Implementation of Section 17 of the Cable Television Consumer Protection and Competition Act of 1992; Compatibility Between Cable Systems and Consumer Electronics Equipment

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

47 CFR Parts 15 and 76

[ET Docket No. 93-7; FCC 94-80]

Implementation of Section 17 of the Cable Television Consumer

Protection and Competition Act of 1992; Compatibility Between Cable

Systems and Consumer Electronics Equipment

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Final rules.

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SUMMARY: The Commission has adopted rules for assuring compatibility

between consumer electronics equipment and cable systems, as required

by the Section 17 of the Cable Television Consumer Protection and

Competition Act of 1992. These new rules are intended to ensure

compatibility between consumer equipment and cable systems, consistent

with the need to prevent theft of cable service, so that cable

subscribers will be able to enjoy the full benefits of both the

programming available on cable systems and the functions available on

their television receivers and video cassette recorders (VCRs).

EFFECTIVE DATE: These regulations are effective June 15, 1994. The

incorporation by reference of a publication listed in the regulations

is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of June 15,

1994.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Alan Stillwell (202-632-7060) or Robert Bromery (301-653-7315), Office

of Engineering and Technology.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a summary of the Commission's First

Report and Order in ET Docket No. 93-7, FCC 93-495, adopted April 4,

1994 and released May 4, 1994. The full text of this decision is

available for inspection and copying during normal business hours in

the FCC Dockets Branch (Room 230), 1919 M Street NW., Washington, DC.

The complete text of this decision also may be purchased from the

Commission's duplicating contractor, International Transcriptions

Service, 2100 M Street NW., Washington, DC 20036, (202) 857-3800.

Summary of the Notice of Proposed Rule Making

1. Section 17 of the Cable Television Consumer Protection and

Competition Act of 1992 (1992 Cable Act) requires that the Commission

issue regulations to ensure compatibility between consumer equipment

and cable systems. The goal of Section 17 is to ensure that cable

subscribers will be able to enjoy the full benefits and functions of

their television receivers and VCRs when receiving cable service.

2. Problems between cable systems and consumer TV equipment

generally tend to arise from conflicts between new features in consumer

television equipment and the techniques used by cable systems to

address security and other technical operating considerations. Examples

of TV receiver features affected by cable operating methods and devices

include functions that permit the subscriber:

--To watch a program on one channel while simultaneously recording a

program on another channel;

--To record two programs that appear on different channels; or,

--To use advanced features such as picture in picture.

3. The rules adopted by the Commission are based on the findings

and recommendations in its ``Report to Congress on Means for Assuring

Compatibility Between Cable Systems and Consumer Electronics

Equipment'' and information provided in comments submitted in response

to the Notice of Proposed Rule Making (Notice) in this proceeding, 58

FR 65153, December 3, 1993. These rules include measures that will

assure improved compatibility between existing cable system and

consumer TV equipment. They also include provisions for achieving more

effective compatibility through new cable and consumer equipment. The

specific provisions of these regulations are essentially the same as

those proposed in the Notice, with a number of modifications that

address issues raised in the record. The new rules for improving

compatibility between existing cable system and consumer equipment

require that cable operators:

(1) Refrain from scrambling program signals carried on the basic

tier of service;

(2) Offer subscribers supplemental equipment to enable them to use

the special features and functions of their TV equipment with cable

service; this includes providing subscribers the option of having

simultaneous access to all signals that do not need to be processed by

a set-top device;

(3) Provide a consumer education program to inform subscribers of

potential compatibility problems and methods for resolving such

problems; this includes notice that remote controls and supplemental

equipment compatible with the set-top devices used by the cable system

are available from third-party vendors; and

(4) Allow set-top devices that incorporate remote control

capability to be operated with subscriber-owned remote controls or

otherwise take no action that would prevent the use of such remote

controls, including changing the infrared codes used to operate the

remote control capabilities of the set-top devices they employ so as to

adversely affect the operation of consumer-purchased remote controls.

The compatibility rules for new equipment provide technical

standards for ``cable ready'' consumer TV equipment and require that

both ``cable ready'' consumer TV equipment and cable systems use a

standard cable channel plan.

4. The Commission also concluded that more effective compatibility

between consumer TV equipment and cable systems that use scrambling can

be achieved through use of a standard interface connector, or ``Decoder

Interface,'' in ``cable ready'' consumer TV equipment and associated

component descrambler/decoder devices to be provided by cable systems.

