DTV Tuner Requirements

This document modifies the schedule by which new broadcast television receivers with screen sizes 25-36<gr-thn-eq> are required to include the capability to receive over-the-air digital television (DTV) broadcast signals. This action was initiated in response to a Petition for Rulemaking from the Consumer Electronics Association and the Consumer Electronics Retailers Association (CEA-CERC) requesting that we eliminate the 50 percent requirement for the 25-36<gr-thn-eq> mid- size receivers and instead advance the date by which 100 percent of these receivers would include DTV tuners to March 1, 2006. This action will serve to minimize any difficulties with the 50 percent provision at the earliest practicable date and will also serve to promote the expeditious completion of the transition from analog to digital broadcast television service.