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FTC

RIN: 3084-AB09

Publication ID: Fall 2008

Title: Trade Regulation Rule Concerning Power Output Claims for Amplifiers Utilized in Home Entertainment Products
Abstract: Promulgated in 1974 and last reviewed within the last 5 years, the Trade Regulation Rule Concerning Power Output Claims for Amplifiers Utilized in Home Entertainment Products (Amplifier Rule or Rule) was to assist consumers in purchasing power amplification equipment for home entertainment purposes by standardizing the measurement and disclosure of various performance characteristics of the equipment. The Amplifier Rule establishes uniform test standards and disclosures so that consumers can make more meaningful comparisons of performance attributes. The Rule makes it an unfair or deceptive act or practice for manufacturers and sellers of sound power amplification equipment for home entertainment purposes to fail to disclose certain performance information in connection with direct or indirect representations of power output, power band, frequency, or distortion characteristics. The Rule also sets out standard test conditions for performing the measurements that support the required performance disclosures. Further, the Rule prohibits representations of performance characteristics if they are not obtainable when the equipment is operated by the consumer in the usual and ordinary manner without the use of extraneous aids. On February 22, 2008, the Commission announced that it was requesting comments on the rule as part of the Commission's systematic review of all current Commission rules and guides. The Commission sought comments on, among other things, the economic impact and benefits of this rule; possible conflict between the rule and State, local, or other Federal laws or regulations; and the effect on the rule of any technological, economic, or other industry changes.
Agency: Federal Trade Commission(FTC)	Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda	Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Prerule Stage
Major: No	Unfunded Mandates: No
CFR Citation: 16 CFR 432
Legal Authority: 15 USC 41 et seq

Legal Deadline: None

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite
ANPRM	02/27/2008	73 FR 10403
ANPRM Comment Period End	05/12/2008
Commission Action	12/00/2008

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No	Government Levels Affected: None
Small Entities Affected: Businesses	Federalism: No
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No
Related RINs: Previously reported as 3084-AA81
Agency Contact: Jock K. Chung Attorney Federal Trade Commission 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, CC-9528, Washington, DC 20580 Phone:202 326-2984 Email: jchung@ftc.gov