Some TVs to get digital tuners sooner

The FCC has sped up the process for some TV sets to include built-in digital tuners. Mid-sized TV sets must have digital TV (DTV) tuners by next March 1, four months earlier than originally required.

FCC rules already require all TV sets larger than 36 inches to have built-in DTV tuners by this July 1. In addition, half of all mid-sized TV sets — those with 25- to 36-inch screens — must have DTV tuners by this July 1. Two industry groups had asked the agency to eliminate the 50 percent requirement for mid-sized sets, a request the FCC rejected.

FCC rules also require that small TV sets larger than 13 inches and all TV receiving devices, such as VCRs, must have built-in DTV tuners by July 1, 2007. The agency this week proposed that the date be moved up to Dec. 31, 2006. It also asked the industry and public whether TV sets with screens smaller than 13 inches should have a digital tuner requirement.

The agency's actions are part of the broader effort to move from analog to digital TV broadcasting. The faster that TV sets have built-in digital tuners, the quicker the move to digital TV will be practical.