VA-EAS.ORG

Virginia State Emergency Communications Committee

Cable TV EAS Equipment

Comments? Additional Information? We'd like to hear from you.

Here is a vendor list for Cable EAS equipment:

• Standard Encoders / Decoders
• Idea/onics
• dB-tronics
• Monroe Electronics
• Sprint
• Trilithic EASy EAS system

Cable Requirements Summary

On September 24, 1997, the Commission adopted a Second Report and Order which modifies the Emergency Alert System (EAS) requirements as they apply to wired and wireless cable systems. A phase-in period is provided with additional time for cable television operators to comply with the EAS requirements. All wired cable systems will participate according to the following schedule.

1. Systems that serve 10,000 or more subscribers shall install EAS equipment and provide EAS audio and video messages on all channels by December 31, 1998.

2. Systems that serve 5,000 or more, but fewer than 10,000 subscribers shall install EAS equipment and provide EAS audio and video messages on all channels by October 1, 2002.

3. Systems that serve fewer than 5,000 subscribers shall either provide National level EAS messages on all programmed channels (including the required EAS test messages), or install EAS equipment and provide a video interrupt and audio alert message on all programmed channels and EAS audio and video messages on at least one programmed channel by October 1, 2002.

Wireless cable systems shall participate in EAS on the same basis as wired cable systems. Wireless cable operators that serve 5,000 or more subscribers per fixed station transmission site or headend shall install EAS equipment and provide EAS audio and video messages on all channels by October 1, 2002. Wireless cable operators that serve less than 5,000 subscribers are subject to the same requirements as wired cable systems that serve fewer than 5,000 subscribers.

The Commission stated that the requirements of existing local franchise agreements for special warning systems will not be preempted by the EAS so long as they do not conflict with the EAS requirements under Commission rules. Local authorities are encouraged to use the EAS to alert the public of emergency situations. Using the EAS will insure that both broadcasters and cable operators receive the alerts.

The Commission declined to require participation in EAS by Satellite Master Antenna Television (SMATV), Open Video Systems (OVS), and cellular and wired telephone services. The Commission encourages all public service providers to voluntarily participate in EAS. Similarly, the developers of digital technology and new transmission techniques are encouraged to provide for emergency messages in new equipment in order to prevent loss of life and property and to insure that the messages can be delivered in a manner that is economical for the participants in EAS.

Click here for the entire Report and Order in WordPerfect.