Source: Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)
DTV Sales Start Off Strong In 2000
Sales Of Digital Television Products Top 20,000 Units For Fourth Consecutive Month
Factory-to-dealer sales of digital television (DTV) products surpassed the 20,000 unit mark for the fourth consecutive month in January 2000, according to figures released by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). January's total of 21,008 units brings the total sales since introduction of DTV (in August of 1998) to 155,410 units. The strong sales total in January represents a 475 percent increase over last January's figure. All indications point to further gains in 2000, as sales totals increased in each quarter of 1999, with fourth quarter sales surpassing third quarter sales by more than 150 percent. ""January's sales figures represent a tremendous beginning for DTV in 2000,"" said Gary Shapiro, President and CEO of CEA. ""These figures can only continue to grow as a result of the tremendous strides we have already made this year. Our successful resolution of the DTV broadcast standard debate, as well as our recent agreement with the cable industry that will enable consumers to receive DTV programming and services over cable systems, have paved the way for consumers to embrace DTV sooner rather than later."" CEA projects that the first 10 million DTV units will be sold by 2003, the next 10 million in 2004 and 2005, and 10.8 million to be sold in 2006. About The CEA CEA is a sector of the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA), the 76-year-old Arlington, Virginia-based trade organization representing all facets of electronics manufacturing and connecting the industries that define the digital age. CEA represents more than 600 U.S. companies involved in the development, manufacturing and distribution of audio, video, mobile electronics, communications, information technology, multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services, that are sold through consumer channels. Combined, these companies account for more than $60 billion in annual sales. CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES - Your Source for Workstyle and Lifestyle 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. For more information on CES, visit www.CESweb.org, the interactive source for CES news.