{(The Hon) XXXX MP
Minister for XXXX}
Address

{Remove text in {} if your local MP is not a Minister}

[TODAY’S DATE]	

Dear {Minister}/XXXXX MP,

I write to you as a constituent that is passionate about Digital Television and to tell you how angry I'm becoming at with the way digital broadcasting is being delivered in this country.

I bought into digital TV early on, and for years now I've been waiting for some return on my investment.

Apart from an initial increase in picture and audio quality, there was very little benefit in adopting the new technology. However, knowing the additional functionality that digital television could provide if delivered properly, and mindful that the analogue broadcasts must eventually be switched off, I took the plunge and invested in the equipment.

Imagine my disappointment when I realised that the television stations, for reasons known only to themselves, would hold back introducing things like the Electronic Program Guide (EPG) over the air, or multi-channelling.

It’s been nearly eight years since digital broadcasts were turned on, and only recently have the networks decided to turn on the EPG functionality. However, the inconsistency of the data between networks renders the provision of the guide less than useful in the context of most modern equipment, Also, in true anti-competitive style, the broadcasters have taken it upon themselves to enforce onerous restrictions, including:
* Broadcasters are not authorising the use of the programs listing data in PVRs where 'ad-skip' functionality goes beyond a maximum fast forward speed of x60; broadcasters reserve their rights with respect to those suppliers;
* In addition, the PVRs that display the EPG must employ adequate copy protection measures to prevent the redistribution of free to air content outside the home or on the internet; and
* Broadcasters reserve their rights subject to the Commonwealth Copyright Act 1968, to take legal action at any time for copyright infringement where program listings are used in contravention of these terms.
These restrictions are clearly ridiculous. There are already laws that prohibit the unauthorised distribution of copyright material such as the TV shows themselves. Extending this to the list of what’s on when is bordering on the absurd.

Using an electronic program guide for the purposes of scheduling my viewing doesn’t make me a criminal. But according to these usage restrictions it may well do so!
For instance, there are many personal video recorders on the market that have skip functionality, and they also use the EPG broadcast by the networks. According to the broadcasters, if I use this equipment (even if it was purchased prior to these ridiculous restrictions, and conforms to a worldwide standard) that makes me a criminal and liable to prosecution.

Overseas these problems do not exist. Either the broadcasters have taken a mature approach and everyone benefits, or the relevant regulators have stepped up to the plate. If the broadcasters won’t play ball here, it’s your responsibility to make them.

Free to air TV is broadcast for the people and the bandwidth it's broadcast on is owned by the people and licensed to the stations.

I can pick up TV week or any old newspaper and find out what is on and when, but if I have modern digital reception equipment, I can’t do the same in electronic form.

I want a free, accurate, and importantly unencumbered guide for use by everyone. Since the networks appear unwilling to do so, it’s up to you.

I want:
* a guide that is delivered FREE of charge;
* a guide that is delivered in formats suitable for any device currently on the market, this includes those capable of receiving EIT data and those capable of downloading guide data via the Internet; 
* the guide to be accurate and updated in a timely fashion;
* the guide to be of a standard at least comparable to those available in the print media with specific reference to case (not all capitals) and spelling;
* the titles of shows to follow a specific naming convention from week to week that does not unnecessarily change; and
* that the programming contained within the guide is appropriately categorised and adheres to the Commercial Television Industry Code of Practice. 

In short, I want free and reliable access to quality guide data that allows the public to use the digital TV equipment it has invested in, and will invest in, to its full potential.

I also believe that companies wishing to develop ‘value-add’ services based on time and title information should, in the spirit of competition, be allowed fair access to this information as well.

Please write back to me and let me know how you intend to address the issues I have raised and deliver on the promise of digital television for this country.

Yours Sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]
[YOUR POSTAL ADDRESS]