View Rule

This rule, also known as the Picture Tube Rule, became effective in 1967. The rule sets forth appropriate methods for measuring television screens when that measure is included in any advertisement or promotional material for the television set. If the measurement of the screen size is based on a measurement other than the horizontal dimension of the actual viewable picture area, the method of measurement must be clearly and conspicuously disclosed in close proximity to the size designation.

On June 28, 2017, the Commission initiated a periodic rule review of this Rule and requested comments on, among other things, its economic impact, and whether there is a continuing need for this rule or if it can be repealed; possible conflicts between the Rule and State, local, and other Federal laws; and the effect on the Rule of any technological, economic, or other industry changes. 82 FR 29256. The comment period closed on August 31, 2017.  Based on the comments received and prevailing market practices, the Commission published an NPRM on April 18, 2018, that proposed to repeal the Rule. The comment period closed on May 14, 2018. On October 2, 2018, the Commission announced the completion of its regulatory review of the Rule. The Commission determined that the Rule is no longer necessary to prevent deceptive claims regarding the size of television screens and to encourage uniformity and accuracy in their marketing. The Commission is therefore repealing the Rule, effective 90 days after publication in the Federal Register .