Consumer Awareness of the DTV Transition up 80 Percent since 2006, Says CEA

Government and Industry Education Campaign Ensuring a Successful
Transition
ARLINGTON, Va.--(Business Wire)--
Consumer awareness of the transition to digital television (DTV)
grew 80 percent since 2006, according to new market research released
today by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA(R)). CEA unveiled
the encouraging new survey numbers today during a DTV awareness event
at a Washington, D.C., Best Buy.

The event featured Commerce Secretary Carols M. Gutierrez, Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Kevin Martin, and executives
from CEA, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), National
Cable and Telecommunications Association (NCTA), and Best Buy, each
discussing their efforts to educate consumers about the transition.

"The digital television transition is on time, on track and
consumers understand that it is coming next year," said Jason Oxman,
vice president, communications and member relations, CEA. "Our survey
results show the joint educational efforts of government and the
private sector are working, and the digital television transition will
be a success. CEA's research revealed that the top sources consumers
are using to learn about the transition include television (72%),
family and friends (39%) and the Internet (26%)."

CEA also released new survey results that predict the success of
the National Telecommunication and Information Administration (NTIA)'s
converter box coupon program which launched in January and was
prominently featured at the 2008 International CES. Converter boxes
are only needed for consumers who watch over-the-air broadcasts on an
analog television. CEA's survey found only 11 percent of television
households - approximately 13 million - are solely over-the-air
households, indicating that NTIA has sufficient converter box coupons
to meet potential demand.

CEA remains committed to educating consumers, retailers,
manufacturers and legislators about the transition to digital
television. CEA's ongoing award-winning efforts include websites,
printed collateral and media outreach. CEA currently operates websites
that provide information about the DTV transition through consumer
(DigitalTips.org and AntennaWeb.org) and retailer education
(CEknowhow.com). CEA produced a "DTV 101" video for consumers that
explains the transition and provides technical information on digital
television and converter boxes, and CEA has worked with retailers,
broadcasters and other stakeholders to distribute the video widely to
consumers. CEA is also a founding member of the DTV Transition
Coalition (DTVtransition.org), which works to ensure educational
materials reach a broad audience.

About CEA:

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade
association promoting growth in the $161 billion U.S. consumer
electronics industry. More than 2,200 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

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-- Digital Music Forum East
February 26-27, 2008, New York, NY

-- EHX Spring 2008
March 11-15, 2008, Orlando, FL

-- 2008 PARA Conference
March 12-14, 2008, Orlando, FL

-- Digital Patriots Dinner
April 2, 2008, Washington, DC

-- CEA Washington Forum
April 2-4, 2008, Washington, DC

-- International CES/Hometech
May 25-27, 2008, Dubai, UAE

-- DIGITAL DOWNTOWN (D2)
June 12-14, 2008, New York, NY

-- Connections(TM): The Digital Living Conference and Showcase
June 24-26, 2008, Santa Clara, CA

-- SINOCES 2008
July 10-13, 2008, Qingdao, China

-- CEA Industry Forum
October 19-22, 2008, Las Vegas, NV

-- Digital Hollywood
October 27-30, 2008, Hollywood, CA

-- EHX Fall 2008
November 4-7, 2008, Long Beach, CA
*T

Consumer Electronics Association
Jenny Pareti, 703-907-7079
jpareti@ce.org
http://www.CE.org
or
Megan Pollock, 703-907-7668
mpollock@ce.org

Copyright Business Wire 2008