DTV Sales up More Than 100 Percent During Q1 2006, Announces CEA'S Shapiro; Calls on Retailers to Help Educate Consumers About DTV Transition During PARA Management Conference Keynote.

ARLINGTON, Va. -- Sales of digital televisions (DTV) grew more than 100 percent during the first quarter of 2006, announced Consumer Electronics Association (CEA(R)) President and CEO Gary Shapiro during his keynote Saturday at the 2006 PARA Management Conference. Shapiro addressed specialty audio-video dealers attending the conference held in Hilton Head, S.C., May 3-7, 2006.

According to new figures released by CEA, the industry sold 3.4 million DTV units during the first quarter of 2006, equaling a 101 percent increase in unit sales over the same time last year, and $3.6 million in dollar sales. Unit sales of flat panel displays also rose dramatically during the first quarter with a 201 percent jump, bringing to life the findings of a recent CEA survey which showed that 49 percent of consumers say their next television purchase will be some type of flat panel technology.

"More than 35 million DTV units now have now been sold since market introduction in 1998," said Shapiro in his keynote. "These figures demonstrate that consumers continue to embrace this exciting new technology as we move apace to the end of analog broadcasting. We thank specialty retailers for their leading role in driving this unprecedented transition.

"Yet, even as we celebrate our successes, we have much work to do to make sure all consumers weather this transition smoothly. Specifically, we must work together to ensure that consumers have accurate, easy-to-comprehend information about all aspects of the transition."

Shapiro outlined CEA's wealth of voluntary, award-winning educational and promotional initiatives including websites, printed collateral and media outreach. CEA currently operates four websites focusing on consumer and dealer education: www.antennaweb.org, www.myceknowhow.com, www.CEAconnectionsguide.com and www.ce.org/hdtv. CEA also provides resources to help train and provide the latest information to retailers who are on the front lines with consumers. These resources include CEknowhow.com and downloadable and reproducible tip sheets, brochures and point-of-purchase materials.

Shapiro concluded by calling on each of the retailers to join the effort to inform and educate consumers. "Our industry has a responsibility to provide helpful and accurate information to consumers," he stated. "We urge retailers - as well as manufacturers, government agencies and other industries - to look to CEA as a resource for DTV information. At the same time, we pledge that we will continue to take the lead on a number of fronts to ensure this historic transition remains consumer-friendly."

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

    --  2006 SINOCES
        July 7-10, 2006, Qingdao, China

    --  2006 CEA Summer Technology and Standards Forum
        July 24-28, 2006, Coronado, CA

    --  CEA Industry Forum
        October 16-18, 2006, San Francisco, CA

    --  2007 International CES
        January 8-11, 2007, Las Vegas, NV