| Contacts: | Jeff Joseph tel: 703 907-7664 e-mail: jjoseph@CE.org |
Megan Pollock tel: 703-907-7668 e-mail: mpollock@CE.org |
2005 DTV SALES TO DATE INCREASE 45 PERCENT COMPARED TO LAST YEAR
Sales Soar January Through June as Prices Continue to Drop
| Arlington, Virginia | 8/19/2005 |
Digital television (DTV) sales continue to soar as demonstrated by the latest factory-to-dealer sales released today by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). According to CEA, 3.8 million units have been shipped from January through June of 2005, bringing the total dollar sales to date to more than $4.6 billion. These sales figures mark a 45 percent increase in unit sales and a 23 percent increase in dollar sales over the same period in 2004.
The average factory-to-dealer decrease in price has been a driver in the continued adoption of DTV sets. The price since January has dropped more than $200 bringing the average factory-to-dealer sales price to $1,159 per DTV set. As the sales prices continue to drop, every month in 2005 has seen an increase in sales over the previous month.
"It is a great time to buy - the number of DTV products and the wide range of prices has created a truly competitive marketplace," said CEA President and CEO Gary Shapiro. "There is increased competition among retailers, manufacturers and the technologies. More high-definition (HD) programming is announced each day and Congress continues to keep this issue a top priority. We're hopeful a cut-off date will soon be established for analog broadcasting. To date, more than seven million devices are capable of receiving HD content.
"CEA continues to celebrate the successful transition to DTV. This year, it is predicted that consumers will buy more digital sets than analog. As consumers choose to go digital, 86 percent are choosing the best digital has to offer - HDTV. To date, seven million U.S. households are capable of receiving HD programming via either over-the-air or cable. CEA has been a part of this transition since the first set was announced at the International CES and we look forward to continuing to take the necessary steps to ensure a rapid, consumer-friendly end to the DTV transition."
Data cited in this release is available for purchase through CEA's Market Activity Reports and Analysis (MARA) program. With more than 500 reports published annually, the MARA program is recognized as the "authoritative source" for data on the consumer electronics industry.
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.
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2005 DTV SALES TO DATE INCREASE 45 PERCENT COMPARE