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

OBJECTIVE: - to create a regulatory environment of standards for the transmission of advanced television signals; - to facilitate the harmonisation throughout the Union of the connection of peripherals to television sets; - to create in the Union a common framework for conditional access to digital pay-television services; - to promote the transmission of television services in wide-screen format via broadcasting networks. COMMUNITY MEASURE: European Parliament and Council Directive 95/47/EC on the use of standards for the transmission of television signals. SUBSTANCE: * Member States shall promote the accelerated development of advanced television services, including wide-screen television services, high-definition television services and television services using fully digital transmission systems. * Member States shall see to it that the transfer of wide-screen television services already in operation to digital transmission networks open to the public is made easier. * All transmission services, regardless of the means of transmission used (cable, satellite or terrestrial), shall: - if they are in wide-screen format and 625 lines, and are not fully digital, use the 16:9 D2-MAC transmission system, or a 16:9 transmission system which is fully compatible with PAL or SECAM; - if they are in high definition, and are not fully digital, use the HD-MAC transmission system; - if they are fully digital, use a transmission system that has been standardised by a recognised European standardisation body. * Manufacturers of products intended for the general public shall meet a minimum requirement guaranteeing that the entire range of decoders to be marketed may be linked to television sets. The fitting of a standardised open interface socket to television sets with screens over a certain size (integral viewing screen of visible diagonal greater than 42 cm) will guarantee this. * The conditions applying to conditional access for viewers to digital television are as follows: - all equipment must be able to descramble digital signals and display signals that have been transmitted in clear; - the operators of conditional access services shall offer services to all broadcasters on a fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory basis; - separate accounts shall be kept for conditional access providers; - suppliers of digital television services shall publish a list of tariffs; - licences to manufacturers of consumer equipment shall be granted on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory terms; - Member States shall ensure access to appropriate dispute resolution procedures. * The directive stipulates that when operators of cable networks decide to redistribute television services, they shall redistribute wide-screen television services in the wide-screen 16:9 format. * Before 1 July 1997, and every two years thereafter, the Commission shall examine the implementation of the directive. - Date of entry into force: 23 November 1995. - Deadline for transposal into national legislation: 23 August 1996. �