[The National Association of Broadcasters, unhappy that their new terrestrial digital system is not catching on with consumers, is pushing the FCC to make most satellite radios useless]
http://www.radioandrecords.com/Newsroom/2006_07_31/nabasks.asp NAB Asks FCC To Recall Satellite Radio Receivers The NAB is urging FCC Chairman Kevin Martin to direct the Commission to recall satellite radio devices that fail to comply with interference standards. In a two-page letter sent to Martin late Friday, NAB President/CEO David Rehr reports the "NAB continues to be concerned about the interference caused to free over-the-air radio services by satellite radio devices not in compliance with the Commission's rules." Rehr continues, "To ensure that the scope of this problem is not expanded, the NAB urges the Commission to take steps to halt the further distribution and sale to consumers of additional satellite radio devices failing to comply with Part 15 of the Commission's rules." Rehr tells Martin that the NAB hired the engineering consulting firm of Meintel, Sgrignoli & Wallace to conduct "an extensive study" of these devices, which was delivered to the FCC last month. The study found that "13 of these 17 devices (75%) exceeded the field-strength limits for the operation of unlicensed devices under Part 15 of the Commission's rules." The letter also claimed, "Six of those devices exceeded the FCC field limit by 2,000%. One device transmitted a signal that was 20,000% stronger than allowed by FCC rules," adding that many of the devices also transmitted signals that were substantially wider in bandwidth than permitted by the FCC, resulting in "potential interference to first- and second-adjacent channels as well." NAB says a recall "is necessary to prevent even more disruption to listeners' use and enjoyment of free over-the-air radio services, including new digital services." The NAB notes that while XM and Sirius have reportedly already asked their manufacturers to halt production and delivery of the flawed products, nothing as been done to take back the offending products already in consumers' hands. Rehr's letter is the most recent in a series of NAB letters to Martin on the subject of interference caused by satcasters' FM modulators. Rehr first wrote Martin on June 5 describing FM radio listeners' receipt of sexually explicit and profane satellite content and attaching samples of their complaints. On June 22, the NAB's top lawyer (and former FCC attorney) Marsha MacBride detailed how the tested devices were transmitting at higher than lawful levels. "Of the devices tested by the NAB, only one was an XM radio and that radio passed the NAB's own test," XM told R&R in response to NAB's letter. "Contrary to the NAB's assertions, XM has modified radios not only through its manufacturers but through its distributors and retailers as well. As a result of these measures, XM believes its radios meet applicable FCC testing requirements for in-vehicle radios, and XM is prepared to work with the NAB to resolve any misplaced concerns." Sirius did not respond to R&R's requests for comment. Gregory S. Williams [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply with a "Thank you" if you liked this post. _____________________________ MEDIANEWS mailing list [email protected] To unsubscribe send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