Used together, the Decoder Interface and component descrambler/decoder

devices can eliminate the need for use of a set-top cable box. However,

based on indications that the cable and consumer electronics industries

are close to agreement on a new Decoder Interface standard that will

serve both existing analog cable operations and also incorporate

flexibility to support new technologies and services, including digital

cable service, the Commission found that it would be appropriate to

allow an additional period of time for the industries to complete their

work on the new standard. The Commission therefore did not act on the

Decoder Interface standard and related issues now, but rather will

allow industry parties an additional 90 days to complete the new

standard.\1\ The Commission stated that would develop rules

establishing a standard for a Decoder Interface connector and

requirements for its use after that period.

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\1\If the industry parties do not complete their work in the 90-

day period, we will establish a standard using our own resources.

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5. As a policy matter, the Commission also found that standards for

cable digital transmissions are desirable. These standards will be

needed to ensure that compatibility is maintained as new digital cable

technologies and services are introduced. The Commission stated that it

was not, however, adopting technical standards or other rules in this

area at this time, as developmental work on cable digital technologies

and services has not reached a stage where it would be reasonable to

attempt to specify such regulations. It stated that it will continue to

monitor progress by the industries in this area and will initiate a

separate action on these issues as is necessary to assure continuing

compatibility in the future.

6. The Commission indicated that the actions in this First Report

and Order will allow consumers to utilize equipment offered by a

variety of suppliers, including the cable system operator, in a

competitive market. Thus, a number of manufacturers and retailers will

be able to increase their participation in markets to which they

previously had limited access. Opening these markets to competitive

equipment providers will give product developers and manufacturers, as

well as cable system operators, the ability and incentives to introduce

new products and to respond to consumer demand. In return, consumers

will have greater access to technology with new features and functions.

Most importantly, consumers will be assured that the equipment they buy

will work with their cable system.

7. The Commission further indicated that open entry for equipment

provision ensures that the equipment market remains competitive. In

addition to open markets and incentives for innovation, another key

component of competition is information. The new regulations ensure not

only that the marketplace will be open and equipment options available

to consumers, but that consumers will be informed about their choices.

Competition could be stifled unless consumers are informed about their

equipment options. By structuring the regulations to promote innovation

and competition, the Commission expects increased investment in new

technology development and increased economic activity as consumers

purchase the new, competitively priced equipment.

8. Accordingly, it is ordered that parts 15 and 76 of the

Commission's rules are amended as set forth below, effective 30 days

after the publication of this final rule in the Federal Register. This

action is taken pursuant to authority provided in sections 4(i), 7(a),

302, 303(c), 303(f), 303(g), 303(r) and 324A of the Communications Act

of 1934, as amended 47 U.S.C. 154(i), 157(a), 302, 303(c), 303(f),

303(g), 303(r) and 324A.

List of Subjects

47 CFR Part 15

Communications equipment, Incorporation by reference, Television

receivers, TV interface devices.

47 CFR Part 76

Cable television, Incorporation by reference.

Amendments to the Rules

Parts 15 and 76 of chapter I of title 47 of the Code of Federal

Regulations are amended as follows:

PART 15--RADIO FREQUENCY DEVICES

1. The authority citation for part 15 is revised to read as

follows:

Authority: Secs. 4, 302, 303, 304, 307 and 624A of the

Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 154, 302, 303,

304, 307 and 544A.

2. Section 15.3 is amended by adding a new paragraph (aa) to read

as follows:

Sec. 15.3 Definitions.

* * * * *

(aa) Cable ready consumer electronics equipment. Consumer

electronics TV receiving devices, including TV receivers, videocassette

recorders and similar devices, that incorporate a tuner capable of

receiving television signals and an input terminal intended for

receiving cable television service, and are marketed as ``cable ready''

or ``cable compatible.'' Such equipment shall comply with the technical

standards specified in Sec. 15.118.

3. Section 15.19 is amended by adding a new paragraph (d) to read

as follows:

Sec. 15.19 Labeling requirements.

* * * * *

(d) Consumer electronics TV receiving devices, including TV

receivers, videocassette recorders and similar devices, that

incorporate features intended to be used with cable television service,

but do not fully comply with the technical standards for cable ready

equipment set forth in Sec. 15.118 are subject to the following

labeling requirements:

(1) Such equipment shall be labeled with an advisory indicating

that the device does not fully comply with the Federal Communications

Commissions standards for cable ready consumer electronics equipment.

