Federal Communications Commission DA 08-843
Before the
Federal Communications Commission
Washington, D.C. 20554
In the Matter of
Panasonic Corporation of North America
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File No. EB-07-SE-256
Acct. No. 200832100032
FRN No. 0003762242
ORDER
Adopted: April 9, 2008 Released: April 10, 2008
By the Chief, Enforcement Bureau: 
1. In this Order, we adopt the attached Consent Decree entered into between the 
Enforcement Bureau (“Bureau”) and Panasonic Corporation of North America (“Panasonic”).  The 
Consent Decree terminates an investigation by the Bureau against Panasonic for possible violations of 
section 330(c) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended (the “Act”),1 and section 15.120(d)(2) of 
the Commission’s rules (“Rules”),2 regarding the manufacture in the United States and interstate 
shipment, after March 15, 2006, of digital television receivers that do not comply with the V-Chip 
technology requirements because they lack the ability to adapt to new rating systems, and for possible 
violations of section 15.117(i)(1)(iv) of the Rules,3 regarding the importation and interstate shipment, 
after March 1, 1007, of television receivers that do not comply with the DTV tuner requirement.  
2. The Bureau and Panasonic have negotiated the terms of the Consent Decree that resolve 
this matter.  A copy of the Consent Decree is attached hereto and incorporated by reference.  
3. After reviewing the terms of the Consent Decree and evaluating the facts before us, we 
find that the public interest would be served by adopting the Consent Decree.
4. In the absence of material new evidence relating to this matter, we conclude that our 
investigation raises no substantial or material questions of fact as to whether Panasonic possesses the 
basic qualifications, including those related to character, to hold or obtain any Commission license or 
authorization.    
5. Accordingly, IT IS ORDERED that, pursuant to section 4(i) of the Act4 and sections 
0.111 and 0.311 of the Rules,5 the Consent Decree attached to this Order IS ADOPTED.
6. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the above-captioned investigation IS 
TERMINATED.
  
1 47 U.S.C. § 330(c).
2 47 C.F.R. § 15.120(d)(2).
3 47 C.F.R. § 15.117(i)(1)(iv).
4 47 U.S.C. § 154(i).
5 47 C.F.R. §§ 0.111, 0.311.
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7. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that all third-party complaints against Panasonic before 
the Bureau related to the above-captioned-investigation as of the date of this Consent Decree ARE 
DISMISSED.
8. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Panasonic shall make its voluntary contribution to 
the United States Treasury, as specified in the Consent Decree, by credit card through the Commission’s 
Revenue and Receivables Operations Group at (202) 418-1995, or by mailing a check or similar 
instrument payable to the order of the Federal Communications Commission, to Federal Communications 
Commission, P.O. Box 979088, St. Louis, MO 63197-9000.  Payment by overnight mail may be sent to 
U.S. Bank – Government Lockbox #979088, SL-MO-C2-GL, 1005 Convention Plaza, St. Louis, MO 
63101.  Payment by wire transfer may be made to ABA Number 021030004, receiving bank 
TREAS/NYC, and account number 27000001.  For payment by credit card, an FCC Form 159 
(Remittance Advice) must be submitted.  When completing the FCC Form 159, enter the Account number 
in block number 23A (call sign/other ID), and enter the letters “FORF” in block number 24A (payment 
type code).  
9. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Panasonic will file reports with the Commission 
ninety days after the Effective Date, twelve months after the Effective Date, and twenty four months after 
the Effective Date.  Each report shall include a compliance certificate from an officer, as an agent of 
Panasonic, stating that the officer has personal knowledge that Panasonic has established operating 
procedures intended to ensure compliance with this Consent Decree, together with an accompanying 
statement explaining the basis for the officer’s compliance certification.  All reports shall be submitted to 
the Chief, Spectrum Enforcement Division, Enforcement Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 
445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20554.
10. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that a copy of this Order and Consent Decree shall be 
sent by first class mail and certified mail, return receipt requested, to Peter M. Fannon, Vice President, 
Technology Policy, Government & Regulation, Panasonic Corporation of North America, 1130 
Connecticut Ave., NW, Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20036. 
