[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 93 (Monday, May 16, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
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From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-11068]


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[Federal Register: May 16, 1994]


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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