The advisory must appear on the device and on its packaging. This

requirement applies to consumer TV receivers, videocassette recorders

and similar devices manufactured or imported for sale in this country

on or after June 30, 1997.

(2) Such equipment shall not be marketed with terminology that

describes the device as ``cable ready'' or ``cable compatible,'' or

that otherwise conveys the impression that the device is fully

compatible with cable service. This requirement applies to consumer TV

receivers, videocassette recorders and similar devices manufactured or

imported for sale in this country on or after October 31, 1994.

4. Section 15.115 is amended by revising paragraph (c)(1)(i) and

adding new paragraphs (h) and (i) to read as follows:

Sec. 15.115 TV interface devices, including cable system terminal

devices.

* * * * *

(c) * * *

(1) * * *

(i) For a cable system terminal device or a TV interface device

equipped for use with a cable system or a master antenna, as defined in

paragraph (b)(3) of this section, the isolation between the antenna and

cable input terminals shall be at least 80 dB from 54 MHz to 216 MHz,

at least 60 dB from 216 MHz to 550 MHz and at least 55 dB from 550 MHz

to 806 MHz. The 80 dB standard applies at 216 MHz and the 60 dB

standard applies at 550 MHz. In the case of a transfer switch requiring

a power source, the required isolation shall be maintained in the event

the device is not connected to a power source or power is interrupted.

The provisions of this paragraph regarding frequencies in the range 550

MHz to 806 MHz are applicable as of June 30, 1997.

* * * * *

(h) Stand-alone switches used to alternate between cable service

and an antenna shall provide isolation between the antenna and cable

input terminals that is at least 80 dB from 54 MHz to 216 MHz, at least

60 dB from 216 MHz to 550 MHz and at least 55 dB from 550 MHz to 806

MHz.The 80 dB standard applies at 216 MHz and the 60 dB standard

applies at 550 MHz. In the case of stand-alone switches requiring a

power source, the required isolation shall be maintained in the event

the device is not connected to a power source or power is interrupted.

The provisions of this paragraph are applicable as of June 30, 1997.

(i) Switches and other devices intended to be used to by-pass the

processing circuitry of a cable system terminal device, whether

internal to such a terminal device or a stand-alone unit, shall not

attenuate the input signal more than 6 dB from 54 MHz to 550 MHz, or

more than 8 dB from 550 MHz to 806 MHz. The provisions of this

paragraph are applicable as of June 30, 1997.

5. Section 15.117 is amended by revising paragraph (h) to read as

follows:

Sec. 15.117 TV broadcast receivers.

* * * * *

(h) For a TV broadcast receiver equipped with a cable input

selector switch, the selector switch shall provide, in any of its set

positions, isolation between the antenna and cable input terminals of

at least 80 dB from 54 MHz to 216 MHz, at least 60 dB from 216 MHz to

550 MHz and at least 55 dB from 550 MHz to 806 MHz. The 80 dB standard

applies at 216 MHz and the 60 dB standard applies at 550 MHz. In the

case of a selector switch requiring a power source, the required

isolation shall be maintained in the event the device is not connected

to a power source or power is interrupted. An actual switch that can

alternate between reception of cable television service and an antenna

is not required for a TV broadcast receiver, provided compliance with

the isolation requirement specified in this paragraph can be

demonstrated and the circuitry following the antenna input terminal(s)

has sufficient band-width to allow the reception of all TV broadcast

channels authorized under this chapter. The provisions of this

paragraph regarding frequencies in the range 550 MHz to 806 MHz are

applicable as of June 30, 1997.

6. New Sec. 15.118 is added to read as follows:

Sec. 15.118 Cable ready consumer electronics equipment.

(a) All consumer electronics TV receiving equipment marketed in the

United States as cable ready or cable compatible shall comply with the

provisions of this section. Consumer electronics TV receiving equipment

that includes features intended for use with cable service but does not

fully comply with the provisions of this section are subject to the

labelling requirements of Sec. 15.19(d).

(b) Cable ready consumer electronics equipment shall be capable of

receiving all NTSC or similar video channels in the frequency range 54

MHz to 804 MHz in accordance with the channel allocation plan set forth

in the Electronic Industries Association's ``Cable Television Channel

Identification Plan, EIA IS-132, May 1994'' (EIA IS-132). This

incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal

Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies

of EIA IS-132 may be obtained from: Global Engineering Documents, 2805

McGraw Ave., Irvine CA 92714. copies of EIA IS-132 may be inspected

during normal business hours at the following locations: Federal

Communications Commission, 1919 M Street, NW., Dockets Branch (Room

239), Washington, DC, or the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North

Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

(c) Cable ready consumer electronics equipment must meet the

following technical performance requirements. Compliance with these

requirements shall be determined by performing measurements at the

unfiltered IF output port. Where appropriate, the Commission will

consider allowing alternative measurement methods.

