Standards for satellite broadcasting of TV signals
An amended proposal for a Council Directive on the adoption of standards for satellite broadcasting of Television signals (COM(91) 530 submitted on 6 December 1991) aims to avoid a future division in the European satellite market, between the use of MAC standards in broadcasting satellite service (BSS) and mainly PAL and Secam in fixed satellite service (FSS), in part resulting from the establishment of a dual regime by Directive 86/529/EEC (limited in application to only one type of satellite). A Commission Green Paper (COM(90) 490) examines developments and standards in this area. The proposed Directive establishes the HD-MAC standard for not completely digital HDTV transmissions, and the D2-MAC standard for not completely digital transmissions in 16:9 aspect ratio. Rules for the continuation of D-MAC, PAL or Secam services existing before 1 January 1995 are set out, together with measures to be undertaken by the Member States to promote advanced TV broadcasting services (these shall cover TV sets and satellite receivers, terrestrial redistribution systems, redistribution by cable, and encrypted conditional access systems). The Directive is to be accompanied by simultaneous financial measures, plus a memorandum of understanding signed by the parties concerned, designed to support the creation of a European market for D2-MAC, 16:9 and HD-MAC. It shall apply until 31 December 1999.