89/337/EEC: Council Decision of 27 April 1989 on high- definition television

• Articles: 3

Article 1

The following objectives are hereby adopted as the basis of a comprehensive strategy for the introduction of high-definition television (HDTV) services in Europe:

Objective 1

To make every effort to ensure that the European industry develops in time all the technology, components and equipment required for the launching of HDTV services.

Objective 2

To promote the adoption of the European proposal based on the 1 250 lines, 50 complete frames per second progressive scanning parameters, as the single world standard for the origination and exchange of HDTV programme material.

Objective 3

To promote the widest use of the European HDTV system throughout the world.

Objective 4

To promote the introduction, as soon as possible - and in accordance with a suitable timetable from 1992 - of HDTV services in Europe.

Objective 5

To make every effort to ensure that the European film and television production industry achieves the capability, experience and dimension required to occupy a competitive position on the HDTV world market and to allow the Member States to make their own cultural contribution.

Article 2

In order to attain the objectives referred to in Article 1, an action plan for the introduction of HDTV shall be prepared in close coordination at Community level between the Commission and the Member States, where appropriate

through national mechanisms, in consultation, in particular, with:

- terrestrial broadcasters,

- satellite television broadcasters and distributors,

- cable operators,

- professional and consumer electronics equipment manufacturers,

- the television and film production industry,

- audiovisual and higher education technological institutes,

- consumer organizations,

throughout the Community, and throughout Europe as a whole, in close coordination on a complementary basis with the Eureka HDTV project participants and coordinators.

Article 3

On the basis of the results of the consultations referred to in Article 2 and on a proposal from the Commission, the Council shall examine an action plan for the introduction of HDTV services. This action plan should also include mechanisms allowing European third countries to participate.

Done at Luxembourg, 27 April 1989.

For the Council

The President

J. BARRIONUEVO PEÑA

(1) OJ No C 37, 14. 2. 1989, p. 5.

(2) OJ No C 120, 16. 4. 1989.

(3) Opinion delivered on 26 April 1989 (not yet published in the Official Journal).