[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 74 (Friday, June 7, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E990]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


IN SUPPORT OF PITTSBURGH'S TELEVISION STATIONS AND THEIR COMMITMENT TO 
                    THE FUTURE OF DIGITAL TELEVISION

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL F. DOYLE

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 6, 2002

  Mr. DOYLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer support to the local 
Pittsburgh television stations in my district that are moving into the 
digital future. These stations: including WPXI, a Cox owned station, 
WTAE a Hearst-Argyle station, KDKA of CBS Television, and WPGH and WCWB 
which are both Sinclair Broadcasting Group stations have demonstrated a 
commitment to the future of free over-the-air television. By investing 
in digital television, they are preparing to offer their viewers--many 
of whom are my constituents--exciting services like High Definition TV, 
interactive television, datacasting, and expanded programming content.
  The digital television transition is happening now, and I am proud 
that stations in Pittsburgh are leading the way.
  Today, record players and cassettes have in many cases been replaced 
by CDs. Analog VCRs are being replaced by digital VCRs and DVD players. 
Similarly, consumers will soon be swapping their analog television sets 
for digital television sets. Of course for digital television to move 
into its next exciting next stage and fulfill its great promise, it 
will be important that all of these digital devices are capable of 
working together.
  This concept--called interoperability--will enable a cable set-top 
box to be plugged into a digital VCR, which could in turn be plugged 
into a digital television set and all of the different devices will be 
able to communicate with each other. While there may be some discussion 
about the best way to achieve this end. It seems that everyone can 
agree that the final goal of interoperability will greatly benefit all 
consumers.
  Like any new technology, the digital television transition can go 
only so far without the full support of the American consumer. Clearly, 
their support will increase significantly when these different devices 
work together easily enough for the average consumer to understand.
  As we continue forward, let me reiterate: I am proud that Pittsburgh 
stations are leading the way in this exciting transition and I am 
confident that their investment in digital television will produce 
benefits for all consumers.

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