(1) Adjacent channel interference. In the presence of a lower

adjacent channel CW signal that is 1.5 MHz below the desired visual

carrier in frequency and 10 dB below the desired visual carrier in

amplitude, spurious signals within the IF passband shall be attenuated

at least 55 dB below the visual carrier of the desired signal. The

desired input signal shall be an NTSC visual carrier modulated with a

10 IRE flat field and the aural carrier should be unmodulated.

Measurements are to be performed for input signal levels of 0 dBmV and

+15 dBmV, with the receiver tuned to ten evenly spaced channels

specified in the EIA IS-132 channel plan.

(2) Image channel interference. Image channel interference within

the IF passband shall be attenuated below the visual carrier of the

desired channel by at least 60 dB from 54 MHz to 806 MHz. In testing

for compliance with this standard, the desired input signal is to be an

NTSC visual carrier modulated with a 10 IRE flat field and the aural

carrier should be unmodulated. The undesired test signal shall be a CW

signal equal in amplitude to the desired visual carrier and located 90

MHz above the visual carrier frequency of the desired channel.

Measurements shall be performed for input signals of 0 dBmV and +15

dBmV, with the receiver tuned to ten evenly spaced channels specified

in the EIA IS-132 channel plan.

(3) Direct pickup interference. The direct pickup (DPU) of a co-

channel interfering ambient field by a cable ready device shall not

exceed the following criteria. The ratio of the desired to undesired

signal levels at the IF passband on each channel shall be at least 45

dB. The average ratio over the six channels shall be at least 50 dB.

The desired input signal shall be an NTSC signal having a visual

carrier level of 0 dBmV. The equipment under test (EUT) shall be placed

on a rotatable table that is one meter in height. Any excess length of

the power cord and other connecting leads shall be coiled on the floor

under the table. The EUT shall be immersed in a horizontally polarized

uniform CW field of 100 mV/m at a frequency 2.55 MHz above the visual

carrier of the EUT tuned channel. Measurements shall be made with the

EUT tuned to six EIA IS-132 channels, two each in the low VHF, high VHF

and UHF broadcast bands. On each channel, the levels at the IF passband

due to the desired and interfering signals are to be measured.

(4) Tuner overload. Spurious signals within the IF passband shall

be attenuated at least 55 dB from 54 to 806 MHz below the visual

carrier of the desired channel using a comb spectrum input with each

signal individually set at +15 dBmV. Measurements shall be made with

the receiver tuned to ten evenly spaced EIA IS-132 channels.

(5) Cable input conducted emissions. Conducted spurious emissions

that appear at the cable input to the device must meet the following

criteria. The input shall be an NTSC video carrier modulated with a 10

IRE flat field at a level of 0 dBmV and with a visual to aural ratio of

10 dB. The aural carrier shall be unmodulated. The peak level of the

spurious signals will be measured using a spectrum analyzer connected

by a directional coupler to the cable input of the equipment under

test. Spurious signal levels must not exceed the limits in the

following table:

From 54 MHz up to and including 300 MHz-26 dBmV

From 300 MHz up to and including 450 MHz-20 dBmV

From 450 MHz up to and including 806 MHz-15 dBmV

The average of the measurements on multiple channels from 450 MHz

up to and including 806 MHz shall be no greater than -20 dBmV.

Measurements shall be made with the receiver tuned to at least four EIA

IS-132 channels in each of the above bands. The test channels are to be

evenly distributed across each of the bands. Measurements for conducted

emissions caused by sources internal to the device are to be made in a

shielded room. Measurements for conducted emissions caused by external

signal sources shall be made in an ambient RF field whose field

strength is 100 mV/m, following the same test conditions as described

in paragraph (c)(3) of this section.

(d) The field strength of radiated emissions from cable ready

consumer electronics equipment shall not exceed the limits in

Sec. 15.109(a) when measured in accordance with the applicable

procedures specified in Sec. 15.31 and Sec. 15.35 for unintentional

radiators, with the following modifications. During testing the NTSC

input signal level is to be +15 dBmV, with a visual to aural ratio of

10 dB. The visual carrier is to be modulated by a 10 IRE flat field;

the aural carrier is to be unmodulated. Measurements are to be taken on

six EIA IS-132 channels evenly spaced across the required RF input

range of the equipment under test.

