| Contacts: | Megan Pollock tel: 703-907-7668 e-mail: mpollock@CE.org |
Shermaze Ingram tel: 202-429-5477 e-mail: singram@NAB.org www.NAB.org |
ARKANSAS TEACHER WINS FIRST MONTH’S “RABBIT EARS PIONEERS” CONTEST
Poetic Winner Receives Converter Box and Antenna for Vintage Black-and-White Analog TV
| Arlington, Virginia | 7/16/2008 |
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)® and the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) today announced the first semi-final winner of the “Rabbit Ears Pioneers” contest, JoNancy Linn Sundberg of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. The contest encourages over-the-air television viewers to prepare now for the nation’s transition to digital television, which will be complete on February 17, 2009.
Sundberg, 69, received her prize of a Zenith converter box and RCA digital reception antenna this morning during an in-studio appearance on her favorite program, the morning news on KTHV-TV, Little Rock’s CBS affiliate. With her converter box and new antenna, Sundberg will receive digital channels for free over-the-air using her black-and-white analog TV set purchased in 1982.
As a semi-finalist, Sundberg also qualifies for the grand prize of a high definition home entertainment center. Sundberg, who is a retired first-grade teacher and published author, created what she calls a “first-grade rhyme” for the contest. Her entry received the highest overall rating for creativity and originality by an independent judging panel comprised of electronics industry experts. The following excerpt is from her entry:
“I’ve never had anything
But an analog TV.
When February ’09 arrives,
I’ll be bereft, you see,
Of all the information and entertainment
That so appeals to me.
So please consider my entry favorably!”
“Ms. Sundberg’s poetic tribute to analog television is a reminder of a time when life was a little simpler. We are thrilled to have such a thoughtful winner, and we offer our most sincere congratulations,” said Gary Shapiro, CEA’s president and CEO. “We are pleased to present her with a digital-to-analog converter box which will ensure her trusty analog set will work for years to come.”
“As this winning entry shows, television is ever-evolving but has remained a constant companion and entertainer throughout the decades,” said NAB President and CEO David Rehr. “As we move into the digital future, this viewer can relish another revolution in broadcasting with the crystal clear picture and sound of digital television.”
Entries are still being accepted for Rabbit Ears Pioneers, and semi-final winners will be announced in August, September and October 2008. The grand prize winning entry will be announced in November as part of the 100-day countdown to the transition and in time to kick-off the holiday season. Full entry details can be found at www.antennaweb.org.
By law, all full-power television stations must transition to all-digital broadcasting on February 17, 2009. Consumers who use an analog television to receive over-the-air broadcast signals will need to take steps to continue watching television. Their options include purchasing a DTV converter box or digital TV set, or subscribing to cable or other pay TV service to begin viewing digital television now.
About NAB:
The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association for America's broadcasters. As the voice of more than 8,300 radio and television stations, NAB advances their interests in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital age. Learn more at www.nab.org.
About CEA:
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the $161 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. More than 2,200 companies enjoy the benefits of CEA membership, including legislative advocacy, market research, technical training and education, industry promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES – Where Entertainment, Technology and Business Converge. All profits from CES are reinvested into CEA’s industry services. Find CEA online at www.CE.org.
Follow the 2009 International CES on Twitter at http://twitter.com/2009CES and visit the International CES Page on Facebook.
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ARKANSAS TEACHER WINS FIRST "RABBIT EARS PIONEERS"