Sony's Robert Blanchard and Microsoft's David McLauchlan Honored at CEA's First Annual Technology Achievement Awards

Business Wire, Nov 25, 2008

ARLINGTON, Va. -- The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)[R] announced that its inaugural Technology Achievement Awards go to Robert Blanchard, regulatory and standards analyst, Sony Electronics and David McLauchlan, senior business development manager, Microsoft Corporation. The awards were handed out at the first annual Technology Achievement Awards, held in conjunction with the CEA Technology and Standards Fall Forum, a four-day event that brings engineering leaders together to develop CE standards.

"CEA's Technology Achievement Awards honor designers, developers, and engineers who help us in our drive toward innovation," said Brian Markwalter, vice president, Technology and Standards, CEA. "These honorees' leadership within CEA's Technology and Standards program has led to tremendous advancements in the standards development process."

Robert Blanchard received the CEA Technology Leadership Award. This award is presented to an individual whose commitment to advance state-of-the-art consumer electronics is reflected in participation in CEA's Technology and Standards program. Blanchard, who has been with Sony Electronics since 1989, serves as chair of CEA's R8 WG3--RF Compatibility and co-chair of R4.8 WG7 -- Uncompressed A/V Digital Interfaces. Previously, he was chair of R4.3 WG1--Digital Closed Captioning and co-chair of R4.8 WG10--PlugFests. In his current position, Blanchard is involved with national and international standards development for television systems and related peripheral devices.

David McLauchlan received the CEA Technology Achievement Award. This award is focused on an individual's contributions to new technologies or significant enhancements made to existing technologies. It also honors participation and leadership in CEA's Technology and Standards program. McLauchlan, who joined Microsoft in 2000, chairs CEA's R6 WG15--Portable Device Connector working group and the USB-IF Media Transfer Protocol working group. McLauchlan is currently working on Microsoft's Zune device and has responsibility for the on-the-go device connectivity (such as in automotive, hospitality or mobility scenarios) and partner evangelism.

These awards will be presented annually during the CEA Technology and Standards Fall Forum. For more information on the Technology Achievement Awards, visit www.CE.org/standards or contact Shazia McGeehan at smcgeehan@CE.org.

About CEA:

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the $173 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.

UPCOMING EVENTS

* CES Unveiled: The Official Press Event of the International CES January 6, 2009, Las Vegas, NV

* 2009 International CES January 8-11, 2009, Las Vegas, NV

* Digital Music Forum East February 24-25, 2009, New York, NY

* Greener Gadgets Conference February 27, 2009, New York, NY

* EHX Spring 2009 March 10-14, 2009, Orlando, FL

* Digital Patriots Dinner April 22, 2009, Washington, DC

* CEA Washington Forum April 22 - 23, 2009, Washington, DC

* LA Games Conference May 20-21, 2009, Hollywood, CA

* Digital Downtown June 10-12, 2009, New York, NY

* 13(th) Annual CEO Summit June 17-20, 2009, Dana Point, CA

* 2009 SINOCES July 9-12, Qingdao, China

* 2009 CEA Industry Forum October 18-21, 2009, Phoenix, AZ

* CES New York Press Preview featuring CES Unveiled @ NY November 10, 2009, New York, NY