[LINK] Fwd: MR 22/9/2010: ACCC, ACMA urge consumers to be cautious when buying a 3D television to watch AFL, NRL grand finals [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]

[Antony Barry]

Begin forwarded message:

> From: media at acma.gov.au
> Date: 22 September 2010 3:17:21 PM AEST
> To: <tony at tony-barry.emu.id.au>
> Subject: MR 22/9/2010: ACCC, ACMA urge consumers to be cautious when buying a 3D television to watch AFL, NRL grand finals [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]
> Reply-To: media at acma.gov.au
> 
> ACCC, ACMA urge consumers to be cautious when buying a 3D television to watch AFL, NRL grand finals 
> 
> The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and the Australian Communication and Media Authority today urged consumers to be cautious if considering buying a 3D television set to watch the Australian Football League grand final on Saturday or the National Rugby League grand final on 3 October 2010, as the games will only be broadcast in 3D in certain Australian cities. 
> 
> The ACCC and the ACMA are concerned about marketing by some retailers that encourages consumers to buy a 3D television to watch the grand finals when some customers may be living in areas where the 3D format is unavailable. The AFL and NRL grand finals will only be broadcast in 3D in Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane and Perth. 
> 
> The ACCC is concerned that the retailers' marketing may be false or misleading and may breach the Trade Practices Act 1974 if the 3D broadcasts cannot be received in the customer's area. 
> 
> 'Before consumers buy a 3D television to watch the football grand finals, they should doublecheck with a special 3D TV viewer hotline set up by the trial broadcasters to ensure they are within the transmission area,' ACCC chairman Graeme Samuel said. 
> 
> '3D TV is an emerging technology with a range of issues under consideration, including policy and consumer protection issues, and the future of temporary trials,' said ACMA chairman Chris Chapman. 
> 
> 'Vacant spectrum being used for these trials is only available on a temporary basis and the technical standards for 3D TV are still evolving. The ACMA has released a discussion paper concerning 3D TV.' 
> 
> Most viewers in the six locations, with access to a 3D-ready digital television set, will be able to watch the live broadcast of the grand finals in 3D through digital channel 40. But not all residents in these areas are guaranteed an adequate signal. 
> 
> People who live outside of these cities will not be able to watch the games in 3D, even with a 3D-ready television. 
> 
> The 3D TV viewer hotline can be reached on 1300 487 855. 
> 
> The Temporary trials of 3D TV and other emerging technologies discussion paper can be found on the ACMA website. 
> 
> The ACCC is investigating the representations with a number of retailers. 
> 
> ACCC media inquiries
> Mr Graeme Samuel, chairman, (03) 9290 1812 or mobile/pager 0408 335 555
> Ms Lin Enright, director, media unit, (02) 6243 1108 or 0414 613 520
> General inquiries - Infocentre: 1300 302 502 
> 
> ACMA media inquiries
> Christine Donnelly, Assistant Media Manager, (02) 9334 7857 or 0401 754 344 
> 
> ACCC NR 196/10
> 22 September 2010 
> 
> 
> Follow the ACMA online
> ACMA - See www.acma.gov.au for updates and other social media activities 
> Twitter - Find us at acmadotgov 
> Facebook - Join in the discussion at acmadotgov