FC: Consumer Electr. Assn. applauds Rep. Boucher on copyproof CDs

[Declan McCullagh <declan () well com>]

My article on Rep. Boucher's pledge to regulate copy-protected CDs:
http://www.wired.com/news/politics/0,1283,50886,00.html

Politech archive on Rep. Boucher:
http://www.politechbot.com/cgi-bin/politech.cgi?name=boucher

-Declan

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FOR RELEASE
Contact:        Jeff Joseph             or              Jenny Miller
CEA                                                     CEA
tel: (703) 907-7664                             tel: (703) 907-7079
e-mail: jjoseph () ce org                               e-mail: jmiller () ce org


CEA Supports Rep. Boucher's Repeated Commitment to Consumer Fair Use
Protections

Arlington, Va., March 13, 2002 - Responding to a statement issued
today by Representative Rick Boucher (D-VA) concerning the
proliferation of copy protected compact discs (CDs), Consumer
Electronics Association President and CEO Gary Shapiro said the
following:

"We commend Representative Boucher for his attention to this important
consumer issue.  The ability to use a lawfully purchased CD to make
compilations or transfer music to other devices is a time-honored
consumer right and must be preserved as technology advances.

The deployment of copy-protected CD's threatens to unilaterally
eliminate Americans' fair use right to noncommercial audio home
recording.  The fact that these copy protected CD's will not play on
many legacy players already in the home and on CD players today on the
retail shelf, combined with the lack of adequate labeling, will
inevitably lead to confused, frustrated and no doubt angry consumers.
Manufacturers also are concerned about possible audio quality
degradation in these copy protected CD's that will result in sub par
sound that consumers pay for and have a right to expect when they
purchase a CD.

We urge Rep. Boucher and other members of Congress to move forward in
ensuring that America's non-commercial home recording rights are
protected."

About CEA: The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) represents more
than 650 U.S. companies involved in the design, development,
manufacturing and distribution of audio, video, mobile electronics,
wireless and landline communications, information technology,
multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services that
are sold through consumer channels.  Combined, CEA's members account
for more than $70 billion in annual sales.  CEA's resources are
available online at www.CE.org, the definitive source for information
about the consumer electronics industry.  CEA represents the consumer
electronics industry in association with the Electronic Industries
Alliance (EIA).

CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES - Your Source for
Workstyle and Lifestyle Technology.  All profits from CES are
reinvested into industry services, including technical training and
education, industry promotion, engineering standards development,
market research and legislative advocacy.

UPCOMING EVENTS

2002 CEA and EIA Spring Conference      
        April 21-23, 2002, Washington, D.C.
DTV Summit - Moving to Mass Markets
        April 24, 2002, Washington, D.C.
CeBIT/CES Consumer Electronics
        May 29-June 1, 2002, Shanghai, China
6th Annual Consumer Electronics CEO Summit
        June 19-21, 2002, Coeur d'Alene, ID
CEA Fall Conference and Industry Forum
        October 13-16, 2002, San Francisco, CA
Electronic House Expo - Fall
        November 12-14, 2002, Long Beach, CA
2003 International CES - Your Source for Workstyle and Lifestyle Technology     January 9-12, 2003, Las Vegas, NV

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I:/RELEASES/General GLA/boucher.response.1.13.02.doc





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