Audio Video News

The rollout of digital television will continue to be hampered, unless the <A HREF="http://www.fcc.gov">Federal Communications Commission</A> (FCC) assumes a stronger leadership role, according to a semi-annual report filed November 7 by the <A HREF="http://www.ce.org">Consumer Electronics Association</A> (CEA).

The guidelines, which take effect in September, address picture quality and interoperability and are designed to provide clarity for consumers and retailers. A TV, monitor, or projector may be referred to as “Ultra High-Definition” if it meets the following minimum performance attributes:

Home networking is getting hot, and the last few months have seen numerous announcements of new technologies and proprietary standards. To help sort out the confusion, last week the Technology and Standards Department of the <A HREF="http://www.ce.org">Consumer Electronics Association</A> (CEA) said it has reorganized its standards-setting committees to "reflect the changing home-networking industry." According to the CEA, the R-7 Home Networking Committee, created in May 1999, will now oversee and coordinate the work of the integrated home systems and home automation standards committees, which previously worked within specific product categories.

The Supreme Court's recent announcement that it will review an extension of copyright terms enacted during the Clinton administration has won praise from the <A HREF="http://www.ce.org">Consumer Electronics Association</A>.