CEA Urges Approval of Analog Shut-off Date

Gary Shapiro, CEA president and CEO, urged President Bush to sign the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005, which sets Feb. 17, 2009 as the hard shut-off date for analog TV. "This deadline will provide certainty to manufacturers, retailers, consumers and all others with a stake in the transition. Now we call on President Bush for his final signature," Shapiro said in a statement.

Shapiro pledged to continue CEA's consumer education efforts to ensure that consumers were aware of DTV options and opportunities. He also said that he looks forward to working the broadcasters, cable operators, government officials and others in making the final transition steps a reality.

For more information about this legislation, see the TV Technology Newsbytes article 2009 Goes to Oval Office.