Use of standards for the transmission of television signals (repeal. Directive 92/38/EEC)

PURPOSE : To present a report on the implementation of Directive 95/47/EC on market and technical developments in digital television. CONTENTS : Article 6 of the Directive requires the Commission to present a report every two years. This report analyses Member States transpositions and takes a boad view of the requirement to report on market and technical developments. Accordingly, market developments and recommendations for change are looked at more fully in document COS002074. -This report concludes that the Directive's regulatory framework has had important benefits. It has contributed to the global success of the Digital Video Broadcasting Group's transmission systems, thanks to their highly developed user requirements. These draw on Europe's own diversity for their range. This is a contrast with the earlier European model, driven by technology and extensive regulation. - The Directive has provided some certainty for the first phase of the digital TV market, which was dominated by pay-TV. In those Member States where digital television is now well-established, development of the range of digital television services has depended on a strong pay television market. The range of services has developed rapidly towards transactional services and new services, including internet and home banking, where there are competing pay television platforms. New business models have also emerged. - The report examines the role of competition law and its interrelationship with regulations. It looks at decoder functions and access to cable television, which lie outside the scope of the Directive. It coniders consumer interests and the future structure of broadcasting and concludes that digital teelvision markets and technology have evolved beyond the scope of the Directive.