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Kris Anne Monteith
Chief, Enforcement Bureau
Federal Communications Commission DA 08-843
Before the
Federal Communications Commission
Washington, D.C. 20554
In the Matter of
Panasonic Corporation of North America
)
)
)
)
)
)
File No. EB-07-SE-256
Acct. No. 200832100032
FRN No. 0003762242
CONSENT DECREE
The Enforcement Bureau (“Bureau”) and Panasonic Corporation of North America (“Panasonic”), by 
their authorized representatives, hereby enter into this Consent Decree for the purpose of terminating the 
Bureau’s investigations into:  (1) whether Panasonic violated Section 330(c) of the Communications Act 
of 1934, as amended (“Act”),1 and Section 15.120(d)(2) of the Commission’s Rules (“Rules”),2 regarding 
the interstate shipment of digital television (“DTV”) receivers that do not comply with the V-Chip 
technology requirements because they lack the ability to adapt to new rating systems, and (2) whether 
Panasonic violated Section 15.117(i)(1)(iv) of the Rules,3 regarding the importation and interstate 
shipment, after March 1, 1007, of television receivers that do not comply with the DTV tuner 
requirement.  
I. DEFINITIONS
1. For the purposes of this Consent Decree, the following definitions shall apply:
(a) “Act” means the Communications Act of 1934, as amended U.S.C. §§ 151 et seq.
(b) “Bureau” means the Enforcement Bureau of the Federal Communications 
Commission.
(c) “Commission” and “FCC” mean the Federal Communications Commission and all of 
its bureaus and offices.
(d) “Complaints” means third-party complaints that may have been received by, or are in 
the possession of, the Commission or Bureau alleging violations of the V-Chip 
technology requirements.
(e) “Compliance Plan” means the program described in this Consent Decree at paragraph 
10.
(f) “Digital Television Receivers” or “DTV Receivers” means (i) digital television 
broadcast receivers with display screens in the 4:3 aspect ratio measuring 13 inches 
or larger diagonally, (ii) digital television broadcast receivers with display screens in 
the 16:9 aspect ratio measuring 7.8 inches or larger vertically, and (iii) digital 
  
1 47 U.S.C. § 303(c). 
2 47 C.F.R. § 15.120(d)(2).
3 47 C.F.R. § 15.117(i)(1)(iv).
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television broadcast receivers sold without an accompanying display device, such as 
DVR recorders.
(g) “Effective Date” means the date on which the Commission releases the Adopting 
Order.
(h) “Investigations” means (1) the investigation commenced by the Bureau’s August 7, 
2007 and October 23, 2007 Letters of Inquiry4 regarding whether Panasonic violated 
section 330(c) of the Act, and section 15.120(d)(2) of the Rules, by shipping 
interstate DTV receivers that do not comply with the V-Chip technology 
requirements because they lack the ability to adapt to new rating systems, and (2) the 
investigation commenced by the Bureau following Panasonic’s March 26, 2008 
disclosure to Bureau staff regarding the importation and interstate shipment of 
television tuners that do not comply with the DTV tuner requirement.
(i) “Order” or “Adopting Order” means an Order of the Bureau adopting the terms of 
this Consent decree without change, addition, deletion, or modification.
(j) “Parties” means Panasonic and the Bureau.
(k) “Panasonic” means Panasonic Corporation North America.
(l) “Rules” means the Commission’s regulations found in Title 47 of the Code of 
Federal Regulations.
