As we approach the analog television transmission shutoff date, and as more Americans install digital TV sets in their homes, the ability to easily hook up accessory devices like DVRs to DTV sets is critical.
Brian Markwalter, Vice President of Technology and Standards, CEA

A new digital television interface standard has been published by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). The new standard is intended to enable consumers to easily set-up and control a digital television accessory, like a set-top box or digital video recorder (DVR), using their TV screen.

“As we approach the analog television transmission shutoff date, and as more Americans install digital TV sets in their homes, the ability to easily hook up accessory devices like DVRs to DTV sets is critical,” said CEA’s Vice President of Technology and Standards Brian Markwalter. "This improved CEA standard will make life easier for those consumers who chose to do this with a radio frequency (RF) connection.”

Paul Thomsen, director, design / technology & standards for Hitachi America Ltd. said, "The revisions we’ve made will enable deployment of consumer electronic products that make it easier for consumers to control accessory devices using DTV on-screen menus."