CEMA Launches DTV Antenna Program

The Consumer Electronics Manufacturers Association has created a TV Antenna Selector Map program designed to help retailers guide consumers in selecting he appropriate antenna for their particular needs.Antenna selector maps calculate reception from all full-powered TV stations in a city, including terrain and building obstruction and likely interference. The maps ill be made available to retailers and have been developed for all 211 designated market areas (DMAs).Consumers locate their residence on the map to identify the ìcolorî where they live. Then they consult the antenna selector guide to find out which types of antennas would be most useful. The guide also lists the models available for the reception area.Antenna manufacturers participating in the program include Channel Master, Gemini, Helios Antenna Systems/HDTV Group, Jasco, Lance Industries, Leviton, RIM Electronics, Recoton, Sony, Tandy, Terk Technologies, Thomson Consumer Electronics, Winegard and Zenith. These companies will include stylized CEMA logos on their packaging along with color labels that coordinate with the guide and the map.ìThis program provides essential help to consumers and retailers at a critical juncture,î said CEMA President Gary Shapiro.ìNever before has the general public had such carefully detailed maps that relate to TV reception,î said Neal Terk, President of Terk Technologies. ìThe program all but assures that when a consumer uses one of the recommended antennas they will get off-air reception better than ever before,î he added. ìAdditionally, the antenna selector project includes the DTV ëplanningí factors in its technical assumptions, ensuring that consumers can receive digital television broadcasts through their new antenna.îComplete maps can be ordered by retailers for $25 and $49.95 for consumers from The Shipyard, 2710 NE Summer Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55413. The fax number is 612 676 0090. The kit includes an antenna map book for the specified DMA, an informational brochure, a technical sheet, five pocket reference guides and a five-minute training video. For more information log onto www.CEMAcity.org.