“The FCC has taken another step toward ensuring the nation’s smooth transition to digital television by adopting the ‘Plug & Play’ rules. I believe that consumers must have a diverse selection of cable-compatible digital televisions and other electronic products available on the market in order to make the transition to DTV possible.

“House Telecommunications and Internet Subcommittee Chairman Fred Upton and I have been holding roundtable discussions on DTV issues with industry representatives and from these discussions a memorandum of understanding was reached that forms the basis of today’s decision.

“The new rules will prevent piracy of digital content from being carried over cable and satellite systems, while preserving consumers’ ability to make use of that content legally. Without these very necessary protections, content providers would be hesitant to make high-value digital content available and many consumers would not be inclined to make the switch to digital television.

“I am pleased the industry has been able to work out these issues with the FCC. This is a prime example of how the private sector can resolve consumer issues with minimal government intervention. Chairman Upton and I plan to hold a further roundtable discussion in the coming weeks to build on this success.

“The FCC also announced its commitment to move a broadcast flag item in the near future. This is a very important issue to the many consumers who still rely on free, over-the-air broadcasting. Without similar protections for broadcast networks, these consumers would be left out of the new digital era.”