Study recommends government should require digital TV tuners

[Gregg Lengling]

A General Accounting Office study released today recommends that the federal government require all new TV sets to include cable-ready digital TV tuners to help spur the rollout of the new technology. The report also says the government should set a date establishing when cable's must-carry obligation will switch to a broadcaster's DTV signal from its analog one. In addition, the report recommends that the government take steps to raise public awareness about the new technology.

In a statement, Rep. Ed Markey, D-Mass., said he was concerned the study showed that 40 percent of consumers had not heard of DTV. "DTV still has incredible potential for being a driver of economic growth, innovation and job creation but only if government provides the leadership required to jump start much-needed economic activity by taking concrete steps to dramatically accelerate the digital television transition," Rep. Markey said. He also said he was working on DTV legislation.