We need to weigh very carefully the cost to the consumer of such a requirement, as well as its impact on the digital transition. I am also interested in submissions regarding the availability and retail cost of simple decoders that will enable consumers to display digital programs on their analog sets. In just 17 months, all commercial television broadcast licensees are supposed to have their digital systems up and operating. Today, the retail cost of digital receivers is prohibitively expensive for all but the most enthusiastic early adopters. I am pleased that our Further Notice poses the question of whether digital television sets designed for cable connection should have a warning label if they are incapable of receiving and displaying a digital broadcast signal.
Consumers have a right to know that information.
Next Steps Now that the uncertainty over the transmission standard is resolved, is time for all industries involved in the digital broadcast food chain to come together and redouble efforts to achieve a speedy transition that works for the American consumer. Broadcasters must increase the amount of unique digital programming to whet the appetite of consumers and to make the case for cable carriage. Equipment manufacturers must improve receivers and lower prices dramatically. The cable, broadcast, and programming industries must work together with the consumer electronics manufacturers to ensure that viewers are able to receive all available digital programming, including top-quality productions. Finally, broadcasters and cable operators must negotiate in good faith for the carriage of digital signals on systems that have been expanded.