New technologies disrupt old business models so we face entrenched industries as we introduce new products in the digital age. CEA works in the nation's Capitol and around the country to advance the interests of the industry and consumers. The industry dodged a bullet when the Supreme Court upheld the principles of the Betamax case, although there is enough ambiguity in the decision to have a potentially chilling effect on innovation. The jury is still out on the impact of the decision, and some interests continue to try to chip away at the right to innovate. Protecting consumers "fair use" home recording rights and new product introductions, especially place and time shifting and content management, remain a high priority for CEA.

Energy conservation, environmental impact and recycling CE products are on the agenda in several states, so CEA is urging national standards rather than a patchwork quilt of potentially market-inhibiting local regulations. 

Because the next-generation of digital products will be best used with high-speed Internet connections, the rapid deployment of broadband technologies is crucial.  CEA believes that market-based competition among all communication channels is the best way to promote the growth of broadband. Government involvement in the deployment of broadband should be limited to those areas where there are regulatory or market failures.   

Many states also are enacting laws regarding use of electronics devices in automobiles. CEA believes that continued research, public education campaigns that treat driver distraction comprehensively, and enforcement of existing laws concerning negligent and reckless driving represent the best course of action.

With our great success, comes great responsibility. Our industry must create and market environmentally sound and energy efficient products that make peoples lives more productive and entertaining.  We have to disclose energy usage and we must lead the way with research and education programs. New websites linked to www.ce.org enable consumers to learn about specific product areas and how to use the industry's products safely.

CEA is growing with the industry. Our more than 2,200 corporate CEA members include retailers, integrators, manufacturers and marketers of thousands of electronics products.

As remarkable as the CE industry's growth has been during the past decade, the digital age is still in it infancy. When broadband becomes ubiquitous, both wired and wirelessly, new products will blossom from the fertile spectrum.

And when consumers connect the dozens of digital products in the home for greater enjoyment and utility, even more new products will be introduced. Most of these products will premiere at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES^®). The International CES is the largest annual trade show of any type in North America, making Las Vegas the center of the digital universe every January. See you there in January 2007!

Digital America 2006