Arlington, VA - Mar 11, 2002 - The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) has filed comments with the Federal Communications Commission endorsing the National Radio Systems Committee (NRSC) conclusion that FM in-band, on-channel (IBOC) digital audio broadcast (DAB) is a significant improvement over today's analog FM broadcast service.

The CEA stated in its comments that the adoption of a single technical standard is crucial if FM IBOC DAB technology is to be "as successful and ubiquitous in the marketplace as analog FM technology." CEA continued by stressing the importance of ensuring all receiver manufacturers have fair and reasonable access to IBOC DAB technology, stating that the standard the Commission adopts "must meet the same criteria with respect to intellectual property as the open standards that are developed by CEA and other standards development organizations."

The CEA also suggested that FM broadcasters who begin IBOC DAB transmissions should meet the same interference resolution requirements as those who initiate analog transmissions with new or modified facilities. The CEA takes the position that limited interference that might occur from IBOC DAB broadcasts to existing analog FM service would not fit the definition of "blanketing interference," and recommends that the Commission take measures to promptly correct any interference that might occur. According to its statement, "CEA believes that by allowing the introduction of FM IBOC DAB technology, the Commission will enable receiver manufacturers, broadcasters and the general public to enjoy the benefits of improved radio service in the FM band."