California Energy Commission Targets One of the State`s Only Economic Bright Spots, Says CEA

Regulation of Californians` TVs Would Cost $50 Million and Eliminate 4,600 Jobs
ARLINGTON, Va.--(Business Wire)--
Following Los Angeles Times reporting that Californians are "upgrading their TVs
because they're spending more time at home during the economic downturn," the
Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)® today released new data showing that
shipments of new flat-panel TVs in the U.S. are up 27 percent over the same
period in 2008. More than 1.4 million TVs have been sold in California alone
through the first six months of 2009.

"With a $24 billion deficit and the highest unemployment since the 1940s, there
are few bright spots in California`s economy right now," said Doug Johnson,
senior director of technology policy for CEA. "The last thing California needs
is a regulation that will ultimately cost the state $50 million a year in lost
tax revenue and destroy 4,600 jobs. TVs provide an affordable and convenient and
energy efficient entertainment option for working families, and we urge the CEC
to explore alternatives to this harmful and unnecessary regulation."

The California Energy Commission (CEC) is currently reviewing a proposal to
regulate television electricity. Banning 25 percent of current TV models in
Californians` homes (and 100 percent of plasma TVs over 60 inches), the proposal
would harm California`s economy and small businesses, destroy jobs, increase
prices and decrease consumer choice.

LA TIMES EXCERPT: With TVs a staple in homes nationwide, industry analysts say
they expect flat-panel sales to remain strong even as consumers continue to
scrimp on other retail purchases such as apparel and home furnishings. That may
be because many consumers see a TV more as a necessity than a frivolous
purchase, said Britt Beemer, chairman of consumer behavior firm America's
Research Group. "When you ask consumers what item in the house gives you the
most enjoyment," he said, "TVs will always be No. 1." (LCD and plasma TV sales
brighten retail picture, 6/29/09)

For more information on the CEA`s report demonstrating the economic harm
consumers and businesses in the State of California will suffer under the
California Energy Commission`s proposal to set arbitrary limits on television
electricity usage, please visit:
http://www.ce.org/Press/CurrentNews/press_release_detail.asp?id=11712.

About CEA:
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association
promoting growth in the $172 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. More
than 2,000 companies enjoy the benefits of CEA membership, including legislative
advocacy, market research, technical training and education, industry promotion
and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA also sponsors and
manages the International CES - Where Entertainment, Technology and Business
Converge. All profits from CES are reinvested into CEA`s industry services. Find
CEA online at www.CE.org.

UPCOMING EVENTS

* SINOCES 2009
July 9-12, 2009, Qingdao, China
* 2009 CEA Industry Forum
October 18-21, 2009, Phoenix, AZ
* 2009 i-stage
October 19, 2009, Phoenix, AZ
* Digital Hollywood Fall
October 19-22, 2009, Los Angeles, CA
* CES New York Press Preview featuring CES Unveiled @ NY
November 10, 2009, New York, NY
* Future of Television East
November 18-19, 2009, New York, NY
* 2010 International CES
January 7-10, 2010, Las Vegas, NV

Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)
Meghan Henning, 703-907-7654
mhenning@CE.org
www.CE.org
or
Jennifer Bemisderfer, 703-907-4322
jenb@CE.org

Copyright Business Wire 2009