key term - Television Decoder Circuitry Act

Definition

The Television Decoder Circuitry Act is a U.S. law enacted in 1990 that mandates the inclusion of decoder circuitry in television receivers to enable the display of closed captioning. This legislation was designed to improve accessibility for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, ensuring they can access broadcast content. The act also supports broader initiatives aimed at enhancing viewer access to information and entertainment through inclusive technology.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The act requires all television sets with screens larger than 13 inches sold in the U.S. to have built-in closed captioning capabilities.
2. The legislation was a significant step forward in making media content accessible, reflecting a growing recognition of the rights of individuals with disabilities.
3. This act has contributed to an increase in the number of programs providing closed captioning, allowing better access to television programming for viewers with hearing impairments.
4. The decoder circuitry must be capable of interpreting the closed captioning data contained in television signals, which is transmitted using specific encoding standards.
5. Enforcement of the act is overseen by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which also establishes guidelines for compliance.

Review Questions

• How did the Television Decoder Circuitry Act improve accessibility for individuals with hearing impairments?
  • The Television Decoder Circuitry Act mandated that television sets include decoder circuitry, enabling closed captioning on broadcasts. This allowed individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to access important audio information through text displayed on screen. By requiring this technology, the act significantly improved media accessibility and helped ensure equal access to entertainment and information.
• Discuss the implications of the Television Decoder Circuitry Act for television manufacturers and content creators.
  • The act imposed requirements on television manufacturers to include closed captioning technology in their products, influencing how TVs are designed and marketed. For content creators, it meant that they had to ensure their programs included closed captions to reach a wider audience. This change resulted in increased collaboration between manufacturers and broadcasters to comply with accessibility standards, fostering a more inclusive media environment.
• Evaluate the broader impact of the Television Decoder Circuitry Act within the context of disability rights legislation in the United States.
  • The Television Decoder Circuitry Act is part of a larger movement towards enhancing accessibility for individuals with disabilities, aligning with laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). By requiring closed captioning capabilities, the act has played a pivotal role in promoting inclusivity within media. Its implementation has encouraged further developments in technology aimed at providing equitable access, showcasing how legislation can drive change in societal attitudes towards disability rights and accessibility.

Related terms

Closed Captioning: A text representation of the spoken dialogue and sound effects in a video, designed to assist viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): A civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places open to the general public.

Television Receiver: An electronic device that receives television signals and displays them as visual images and sound for viewers.