ATSC, CEA and NAB Host "DTV Drafthouse" at NAB Convention

[Gregg Lengling]

DTV Technologies of Today and Tomorrow on Tap

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Washington, District of Columbia 2/13/2003

The Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC), the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) are partnering once again to showcase digital television (DTV) products and technology in the "DTV Drafthouse: Technology On Tap!" at the upcoming NAB2003 Convention, April 5 - 10 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Amidst a bar setting no DTV enthusiast could resist, a multitude of manufacturers will display the latest integrated televisions, monitors utilizing various display technologies, receivers/set-top boxes, PC solutions, antennas and more in the DTV Drafthouse, which will be located in the Las Vegas Convention Center's Central Grand Lobby. In addition to serving the latest in DTV technology, the Drafthouse will offer wine, beer and snacks for sale. The DTV Drafthouse will be open Saturday and Sunday, April 5 and 6, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Monday through Wednesday, April 7 - 9, from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; and Thursday, April 10 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The three organizations previously showcased DTV through the popular "DTV Store" concept, which drew enthusiastic crowds and praise at the past two NAB conventions.

"We had a tremendous response to the DTV Store at previous NAB conventions and we're excited to combine hot DTV technology with an even more engaging atmosphere through the DTV Drafthouse at the 2003 NAB show," said CEA President and CEO Gary Shapiro. "The DTV Drafthouse will make it evident to all NAB attendees just how far we've come in the DTV transition. More than 450 DTV products are on the market today and consumers already have purchased more than 4 million of them and have invested nearly $9 billion in DTV."

"With 747 stations now broadcasting digitally, and more going on the air every day, almost all Americans have access to one or more over-the-air DTV signals and almost three-quarters of the population are in markets where there are five or more DTV signals," said NAB President and CEO Edward O. Fritts. "This collaborative exhibit between NAB, CEA and ATSC shows just a sample of the terrific DTV products that are now available to consumers as well as a glimpse at some of the leading edge new technologies for the next generation of products and services that will be unleashed by the DTV revolution." "The DTV Drafthouse will highlight the rapid evolution of DTV products and technologies," said Mark Richer, president of ATSC. He added, "We will also demonstrate the capabilities of some of the latest ATSC and CEA DTV standards." A list of Drafthouse sponsors, as well as products and DTV programs to be showcased in the DTV Drafthouse will be announced in late March.

About ATSC
The Advanced Television Systems Committee is an international, non-profit organization developing voluntary standards for digital television. The ATSC member organizations represent the broadcast, broadcast equipment, motion picture, consumer electronics, computer, cable, satellite and semiconductor industries.

About CEA
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) represents more than 1,000 corporate members involved in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and integration of audio, video, mobile electronics, wireless and landline communications, information technology, home networking, multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services that are sold through consumer channels. Combined, CEA's members account for more than $80 billion in annual sales. CEA's resources are available online at //www.CE.org, the definitive source for information about the consumer electronics industry.

CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES - Defining Technology's Future. All profits from CES are reinvested into industry services, including technical training and education, industry promotion, engineering standards development, market research and legislative advocacy.

About NAB
NAB2003 takes place April 5 - 10 in Las Vegas (exhibits open April 7). It is the world's largest electronic media show covering the development, delivery and management of professional video and audio content across all mediums. Complete NAB2003 details are available at //www.nab.org/conventions/nab2003. The National Association of Broadcasters is a full-service trade association that promotes and protects free, over-the-air local radio and television stations' interests in Washington and around the world. NAB is the broadcaster's voice before Congress, federal agencies, and the courts. NAB also serves a growing number of associate and international broadcaster members. Information about NAB can be found at //www.nab.org.