Stereo Sound is An Increasingly Vital Component In Video Entertainment

Factory-to-dealer sales of televisions utilizing stereo sound were up yet again in October of 1999, according to the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA- formerly CEMA). Sales of stereo televisions increased at their highest rate in the past four months, totaling almost 1.4 million units and representing an 8.2 percent increase over October 1998 figures. The continued growth brought year-to-date sales of stereo televisions to just over 10 million units, up 3.7 percent over the same period in 998. In the year-to-date figures, stereo televisions represent more than 53 percent of total analog television sales.""The continued increase in sales of stereo televisions point sot consumersí ever growing desire for a complete audio/visual experience, said Gary Shapiro, president of CEA. ""We maintain that audio is the soul of the systems, and believe that consumersí desire to enhance their viewing experience through sound will fuel interest in other home theater technologies, such as DVD, digital audio and even high definition TV.""CEA is a sector of the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA), the 75 year old Arlington, Virginia-based trade organization representing all facets of electronics manufacturing. CEA represents more than 500 U.S. manufacturers of audio, video, accessories, mobile electronics, communication, and information technology and multimedia products that are sold through consumer channels.CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES- Your Source for Workstyleô and Lifestyle Technology. All profits form CES are reinvested into industry services, including technical training and education, product promotion, engineering standards development, market research, and governmental and legal affairs support.

Contact:Tim McNamaraTel. 703-907-7033Email: tmcnamar@eia.org