CEA Urges FCC to Adopt Digital Radio Standard Jul 21, 2005

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In a filing with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) urged the FCC to adopt a single standard set by the National Radio Systems Committee (NRSC) for In-Band/On-Channel Digital Radio Broadcasting (IBOC Digital Radio).

According to CEA, the specified technical parameters of the NRSC-5 standard will provide the needed confidence to receiver manufacturers, broadcasters, and consumers to invest in IBOC digital radio, ensuring its long-term success.

"CEA is enthusiastic about the progress and success of digital radio," said CEA President and CEO Gary Shapiro. "To continue this growth, the commission must specify the technical parameters of the IBOC digital radio signal in order for all receiver manufacturers to have confidence that the equipment they build will work for anyone listening to IBOC digital radio anywhere in the country."

CEA added that the commission should allow permanent authorization for multiple audio streams in its adoption of the IBOC digital radio standard. The ability to transmit multiple audio streams over a single channel will enable broadcasters to greatly enhance their service to the public. The association believes that multicasting and datacasting will help fuel the demand for IBOC digital radio receivers.

"CEA urges the Commission to immediately provide permanent authorization for multicasting and datacasting and to incorporate NRSC-5 into its rules," concluded Mr. Shapiro. "We know a single IBOC digital radio standard will provide companies with the confidence needed to succeed in the market."

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