CEA Praises House DTV Hearing.

ARLINGTON, Va. -- The following statement issued yesterday by Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)([R]) President and CEO Gary Shapiro commends the House Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Telecommunication and the Internet for yesterday's hearing which explored the status of the digital television (DTV) transition:

"Yesterday's hearing, just 252 days from the nation's transition to digital television, showcased the efforts of everyone from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to the Leadership Council on Civil Rights (LCCR) and RadioShack to ensure a successful transition. We echo many of the panelists' comments that continued consumer education is crucial to success.

"To date, the implementation of NTIA's converter box coupon program has been incredible and is ensuring consumers are prepared. CEA market research found only 11 percent of television households - some 13 million - are solely over-the-air households, indicating that NTIA has sufficient converter box coupons to meet potential demand. Not all of these households will need a converter box - some will buy DTVs, some will subscribe to cable or satellite. According to our research only 42 percent of over-the-air households intend to purchase a converter box.

"Consumer adoption of DTV also continues to grow day-by-day. By the end of 2007, cumulative sales of DTVs surpassed 85 million, meaning 50 percent of U.S. households now own a DTV. In 2008, we expect another 31 million digital sets to be sold.

"The marketplace is working. The transition is working. Consumer awareness is rapidly growing with 74 percent of consumers familiar with the upcoming 2009 DTV transition, a jump from 41 percent in 2006," said Shapiro. "Our industry and government partnerships on consumer education are successful. CEA remains committed to educating consumers, retailers, manufacturers and legislators about the transition to digital television. We look forward to working with Congress as they continue to work to ensure no consumer is left without knowledge of the digital transition."

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.

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