B757 Captain is informed after push back that the video system is not operating. After consulting with Maintenance; the Captain is instructed to return to the gate where the system is MEL'ed. The reporter is later chastised by an Assistant Chief Pilot for delaying the flight.

Narrative

Shortly after pushback Flight Attendant informed us of the video system not operating. The aircraft had been released and both engines were running. I called Maintenance and they had us pull and reset breakers; this was no help. Maintenance then told us to go back to the gate and that he would contact Operations to have a mechanic meet our flight. We were still only at our pushback position. We taxied in to gate and Mechanic met our flight. And he had no information. The circuit breakers were pulled and the aircraft was then re-released. We flew fast to try to make passenger connections and arrived within 15 minutes of on time. The next day I was met by an Assistant Chief Pilot. He was cordial and asked me about the delay. The passengers were de-planing. We walked and talked about what occurred the previous day. He informed me that there were 100 misconnects due to our deferred video system. As a Captain; I take great pride in safety; it's not a mantra as other departments might state. For us pilots it's a reality to do our job. As you will recall a DC10 crashed not long ago because of a video system; if Maintenance tells me to go back to the gate; then I'm going back to make sure even though it's only an entertainment device; it could have drastic consequences. Someone in Customer Service or in Management is making very bad decisions to call out Captains for delays on deferred items. This will lead and has led to erosion of Captain's authority!!! I will leave you with this; what does a passenger; crew member think when their Captain is questioned. This has the potential to erode air safety as we now it. For what; on time?!!! [I think it is a] bad decision on their part.