Closed Captioning Requirements for Computer Systems Used as Television Receivers

The FCC's Office of Engineering and Technology is issuing this document interpreting the requirements of the Television Decoder Circuitry Act of 1990 and the FCC rules implementing that Act, as they apply to computer systems. These requirements specify that all devices designed to receive television service must be equipped with built-in decoder circuitry designed to display closed-captioned television transmissions when the picture size of such a device is 33 cm (13 inches) or greater in size. This interpretation is intended to provide guidance for computer manufacturers and vendors with regard to the application of the closed caption circuitry requirements to computers and other related equipment that provide the capability to receive television transmissions.