Comments on a further FCC rulemaking notice on...

Comments on a further FCC rulemaking notice on matters left over from the commission’s rulemaking on accessibility rules for user interfaces and programming guides are due Feb. 18, and replies March 20, according to Friday’s Federal Register (http://1.usa.gov/1chY9im). The accessibility rules for user interfaces and programming guides adopted by the commission in October (CD Nov 1 p2) take effect Jan. 14, said the same issue of the Federal Register (http://1.usa.gov/1l1PNLg). The FNPRM seeks comment on whether the commission should adopt a specific definition of the word “usable” for implementing user interface rules from the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act, and how entities covered by those rules should be required to notify consumers of accessibility options. The FNPRM also asks for comments on whether the FCC has the authority to compel pay-TV providers to provide detailed channel and programming information, including symbols identifying accessibility options and whether manufacturers should make the secondary audio stream used for emergency information available through a single “button, key or icon."