NEWS

Report No. DC-96-117    ACTION IN DOCKET CASE       December 26, 1996

                       FCC ADOPTS DTV STANDARD
                        (MM DOCKET NO. 87-268)

     The Federal Communications Commission today adopted a standard for digital television
(DTV).  The standard is a modification of the Advanced Television System Committee's (ATSC)
DTV Standard first proposed for adoption earlier this year.  The standard adopted today is
consistent with a consensus agreement voluntarily developed by a broad cross-section of parties,
including the broadcasting, equipment manufacturing and computer industries.  The standard 
allows transmission of one or two High Definition Television programs; four, five or more
Standard Definition Television programs at a visual quality better than the current analog signal;
many CD-quality audio signals; and the delivery of large amounts of data.  The standard does not
include requirements with respect to scanning formats, aspect ratios and lines of resolution.  

     The Commission concluded that adopting the DTV Standard will serve the public interest
and bring benefits to American consumers.  This decision was based on a careful weighing and
balancing of previously articulated goals and objectives outlined in this proceeding which, when
taken together, justify the Commission's action today.  These are:  1) to ensure that all affected
parties have sufficient confidence and certainty in order to promote the smooth introduction of a
free and universally available digital broadcast television service; 2) to increase the availability
of new products and services to consumers through the introduction of digital broadcasting; 3) to
ensure that our rules encourage technological innovation and competition; and 4) to minimize
regulation and assure that any regulations we do adopt remain in effect no longer than necessary.  

     Today's Order is the first in a series which will complete the Commission's efforts to
usher in the next era of broadcast services.  Future actions will decide various policy issues
created by the introduction of digital broadcast service and determine allotment and assignment
of channels to eligible parties.



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     The DTV Standard was incorporated into the Commission's Rules, by reference to ATSC
Doc. A/53 ("ATSC Digital Television Standard, 16 Sep 95"), except for Section 5.1.2
("Compression format constraints") including Table 3, "Compression Format Constraints," as
contained in Annex A ("Video Systems Characteristics") and the references to that Table
contained in the "Allowed Value" columns of Section 5.1.1 Table 2 and Section 5.1.3 Table 4. 
We also incorporated by reference ATSC Doc. A/52 ("ATSC Digital Audio Compression
Standard (AC-3), 20 Dec. 95") in its entirety.

     Action by the Commission December 24, 1996, by Fourth Report and Order (FCC 96-
493).  Chairman Hundt, Commissioners Quello, Ness and Chong, with Commissioner Ness
issuing a separate statement.

                               - FCC -


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