CEA's Shapiro Outlines New Business Opportunities for Custom Electronics Professionals During Spring EHX Keynote; CEA President and CEO Shares Insights on New CE Industry Prospects and Challenges

Business Wire, March 30, 2006

ARLINGTON, Va. -- "Custom electronics integrators, installers and retailers are on the cusp of new market trends and business opportunities," said Consumer Electronics Association (CEA(R)) President and CEO Gary Shapiro this morning during his opening keynote address at Electronic House Expo (EHX). EHX runs through April 1, 2006 in Orlando, Florida.

In his speech, Shapiro outlined three emerging trends in the digital revolution that will help fuel the burgeoning custom market: the adoption of broadband in the home, increased popularity of full gaming environments and convergence between devices. He cited CEA market research that supports these trends.

"It's a fact - broadband spurs consumer electronics (CE) product ownership. We are seeing an exciting extension of that into the melding of digital devices and digital content delivery. This is especially true as gaming and custom electronics merge," stated Shapiro. "Last week CEA released new research showing that three times as many adults are spending more time gaming than teens. All of this demands increased integration and specialized service and support - in other words, more business opportunities for the custom electronics integrator."

Shapiro also outlined industry challenges that impact these opportunities, including fighting for the preservation of customary home recording and fair use rights in the digital age and properly educating consumers about the analog to digital television (DTV) transition.

"With all our industry has to offer consumers, a lot of challenges lie ahead. These challenges affect your (custom electronics professionals) market, business and bottom line. Without innovation, compatibility and connectivity none of us would be here," said Shapiro.

During his opening keynote address, Shapiro was joined by two active CEA members representing CEA's TechHome and PARA Divisions - David Epstein, founder and president of Sound Solutions and vice chairman of CEA's TechHome division and Gary Yacoubian, president and COO of MyerEmco Audio Video and CEA's PARA division chairman. Each shared a unique perspective on their industry segment.

"The ascendance of residential broadband has created a situation where our clients are almost demanding that we provide them with expertise and solutions that encompass their home network. We have come to realize that we cannot execute the vision of fulfillment of residential CE technologies unless we fully embrace IP-based networking platforms," said Yacoubian.

"I cannot imagine a more exciting time in the history of the consumer electronics industry, nor a better place to be positioned than as a systems integrator. The changeover from old to new technologies presents an amazing opportunity for us (custom integrators) because almost all involve some level of integration," said Epstein.

For more information visit: www.CE.org or www.ehxweb.com.

About CEA:

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the consumer technology industry through technology policy, events, research, promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA represents more than 2,100 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 $125 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 Tomorrow's 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.

UPCOMING EVENTS

    --  EHX Spring 2006
        March 28-April 1, 2006, Orlando, FL

    --  CONNECTIONS (TM) - The Digital Home Conference & Showcase
        May 2-4, 2006, Santa Clara, CA

    --  2006 PARA Conference
        May 3-7, 2006, Hilton Head, SC

    --  The 10th Annual Consumer Electronics CEO Summit
        June 21-24, 2006, Southampton, Bermuda

    --  2006 SINOCES
        July 7-10, 2006, Qingdao, China

    --  2006 CEA Summer Technology and Standards Forum
        July 24-28, 2006, Coronado, CA

    --  CEA Industry Forum
        October 16-18, 2006 San Francisco, CA