HDTVs, Game Consoles High on Holiday Wish Lists, CompTIA Poll Finds

Business Wire, Dec 5, 2007

OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill. -- High definition televisions and high-end game consoles are at the top of holiday wish lists in 2007, according to the results of a new web poll conducted by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA).

The "most wanted" high-tech toy this holiday season is a high-definition TV, selected by 15.2 percent of the 1,012 individuals who participated in the poll.

The newest versions of the three leading gaming consoles claimed the next three spots in the CompTIA holiday wish list poll. Sony's PlayStation 3 placed second in the poll, selected by 13.7 percent of respondents. Wii from Nintendo was third at 10.8 percent. Microsoft's Xbox 360 placed fourth, at 10.2 percent.

The fifth most popular choice on the holiday wish list was a personal computer, chosen by 9.8 percent of poll participants.

In the 2006 CompTIA poll, the most-wanted tech toy was the PlayStation 3, followed by HD TVs, Xbox 360, digital cameras, and smart phones/personal digital assistants.

Among other items on holiday wish lists in 2007 are digital camcorders (5.6 percent), digital cameras (4.9 percent), and mobile phones (4.5 percent). The top ten in the CompTIA poll is rounded out by Blu-Ray DVD players (3.5 percent), HD DVD players (2.9 percent) and personal digital assistants (2.9 percent).

"Digital entertainment systems for the home have never been in greater demand, and the options available to consumers have never been in greater supply," said John Venator, president and chief executive officer, CompTIA. "Though many of these products are easy to install and use individually, bringing together disparate components and systems into a single home network can be a challenge. That's why consumers interested in getting the most out of their investment in expensive consumer electronics would be wise to rely on the expertise of a certified technician to turn their residence into a connected home."

CompTIA and the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) offer a professional certification for individuals working in the growing field of home technology integration. The CEA-CompTIA Digital Home Technology Integrator certification (CEA-CompTIA DHTI ) covers all aspects of the connected home, including digital home entertainment, telecommunications, lighting, energy management, and security.

The CompTIA Web poll on high-tech toys was conducted between November 1 and 29, and generated 1,012 responses.

About CompTIA

The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is the voice of the world's $3 trillion information technology industry. CompTIA membership extends into more than 100 countries and includes companies at the forefront of innovation; the channel partners and solution providers they rely on to bring their products to market; and the professionals responsible for maximizing the benefits organizations receive from their technology investments. For more information, please visit www.comptia.org.