II. BACKGROUND
2. Section 303(x) of the Act directs the Commission to prescribe rules that require television 
receivers with picture screens 13 inches or greater shipped in interstate commerce or manufactured in the 
United States to be equipped with a feature designed to enable viewers to block the display of all 
programs with a common rating.5 Section 330(c) of the Act provides that no person shall ship in 
interstate commerce or manufacture in the United States television receivers that do not comply with rules 
prescribed by the Commission pursuant to Section 303(x).6 The Commission adopted program blocking 
capability requirements for both analog and digital television (“DTV”) receivers in 1998.7 In 2004, the 
Commission adopted specific technical standards to implement V-Chip functionality for DTV receivers 
(“V-Chip technology requirements”).8 The DTV V-Chip technology requirements provide that, effective 
March 15, 2006, digital television receivers with picture screens 13 inches or greater that are shipped in 
  
4 See Letter from Kathryn S. Berthot, Chief, Spectrum Enforcement Division, Enforcement Bureau, to Richard C. 
Mullen, Panasonic Corporation of North America (August 7, 2007) (“August 7, 2007 LOI”); Letter from Kathryn S. 
Berthot, Chief, Spectrum Enforcement Division, Enforcement Bureau, to Peter Fannon, Panasonic Corporation of 
North America (October 23, 2007) (“October 23, 2007 LOI”).
5 47 U.S.C. § 303(x).
6 47 U.S.C. § 330(c).
7 In the Matter of Technical Requirements to Enable Blocking of Video Programming Based on Program Rating, 
Implementation of Sections 551(c), (d), and (e) of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, Report and Order, 13 FCC 
Rcd 11248 (1998).
8 In the Matter of Second Periodic Review of the Commission’s Rules and Policies Affecting the Conversion to 
Digital Television, Report and Order, 19 FCC Rcd 18279 (2004).  The V-Chip technology requirements also apply 
to devices sold without an accompanying display device.  Id. at 18348.
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interstate commerce must be equipped with V-Chip technology to allow blocking of the display of 
programming based on its content and be able to respond to changes in the content advisory rating 
system.9
3. The DTV tuner requirement provides that all new television broadcast receivers that are 
imported into the United States or shipped in interstate commerce be capable of receiving the signals of 
DTV broadcast stations over-the-air.10 Under the phased-in implementation schedule for the DTV tuner 
requirement, receivers with screen sizes 36” and above were required to include DTV tuners effective 
July 1, 2005, receivers with screen sizes 25-35” were required to include DTV tuners effective March 1, 
2006, and receivers with screen sizes less than 25” and other video devices that receive television signals 
were required to include DTV tuners effective March 1, 2007.11  
4. On August 7, 2007, the Bureau issued a letter of inquiry (LOI) to Panasonic.12 The 
August 7, 2007 LOI directed Panasonic, among other things, to submit a sworn written response to a
series of questions relating to its compliance with the DTV V-Chip technology requirements.  Panasonic 
responded to the August 7, 2007 LOI on September 5, 2007.13 On October 23, 2007, the Bureau issued a 
second LOI to Panasonic.14 Panasonic responded to the October 23, 2007 LOI on November 13, 2007.15
5. On March 26, 2008, Panasonic voluntarily disclosed to the Bureau that, after March 1, 
2007, one of its sales units had continued to import and ship interstate analog-only tuners marketed as kits 
for after-market installation in automotive video entertainment systems.  
III. TERMS OF AGREEMENT
6. Adopting Order.  The Parties agree that the provisions of this Consent Decree shall be 
subject to final approval by the Bureau by incorporation of such provisions by reference in the Adopting 
Order without change, addition, modification, or deletion.    
7. Jurisdiction.  Panasonic agrees that the Bureau has jurisdiction over it and the matters 
contained in this Consent Decree and has the authority to enter into and adopt this Consent Decree.
8. Effective Date; Violations.  The Parties agree that this Consent Decree shall become 
effective on the date on which the Bureau releases the Adopting Order.  Upon release, the Adopting Order 
and this Consent Decree shall have the same force and effect as any other final Order of the Bureau.  Any 
violation of the Adopting Order or of the terms of this Consent Decree shall constitute a separate violation 
  
9 47 C.F.R. § 15.120(d)(2).
10 Review of the Commission’s Rules and Policies Affecting the Conversion to Digital Television, Second Report and 
Order and Second Memorandum Opinion and Order, 17 FCC Rcd 15978, 15996 (2002).
11 47 C.F.R. § 15.117(i)(1)(i)-(iv).
