The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued final amendments to its Amplifier Rule, aimed at aiding consumers in making direct comparisons of home entertainment amplifiers. The Amplifier Rule, which regulates power output claims for these devices, was initially enacted by the FTC in 1974 to address misleading advertisements and testing methods. It was last reviewed in 2008.

In December 2020, the FTC sought public comments on potential changes as part of a routine regulatory review. After evaluating feedback, the Commission issued a notice of proposed rulemaking in July 2022 to standardize test conditions for measuring amplifier power output and consider how consumers use multichannel home theater amplifiers. A supplemental notice followed in July 2023.

After further evaluation, the FTC approved a final rule adopting standardized test conditions and other improvements related to power output claims for amplifiers used in home entertainment products. This new rule requires uniform test conditions for amplifiers when sellers make specific claims about power output and improves differentiation between compliant and non-compliant disclosures. It also modernizes language related to these modifications.

Additionally, the final rule formalizes prior guidance on applying the rule to multichannel amplifiers. Detailed information can be found in the Federal Register notice titled "Rule Relating to Power Output Claims for Amplifiers Utilized in Home Entertainment Products."

The Commission's vote approving publication of the final rule was unanimous at 5-0. The rule will be published in the Federal Register shortly.

Hong Park, an attorney in the FTC’s Enforcement Division, is leading this matter.

The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition and protect consumers through education and enforcement efforts. For more information or to report fraud, visit consumer.ftc.gov or ReportFraud.ftc.gov.