Note: The provisions of paragraphs (a) through (d) of this

section are applicable as of June 30, 1997.

PART 76--CABLE TELEVISION SERVICE

7. The authority citation for part 76 is revised to read as

follows:

Authority: Secs. 2, 3, 4, 301, 303, 307, 308, 309, 324A 48

Stat., as amended, 1064, 1065, 1066, 1081, 1082, 1083, 1084, 1085,

1101; 47 U.S.C. Secs. 152, 153, 154, 301, 303, 307, 308, 309, 532,

533, 535, 542, 543, 544A, 552 as amended, 106 Stat. 1460.

8. Section 76.605 is amended by redesignating paragraphs (a)(2)

through (a)(12) as paragraphs (a)(2) through (a)(12) as paragraphs

(a)(3) through (a)(13), and adding a new paragraph (a)(2) to read as

follows:

Sec. 76.605 Technical standards.

(a) * * *

(2) Cable systems shall transmit channels to subscriber premises

equipment on frequencies in accordance with the channel allocation plan

set forth in the Electronic Industries Association's Cable Television

Channel Identification Plan, EIA IS-132, May 1994'' (EIA IS-132). This

incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal

Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Cable

systems are required to sue this channel allocation plan for signals

transmitted in the frequency range 54 MHz to 1002 MHz. Copies of EIA

IS-132 may be obtained from: Global Engineering Documents, 2805 McGraw

Ave., Irvine CA 92714. Copies of EIA IS-132 may be inspected during

normal business hours at the following locations: Federal

Communications Commission, 1919 M Street NW., Dockets Branch (Room

239), Washington, DC, or the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North

Capitol Street NW., Suite 700, Washington, DC. This requirement is

applicable as of June 30, 1995, for new and re-built cable systems, and

on June 30, 1997, for all cable systems.

* * * * *

9. New Sec. 76.630 is added to read as follows:

Sec. 76.630 Compatibility with consumer electronics equipment.

(a) Cable system operators shall not scramble or otherwise encrypt

signals carried on the basic service tier. Requests for waivers of this

prohibition must demonstrate either a substantial problem with theft of

basic tier service or a strong need to scramble basic signals for other

reasons. As part of this showing, cable operators are required to

notify subscribers by mail of waiver requests. The notice to

subscribers must be mailed no later than thirty calendar days from the

date the request waiver was filed with the Commission, and cable

operators must inform the Commission in writing, as soon as possible,

of that notification date. The notification to subscribers must state:

On (date of waiver request was filed with the Commission),

(cable operator's name) filed with the Federal Communications

Commission a request for waiver of the rule prohibiting scrambling

of channels on the basic tier of service. 47 CFR Sec. 76.630(a). The

request for waiver states (a brief summary of the waiver request). A

copy of the request for waiver is on file for public inspection at

(the address of the cable operator's local place of business).

Individuals who wish to comment on this request for waiver

should mail comments to the Federal Communications Commission by no

later than 30 days from (the date the notification was mailed to

subscribers). Those comments should be addressed to the: Federal

Communications Commission, Cable Services Bureau, Washington, DC

20554, and should include the name of the cable operator to whom the

comments are applicable. Individuals should also send a copy of

their comments to (the cable operator at its local place of

business).

Cable operators may file comments in reply no later than 7 days from

the date subscriber comments must be filed.

(b) Cable system operators that provide their subscribers with

cable system terminal devices and other customer premises equipment

that incorporates remote control capability shall permit the remote

operation of such devices with commercially available remote control

units or otherwise take no action that would prevent the devices from

being operated by a commercially available remote control unit. Cable

system operators are advised that this requirement obliges them to

actively enable the remote control functions of customer premises

equipment where those functions do not operate without a special

activation procedure. Cable system operators may, however, disable the

remote control functions of a subscriber's customer premises equipment

where requested by the subscriber.

(c) Cable operators may not alter the infrared codes used to

operate the remote control capabilities of the customer premises

equipment they employ in providing service to subscribers. Cable

operators may, however, use new equipment that includes additional

infrared codes for new remote control functions that were not included

in existing models of customer premises equipment.

