Consumer Electronics Are Among Most Wanted Graduation Gifts Of 2006; Graduations Represent $2.1 Billion Gift for Consumer Electronics Industry.

ARLINGTON, Va. -- The estimated six million graduates set to receive diplomas and turn tassels across the country this year will be a boon to the consumer electronics (CE) industry, according to research released today by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA(R)). Parents, relatives and friends of students will be shopping for gifts to celebrate the achievement of their loved ones, some 45 percent of whom say they would like to receive CE products for graduation this year.

"Apparently, nothing says 'job well done' like a new plasma TV," says Steve Koenig, CEA's senior manager of industry analysis. "The results of this study demonstrate how important CE products have become in youth culture."

CEA estimates that graduation gifts will account for more than $2.1 billion in spending on consumer electronics this year, particularly in the spring, as peak graduation season. Results of this study place CE products in the top four most wanted graduation gifts, following money (69 percent) and a car or a gift certificate (51 percent). Even among those graduates that receive money as a graduation gift, more than half (55 percent) say they will definitely or probably spend the cash on CE products, which would push the overall spending for the category even higher.

Televisions and computers were the most-wanted gifts among graduates this year. When asked to choose only one CE device for their graduation present, the majority (31 percent) would opt for a TV (any type) while another 22 percent said they would prefer a new PC or notebook computer. Among the TV gift selections, flat-panel TVs (either LCD or plasma) were picked by 22 percent of graduates.

"It's no surprise that TVs and computers are the most popular gifts among graduates," notes Koenig. "Both of these products offer practicality as well as entertainment, whether the graduate is moving on to college or into the workforce."

The 2006 Graduation and CE Study (June 2006) was conducted in May, 2006. It was designed and formulated by CEA Market Research, the most comprehensive source of sales data, forecasts, consumer research and historical trends for the consumer electronics industry. Please cite any information to the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA(R)). The complete study is available free to CEA member companies. Non-members may purchase the study for $499 at www.ce.org/CEAStore.

About CEA:

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the consumer technology industry through technology policy, events, research, promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA represents more than 2,100 corporate members involved in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and integration of audio, video, mobile electronics, wireless and landline communications, information technology, home networking, multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services that are sold through consumer channels. Combined, CEA's members account for more than $125 billion in annual sales. CEA's resources are available online at www.CE.org, the definitive source for information about the consumer electronics industry.

CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES - Defining Tomorrow's Technology. All profits from CES are reinvested into industry services, including technical training and education, industry promotion, engineering standards development, market research and legislative advocacy.

UPCOMING EVENTS

--  The 10th Annual Consumer Electronics CEO Summit
    June 21-24, 2006, Southampton, Bermuda

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