FTC Approves Publication of Federal Register Notice on Picture Tube Rule

Commission approval of Federal Register notice: The Commission has approved the publication of a Federal Register notice announcing the retention of the Rule on Deceptive Advertising as to Sizes of Viewable Pictures Shown by Television Receiving Sets (Picture Tube Rule), 16 C.F.R. Part 410, without modification, following the conclusion of its regulatory review of the Rule. Originally promulgated in 1966 and last amended in 1994, the Rule sets forth the appropriate means for disclosing the method by which the dimensions of television screens are measured when this measurement is included in any advertisement or promotional material.

The Rule requires advertisers to base any representation of the screen size on the horizontal dimension of the actual, viewable area, unless they disclose the alternative method of measurement clearly and conspicuously in close proximity to the size designation. The FTC has now reviewed all comments received during the regulatory review period and concluded that the Rule continues to serve a useful purpose and imposes minimal costs. The Commission concluded that the Rule ensures the flexibility needed by the industry to use the method of measuring television screens it prefers to meet consumer expectations and compete effectively, while making certain that consumers have enough information regarding screen size to make informed purchasing decisions. Accordingly, the Commission has decided to retain the Rule with no changes or modifications.

The Commission vote approving publication of the Federal Register notice was 5-0. A copy of the notice can be found as a link to this press release and on the FTC’s Web site. (FTC File No. P924214; the staff contact is Carol Jennings, Bureau of Consumer Protection, 202-326-3010.)

Copies of the documents mentioned in this release are available from the FTC’s Web site at http://www.ftc.gov and from the FTC’s Consumer Response Center, Room 130, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20580. Call toll-free: 1-877-FTC-HELP.