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 Proposal  for  Voluntarv  Industrv  Actions  to  Speed  the  Dbital  Television  Transition* 
 1.  Ton  four  broadcast  networks  (i.  e.,  ABC,  CBS,  Fox  and  NBC),  HBO,  and  Showtime: 


 Provide  high-  definition  or  other  “value-  added  DTV  programming”  during  at  least  50%  of 
 their  prime-  time  schedule,  beginning  with  the  2002-  03  season.  Value-  added  DTV 
 programming  could  be  high-  definition,  innovative  multicasting,  interactive,  etc.  -  so  long 
 as  it  gives  consumers  something  significantly  different  than  what  they  currently  receive 
 in  analog.  This  would  include  something  more  than  a  single  stream  of  standard-  definition  digital  programming. 


 2.  Broadcast  Licensees: 
 By  January  1,2003,  or  as  soon  thereafter  as  they  commence  broadcasting,  DTV  affiliates 
 of  the  top  four  networks  in  markets  1-  100  will  obtain  and  install  the  equipment  necessary 
 to  pass  through  network  DTV  without  degradation  of  signal  quality  (e.  g.,  pass  through 
 HD  programming,  if  that  is  what  its  network  provides). 


 Stations  broadcasting  DTV  programming  will  inform  viewers  of  their  digital  content 
 through  on-  air  promotional  announcements  over  their  analog  broadcast  facilities. 


 3.  Cable.  L 
 By  January  1,2003,  cable  systems  with  750  MHz  or  higher  channel  capacity  will: 
 Offer  to  carry,  at  no  cost,  the  signals  of  up  to  five  broadcast  or  other  digital  programming 
 services  that  are  providing  value-  added  digital  programming  during  at  least  50%  of  their 
 prime-  time  schedule. 


 Provide  cable  subscribers  the  option  of  leasing  or  purchasing  a  single  set-  top  box  that 
 allows  for  the  display  of  high  definition  programming.  These  devices  will  include  digital 
 connectors  (e.  g.,  1394/  5C  and/  or  DWHDCP)  at  the  request  of  the  consumer. 


 Market  the  digital  television  products  the  operator  provides,  including  on  their  systems 
 and  in  monthly  bills,  so  that  consumers  know  what  programming  is  available  and  how 
 they  can  receive  it  over  the  cable  plant. 


 4.  Direct  Broadcast  Satellite: 
 By  January  1,2003,  carry  the  signals  of  up  to  five  digital  programming  services  that  are 
 providing  value-  added  digital  programming  during  at  least  50%  of  their  prime-  time 
 schedule. 


 l  Nothing  contained  in  this  Proposal  for  Voluntary  Industry  Action  is  intended  to  prejudge  any  issue  in 
 pending  or  future  Commission  proceedings. 
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 5.  Equinment  Manufacturers  and  Retailers: 
 Commit  to  meeting  the  demand  for  cable  set-  top  boxes  that  allow  for  the  display  of  high 
 definition  programming. 


 Market  broadcast,  cable  and  satellite  DTV  options  at  point-  of-  sale. 
 Include  over-  the-  air  DTV  tuners  in  new  broadcast  television  receivers  according  to  the 
 following  schedule: 


 Sets  36”  and  above  -  50%  of  units  to  have  DTV  tuners  by  January  1,2004;  100% 
 by  January  1,2005; 


 Sets  25  “-  35”  -  50%  of  units  to  have  DTV  tuners  by  January  1,2005;  100%  by  January  1,2006; 


 Sets  23  “-  24”  -  100%  of  units  to  have  DTV  tuners  by  December  3  1,2006. 
 Include  digital  input(  s)  (e.  g.,  1394/  5C  and/  or  DWHDCP)  on  all  new  HD-  capable  television  receivers  and  display  devices  by  January  1,2004. 
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