Phillips Electronics Offers DTV For DummiesFree Booklet Answers Consumer Questions About Digital Television

Philips Electronics today announced the availability of DTV For DummiesÆ, a free booklet, which answers consumer questions about Digital Television. The reference guide is published by IDG books worldwide, publisher of the popular and easy-to-understandÖFor DummiesÆ series. DTV for Dummies is available free to consumers throughout the toll free number 888/747/3138 and excerpts will be published on the Philips Electronics website at www.philipsusa.com and www.widescreenreview.com.""We believe that education is the single is the single-most important factor in the transition to digital television,"" said Cees Jan Koomen, President & CEO, Phillips Digital Video Group. ""Over the next few years, the transition to digital television will affect nearly every consumer in America. By partnering with IDG Books, we have created a resource that offers not only definitions and explanations of what this technology is, but also a step-by-step guide on what a consumer needs to know what making a purchasing decision.""Easy-To-Understand ExplanationsDigital television broadcasts began in November 1998 at more than 40 stations in the top U.S. markets. By November of 1999, half of all U.S. households will have access to a digital signal, according to a mandate by the Federal communications Commission (FCC). Many consumers are asking, ""what does all of this mean to me?""DTV for Dummies, authored by Philips Digital TV experts and IDG technology writers, explains:- How digital technology works- What benefits viewers can expect- What consumers need to ask before buying a digital television or converter boxDTV for Dummies explores key issues consumers are facing, such as; how long can I use my current analog TV; how do I access Digital TV with my cable, satellite dish or antenna; and what services will I be able to receive with Digital Television? DTV for Dummies also contains a list of question consumers need to ask before making a buying decision, such as: what is my budget; how many stations in my area are broadcasting digital signals; and do I have the right kind of antenna?""Because many consumers are confused about this exciting new technology, Philips Electronics asked us to help,"" said Lisa Coleman, IDG Books Director of Special Markets. ""Using our trademark is fun and easyÖFor Dummies format, we created a booklet filled with humor, helpful icons and cartoons to build consumer confidence. DTV for Dummies is a perfect survival guide for the new era of digital television.""Educational Outreach For Digital TelevisionPhilips Electronics is offering DTV for Dummies as part of its role as the major sponsor of the HARRIS/PBS DTV Express. The HARRIS/PBS DTV Express is a state-of-the-art educational and technological road show that will travel to over 40 cities across the United States over a 15-month period to explain the benefits and service opportunities of Digital Television to broadcasters, policy makers and educators.Philips 64-Inch Rear Projection HDTVDigital Television promises to make a dramatic impact in home entertainment and Philips is among the first companies to offer a fully integrated HDTV receiver. The rear projection television uses a maximum high definition display of 1080 interlaced x 1920 lines of resolution with a 16:9 (1.78:1) widescreen format to create a true-to life cinema experience. The result is over 2 million pixels of breathtaking picture quality, compared to the current analog standard of 250,000 pixels. With Philips HDTV, a viewer will now appreciate details he/she has never been able to see before, such as the freckles on a childís cheeks.Further distinguishing its HDTV from competing models, Philips uses three 9-inch cathode ray tubes - versus the industry average 7-inch tubes - and first surface mirrors to eliminate light refraction, creating the brightest, sharpest, picture available on the market.