12 See August 7, 2007 LOI.
13 See Letter from Peter M. Fannon, Vice President, Technology Policy, Government & Regulation, Panasonic 
Corporation of North America, to Neal McNeil, Spectrum Enforcement Division, Enforcement Bureau (September 
5, 2007).
14 See October 23, 2007 LOI.
15 See Letter from Peter M. Fannon, Vice President, Technology Policy, Government & Regulation, Panasonic 
Corporation of North America, to Neal McNeil, Spectrum Enforcement Division, Enforcement Bureau (November 
13, 2007).  
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of a Bureau Order, entitling the Bureau to exercise any rights and remedies attendant to the enforcement 
of a Commission Order.  
9. Termination of Investigations.  In express reliance on the covenants and representations 
in this Consent Decree and to avoid further expenditure of public resources, the Bureau agrees to 
terminate the Investigations and dismiss the Complaints.  In consideration for termination by the Bureau 
of the Investigations and dismissal of the Complaints in accordance with the terms of this Consent 
Decree, Panasonic agrees to the terms, conditions, and procedures contained herein.  The Bureau further 
agrees that in the absence of new material evidence, the Bureau will not use the facts developed in these 
Investigations through the Effective Date of the Consent Decree, or the existence of this Consent Decree, 
to institute, on its own motion, any new proceeding, formal or informal, or take any action on its own 
motion against Panasonic concerning the matters that were the subject of the Investigations.  The Bureau 
also agrees that it will not use the facts developed in this investigation through the Effective Date of this 
Consent Decree, or the existence of this Consent Decree, to institute on its own motion any proceeding, 
formal or informal, or take any action on its own motion against Panasonic with respect to Panasonic’s 
basic qualifications, including its character qualifications, to hold Commission authorizations.  
10. Compliance Plan.  For purposes of settling the matters set forth herein, Panasonic agrees 
to maintain a Compliance Plan related to future compliance with the Act, the Commission’s Rules, and 
the Commission’s Orders.  The Compliance Plan includes the following components.
(a) Compliance Officer. Panasonic will designate a Compliance Officer who will be 
responsible for administering the Compliance Plan.
(b) Compliance Measures. Panasonic has a Corporate Compliance Program to insure 
compliance with the V-Chip and DTV tuner requirements.  The parent company’s Corporate 
Quality Assurance Division is responsible for design and specification compliance at the 
factory and our U.S. company’s Technology Policy and Regulatory Affairs Division is 
responsible for review of all related products imported for sale in the U.S.  They are also 
responsible for post-production testing, notices and information bulletins of regulatory 
requirements/changes necessary to insure compliance. 
(c) Receiver Upgrades. Panasonic customers who purchased 2006 model year televisions were 
advised that a free software upgrade was available, which software upgrade can be easily 
installed (by inserting an SD card) on their DTV receivers to enable the receivers to respond 
to changes in the content advisory rating system.  Only the 2006 models are involved.  
Panasonic agrees to send reminder notices to customers who registered their DTV receivers 
stating that they can download the software from Panasonic’s website to an SD card, or call 
Panasonic’s 800 number and obtain a free SD card with the software upgrade.  In addition, 
Panasonic agrees to continue to make the free software upgrade available on its website or by 
calling its 800 number for a period of five years from the Effective Date of this Consent 
Decree.  
(d) Compliance Reports. Panasonic will file compliance reports with the Commission ninety 
days after the Effective Date, twelve months after the Effective Date, and twenty-four months 
after the Effective Date.  Each compliance report shall include a compliance certificate from 
an officer, as an agent of Panasonic, stating that the officer has personal knowledge that 
Panasonic has established operating procedures intended to ensure compliance with this 
Consent Decree, together with an accompanying statement explaining the basis for the 
officer’s compliance certification.  All compliance reports shall be submitted to Chief, 
Spectrum Enforcement Division, Enforcement Bureau, Federal Communications 
Commission, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20554.  
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(e) Termination Date.  Unless stated otherwise, the requirements of this Consent Decree will 
expire twenty-four months after the Effective Date.
