Arlington, Va. – The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) released figures today showing that more than 50 percent of U.S. households now own a digital television (DTV).
The association said consumers are adding DTVs to their homes at a record pace as completion of the digital television transition on Feb. 17, 2009 rapidly approaches.
“I am proud to announce our nation has hit this digital milestone. With 50 percent of U.S. homes able to experience the reality of digital television, we have crossed a critical threshold,” stated Gary Shapiro, CEA president and CEO. “2008 will continue to demonstrate the growth and success of DTV, with nearly 32 million units forecasted to ship. Consumers are particularly keen to add HDTV to their homes, with high definition expected to account for 79 percent of total DTV shipments in the U.S in 2008.”
The association’s sales projections show manufacturers will post 11 percent revenue growth, to over $25 billion, from sales of digital televisions in 2007. CEA also forecasts 13 percent revenue and 17 percent unit sales growth for digital television in 2008.
The CEA will host its annual International CES in Las Vegas, Jan. 7-10, where DTV and related products will be among the highlights of the thousands of consumer electronics products slated to be shown at by the record 2,700 exhibiters.
In addition, CEA plans a number of DTV related panels and conferences including the following:
On Jan. 5 at 2 p.m. in The Venetian, Bellini 2105, Steve Koenig, CEA Industry Analyst and Shawn DuBravac, CEA Economist will present a complete analysis of the state of the industry.
On Jan. 7 at noon, CEA will present “The Conversion to Digital TV: Government Coupon Program and Retailer Participation” session in the LVCC North Hall, room N254. The focus of the session will be on the details around the U.S. government’s $40 converter box coupon program, and will include Kyle Rogg, CLD Services business development senior VP, presenting the requirements and the process for retailer participation in the program.
On Jan. 7 at 1:30 p.m. in LVCC North Hall Room N262, a session entitled “The Goodbye Analog, Hello DTV” will bring together top leaders in the industry who will discuss the educational efforts underway to ensure consumers receive the necessary information to successfully transition to digital television. Jason Oxman, CEA communications VP will moderate the session that will also include Meredith Baker, NTIA Acting Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information; Debra Berlyn, AARP; Jonathan Collegio, National Association of Broadcasters; Catherine Seidel, FCC; Rob Stoddard, National Cable and Telecommunication Association; and Tony Wilhelm, NTIA.
Then on Jan. 8 at 10:30 a.m. in LVCC North Hall room 255-257, FCC Chairman Kevin Martin and CEA president Gary Shapiro will discuss issues related to the digital television transition, cable compatibility, spectrum allocation and other issues.
