| Contacts: | Jeff Joseph tel: 703 907-7664 e-mail: jjoseph@CE.org |
Megan Pollock tel: 703-907-7668 e-mail: mpollock@CE.org |
CEA BEWILDERED BY BROADCASTER BOX IMBROGLIO
Publicity Stunt is a Solution in Search of a Problem
| Arlington, Virginia | 6/16/2005 |
The following statement was issued today by Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) President and CEO Gary Shapiro in response to the Association for Maximum Service Television Stations Inc. (MSTV) and the National Association of Broadcasters' (NAB) plan to develop a prototype digital to analog converter box for digital television (DTV) reception:
"This publicity stunt is novel considering that no one before has suggested any problem with creating a relatively simple digital to analog converter box. The issue is market demand. No one sells the product in the U.S. today as most local broadcasters do not have full-power HDTV broadcasts and only 11 percent of TV sets are even used to receive over-the-air (OTA) broadcasting.
"History repeats itself. The NAB commissioned a prototype model radio in 1987 and its commercial success has been underwhelming. We suggest broadcasters focus their resources on promoting OTA broadcasting, rather than trying to confuse the situation and delay a cut-off date," said Shapiro.
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 2,000 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 $121 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.