed with billing statements on a periodic basis.

               In order to bring stability to the marketplace of television

          technologies and services, smartcards should be the only  method

          used for authorizing (and descrambling) programmers' encrypted

          services.  A standard shape and size for the smartcards could be

          established, one that would be compatible with the standard

          decoder interface, regardless of other developments in the

          marketplace.










               A smartcard design that was embraced by all  programmers and

          equipment vendors would open up intense competition between

          various encryption technologies.  It also would  create abundant

          competition among hardware system manufacturers  and,  moreover,

          would involve minimal inconvenience to consumers.


          VI. PROBLEMS FOR CONSUMERS RELATED TO DIGITAL  VIDEO  TECHNOLOGY

          A.   Digital Video Technology is not Ready for Use  by Consumers

               The FCC's responsibility under the Communications Act of

          1934 includes the introduction of new technologies which  are in

          the public interest.  In choosing among competing systems,  the FCC

          has historically emphasized compatibility with consumer

          technology already in use.

                The Cable Act of 1992 affirms the continued  importance of

          this principle for today.  In provisions that demonstrate

          detailed knowledge of the needs of subscribers, and of  the tricks

          played by some cable operators, the Act outlines  information that
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