CEA Announces HDTV Promotional Program in Conjunction With Cinema Screen Media

[Gregg Lengling]

ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 25, 2002--The Consumer Electronics Association, in conjunction with Cinema Screen Media, today announced it will promote High Definition Television (HDTV) to a wider consumer audience this fall when it begins advertising HDTV home theater in select theaters in Northern Virginia, Maryland and the Richmond, Virginia areas.
    The spots will run on 98 Regal Cinema screens beginning October 4 and will run through December 27, 2002, totaling over 150,000 hits. In addition, CEA is investigating demonstrating HDTV home theater systems in some of the theaters.
    "We are very excited about this promotion," said Jeffrey Joseph, vice president, communications and strategic relationships for CEA. "This test program is an extension of our extensive 2002 HDTV promotional program aimed at educating the public about high definition television. Our goal is to make as many consumers as possible aware of the incredible viewing experience that HDTV delivers."
    Throughout 2002, CEA has conducted an extensive consumer and retailer HDTV promotional program. Current and upcoming events and activities include:

 
--  Retail/Broadcaster/Cable Operator Update HDTV Meetings were conducted in Philadelphia, Boston, Washington, D.C. this month. More than 150 retailers, broadcasters and cable operators have attended these training events led by Jim Barry, CEA's media spokesperson. Two additional update meetings will be held in San Francisco and Los Angeles in October.  
--  An HDTV Video News Release will be distributed nationwide in November promoting and explaining the benefits and features of HDTV.  
--  A Consumer Electronics Show HDTV Sports Bar will showcase some of the most exciting and compelling HDTV sports programming ever produced.  
--  HDTV Sporting Events In The Nation's Capitol. CEA is exploring opportunities to hold HDTV events in Washington DC later this year.  
--  2003 DTV Summit will be held on March 10, 2003 in Washington. CEA will announce programming details soon.  

    Sales of DTV products are on track to exceed two million units this year and throughout 2002 have surpassed expectations. Sales in July rose 81 percent compared to the same period in 2001 representing a 66 percent dollar sales increase.
    "As consumers become more aware of HDTV and its benefits, the numbers will continue to rise dramatically. We will continue to focus our efforts in getting HDTV in front of consumers," Joseph added