(d) Cable system operators that use scrambling, encryption or

similar technologies in conjunction with cable system terminal devices,

as defined in Sec. 15.1(e) of this chapter, that may affect

subscribers' reception of signals shall offer to supply each subscriber

with special equipment that will enable the simultaneous reception of

multiple signals. This equipment could include, for example, set-top

cable system terminal devices with multiple descramblers/decoders and/

or timers, and signal bypass switches.

(1) The offer of special equipment shall be made to new subscribers

at the time they subscribe and to all subscribers at least once each

year.

(2) Such special equipment shall, at a minimum, have the

capability:

(i) To allow simultaneous reception of any two or more scrambled or

encrypted signals and to provide for tuning to alternative channels on

a pre-programmed schedule; and,

(ii) To allow direct reception of all other signals that do not

need to be processed through descrambling or decryption circuitry (this

capability can generally be provided through a separate by-pass switch

or through internal by-pass circuitry in a cable system terminal

device).

(3) Cable system operators shall determine the specific equipment

needed by individual subscribers on a case-by-case basis, in

consultation with the subscriber. Cable system operators are required

to make a good faith effort to provide subscribers with the amount and

types of special equipment needed to resolve their individual

compatibility problems.

(4) Cable operators shall provide such equipment at the request of

individual subscribers and may charge for purchase or lease of the

equipment and its installation in accordance with the provisions of the

rate regulation rules for customer premises equipment used to receive

the basic service tier, as set forth in Sec. 76.923. Notwithstanding

the required annual offering, cable operators shall respond to

subscriber requests for special equipment for reception of multiple

signals that are made at any time.

(e) Cable system operators shall provide a consumer education

program on compatibility matters to their subscribers in writing, as

follows:

(1) The consumer information program shall be provided to

subscribers at the time they first subscribe and at least once a year

thereafter. Cable operators may choose the time and means by which they

comply with the annual consumer information requirement. This

requirement may be satisfied by a once-a-year mailing to all

subscribers. The information may be included in one of the cable

system's regular subscriber billings.

(2) The consumer information program shall include the following

information:

(i) Cable system operators shall inform their subscribers that some

models of TV receivers and videocassette recorders may not be able to

receive all of the channels offered by the cable system when connected

directly to the cable system. In conjunction with this information,

cable system operators shall briefly explain, the types of channel

compatibility problems that could occur if subscribers connected their

equipment directly to the cable system and offer suggestions for

resolving those problems. Such suggestions could include, for example,

the use of a cable system terminal device such as a set-top channel

converter. Cable system operators shall also indicate that channel

compatibility problems associated with reception of programming that is

not scrambled or encrypted programming could be resolved through use of

simple converter devices without descrambling or decryption

capabilities that can be obtained from either the cable system or a

third party retail vendor.

(ii) In cases where service is received through a cable system

terminal device, cable system operators shall indicate that subscribers

may not be able to use special features and functions of their TV

receivers and videocassette recorders, including features that allow

the subscriber to: view a program on one channel while simultaneously

recording a program on another channel; record two or more consecutive

programs that appear on different channels; and, use advanced picture

generation and display features such as ``Picture-in-Picture,'' channel

review and other functions that necessitate channel selection by the

consumer device.

(iii) In cases where cable system operators offer remote control

capability with cable system terminal devices and other customer

premises equipment that is provided to subscribers, they shall advise

their subscribers that remote control units that are compatible with

that equipment may be obtained from other sources, such as retail

outlets. Cable system operators shall also provide a representative

list of the models of remote control units currently available from

retailers that are compatible with the customer premises equipment they

employ. Cable system operators are required to make a good faith effort

in compiling this list and will not be liable for inadvertent

omissions. This list shall be current as of no more than six months

before the date the consumer education program is distributed to

subscribers. Cable operators are also required to encourage subscribers

to contact the cable operator to inquire about whether a particular

remote control unit the subscriber might be considering for purchase

would be compatible with the subscriber's customer premises equipment.

Note: The provisions of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section

are applicable as of July 31, 1994, and June 30, 1994, respectively.

The provisions of paragraphs (c) through (e) of this section are

applicable as of October 31, 1994, except for the requirement under

section (d)(1)(i) of this section for cable system operators to

supply cable system terminal devices with multiple tuners, which is

applicable as of October 31, 1995. The initial offer of special

equipment to all subscribers, as required under paragraph (d) of

this section shall be made by October 31, 1994.

Federal Communications Commission.

William F. Caton,

Acting Secretary.

[FR Doc. 94-11068 Filed 5-13-94; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 6712-01-M