9. Voluntary Contribution.  Panasonic agrees that it will make a voluntary contribution to 
the United States Treasury in the amount of $320,000.  The payment will be made within 30 days after 
the Effective Date of the Adopting Order.  The payment must be made by check or similar instrument, 
payable to the order of the Federal Communications Commission.  The payment must include the 
Account Number and FRN Number referenced in the caption to the Adopting Order.  Payment by check 
or money order may be mailed to Federal Communications Commission, P.O. Box 979088, St. Louis, 
MO 63197-9000.  Payment by overnight mail may be sent to U.S. Bank – Government Lockbox 
#979088, SL-MO-C2-GL, 1005 Convention Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63101.  Payment by wire transfer may 
be made to ABA Number 021030004, receiving bank TREAS/NYC, and account number 27000001.  For 
payment by credit card, an FCC Form 159 (Remittance Advice) must be submitted.  When completing the 
FCC Form 159, enter the Account number in block number 23A (call sign/other ID), and enter the letters 
“FORF” in block number 24A (payment type code).  
10. Waivers.  Panasonic waives any and all rights it may have to seek administrative or 
judicial reconsideration, review, appeal or stay, or to otherwise challenge or contest the validity of this 
Consent Decree and the Order adopting this Consent Decree, provided the Bureau issues an Order 
adopting the Consent Decree without change, addition, modification, or deletion.  Panasonic shall retain 
the right to challenge Commission interpretation of the Consent Decree or any terms contained herein.  If 
either Party (or the United States on behalf of the Commission) brings a judicial action to enforce the 
terms of the Adopting Order, neither Panasonic nor the Commission shall contest the validity of the 
Consent Decree or the Adopting Order, and Panasonic shall waive any statutory right to a trail de novo.  
Panasonic hereby agrees to waive any claims it may otherwise have under the Equal Access to Justice 
Act, 5 U.S.C. § 504 and 47 C.F.R. § 1.1501 et seq., relating to the matters addressed in this Consent 
Decree. 
11. Severability.  The Parties agree that if any of the provisions of the Adopting Order or the 
Consent Decree shall be invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not invalidate 
or render unenforceable the entire Adopting Order or Consent Decree, but rather the entire Adopting 
Order or Consent Decree shall be construed as if not containing the particular invalid or unenforceable 
provision or provisions, and the rights and obligations of the Parties shall be construed and enforced 
accordingly.  In the event that this Consent Decree in its entirety is rendered invalid by any court of 
competent jurisdiction, it shall become null and void and may not be used in any manner in any legal 
proceeding.  
12. Subsequent Rule or Order.  The Parties agree that if any provision of this Consent 
Decree conflicts with any subsequent rule or Order adopted by the Commission (except an Order 
specifically intended to revise the terms of this Consent Decree to which Panasonic does not expressly 
consent) that provision will be superseded by such Commission rule or Order.  
13. Final Settlement.  The Parties agree and acknowledge that this Consent Decree shall 
constitute a final settlement between the Parties.  The Parties further agree that this Consent Decree does 
not constitute either an adjudication on the merits or a factual or legal finding or determination regarding 
any compliance or noncompliance with the requirements of the Act or the Commission’s Rules and 
Orders.  
14. Modifications.  This Consent Decree cannot be modified without the advance written 
consent of both Parties. 
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15. Paragraph Headings.  The headings of the Paragraphs in this Consent Decree are 
inserted for convenience only and are not intended to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Consent 
Decree.
16. Authorized Representative.  Each party represents and warrants to the other that it has 
full power and authority to enter into this Consent Decree.
17. Counterparts.  This Consent Decree may be signed in any number of counterparts 
(including by facsimile), each of which, when executed and delivered, shall be an original, and all of 
which counterparts together shall constitute one and the same fully executed instrument.   
_______________________________
Kris Anne Monteith
Chief
Enforcement Bureau 
________________________________
Date
________________________________
Dr. Paul Liao
Chief Technology Officer and Vice President
Panasonic Corporation of North America
________________________________
Date