I find myself commenting here on a rumor that balanced power is on its way out in the US.
This is patent nonsense.
In 1996, Article 530 Part "G" was adopted in the National Electrical Code by the members of Technical Panel #15 which includes representation from literally every segment of the electrical industry including electrical inspectors, chief electrical engineers of large corporations such as Universal Studios, manufacturers, IBEW Union representatives and a host of other electrical authorities.
In the most recent edition of the 2002 National Electrical Code, Article 530 Part "G" was superceded by a new article dedicated soly to the implementation of balanced power. The committee felt that its place deserved an article of its own in the codebook. That would be Article 647. The primary difference between the former text and the current version is that the scope of balanced power has been widened to include ANY sensitive electronic apparatus, not only sound and video equipment.
This doesn't sound to me like anyone is going to ban anything. Rather, it is quickly becoming the electrical industry standard for applying power to sensitive electronics of any type.
I hope this straightens out any confusion.
Thanks for the space.
Martin Glasband
President, Equi=Tech Corporation
Author Article 530 Part "G" 1996, 1999 NEC
Author Article 647 2002 NEC