The staff of the Federal Communications Commission is recommending that digital receivers, or tuners, be mandatory in both high-definition TV sets and today's analog sets. The commission will consider the proposal Thursday. Meanwhile, FCC Chairman William Kennard confirmed Monday that he will announce his resignation after the FCC approves the merger of America Online and Time Warner, likely this week. Republican Commissioner Michael Powell, son of secretary of State nominee Colin Powell, is considered President-elect Bush's leading choice to replace Kennard. Digital TV has been a disappointment.
Most consumers use the monitors to watch DVDs or digital satellite programs.
Most are digital signals that provide additional channels at better quality than analog shows. Broadcasters have asked the FCC to force TV makers to build tuners into sets to jump-start the market. Kennard last year called on Congress to make digital tuners mandatory. Even consumers who buy analog TV sets would benefit from the inclusion of a digital tuner because they would still see sharper pictures. A digital-tuner requirement, however, would also help the FCC reclaim broadcasters' analog TV channels for use by wireless phone carriers facing a shortage of spectrum.