CEA's "Convert Your Mom" Campaign Offers Free Guide to DTV Transition

Business Wire, May 16, 2008

"Digital Tips" from America's Favorite TV Mom Helps Seniors Get Ready for All-Digital TV Broadcasting

ARLINGTON, Va. -- Over-the-air analog TV viewers now have a new, free, all-in-one resource at their fingertips to help prepare for February 17, 2009, when all full-power TV stations in the U.S. will broadcast exclusively in digital. The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)[R] today announced the publication of "Florence Henderson's Digital Tips," a brochure available for free by mail, as well as online, that explains in simple terms why the digital television transition is happening and what options and assistance are available for viewers. The brochure is part of CEA's ongoing "Convert Your Mom" public education effort featuring entertainer Florence Henderson, best known for her role as Carol Brady on TV's "The Brady Bunch."

The full-color tri-fold brochure features three simple, illustrated steps to install and use a digital converter box to receive free digital TV broadcasts on an older analog TV set. It also directs consumers to the federal coupon program which provides up to two $40 coupons per household to offset the cost of certified converter boxes.

Viewers can obtain "Florence Henderson's Digital Tips" by sending a Self-Addressed, Stamped Envelope to "Digital Tips," P.O. Box 73, Fanwood, NJ 07023, or easily download and print a copy online at www.DigitalTips.org.

"CEA and its member companies are doing everything possible to make sure that viewers make well-informed decisions and continue to enjoy their favorite channels after February 17, 2009," said Gary Shapiro, CEA's president and CEO. "We are rolling out several public awareness initiatives over the course of this year, and this brochure provides important information presented clearly and attractively to a targeted audience."

Contest Hunts for Rabbit Ears Pioneers

CEA's "Convert Your Mom" public education effort also features a nationwide contest in partnership with the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB). The "Rabbit Ears Pioneers" competition, launched May 1, seeks the most interesting stories, memories and anecdotes from individuals who receive over-the-air broadcast TV signals using an antenna on an older analog television set. The contest is designed to encourage "Pioneers" to get ready for the digital conversion.

Winners chosen in June, August, September and October will receive a digital converter box and digital reception antenna so they can continue using an existing TV set, as well as be entered into the grand prize competition. The grand prize winner will receive a home entertainment center including a flat screen high-definition TV, an HD Blu-ray disc player and a surround sound audio system. The grand prize winning entry will be announced in November to mark the 100-day countdown to the transition date.

More details on the Rabbit Ears Pioneers contest can be found at www.antennaweb.org.

About CEA

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the $161 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. More than 2,200 companies enjoy the benefits of CEA membership, including legislative advocacy, market research, technical training and education, industry promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES - Where Entertainment, Technology and Business Converge. All profits from CES are reinvested into CEA's industry services. Find CEA online at www.CE.org.