Rabbit Ears Pioneers Contest Semifinalist Helps Friend into the Digital Television Age

Business Wire, Sept 19, 2008

ARLINGTON, Va. -- The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)([R]) and the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) today announced the second semi-final winners of the "Rabbit Ears Pioneers" contest - Tracey Huffman of Astoria, N.Y., and Cara Lustik of Forest Hills, N.Y. The contest encourages over-the-air television viewers to prepare now for the nation's transition to full-power broadcast digital television, which will be completed on February 17, 2009.

Lustik entered the contest with an essay about her friend Huffman, who watches television on an older analog set with a "rabbit ears" antenna that she purchased used five years ago. Lustik, who works in the entertainment industry, learned about the contest via an online industry publication, Cynopsis (www.cynopsis.com). "I have cable, so I knew that I was ready for the digital TV transition, but I thought, this is perfect for Tracey," Lustik said.

"I can't wait to have improved reception and maybe even more channels with the converter box," said Huffman.

Each winner will receive a GE digital TV converter box and RCA digital reception antenna. As semi-finalists, Huffman and Lustik also qualify for the grand prize of a high-definition home entertainment center.

"If we can put a man on the moon, we can certainly put a decent working television set into a Queens apartment," jokes Lustik in the essay she submitted to the contest. Lustik's entry received the highest overall rating for creativity and originality by an independent judging panel comprised of electronics industry experts. The following is an excerpt from her entry:

"My friend has 'antenna-itis' and she has it bad. Symptoms include blurred or fuzzy screen, often accompanied by static, and sometimes, when most acute, no picture whatsoever. These symptoms are accompanied by an agitated, restless state in which 'the patient' leaps from the sofa to adjust her 'rabbit ears,' muttering distractedly under her breath."

With her new digital converter box and antenna, Huffman's problems have been resolved. These tools will provide her access to crystal-clear pictures and sound, and more channels than ever before.

Entries are still being accepted for Rabbit Ears Pioneers, and two more semi-final winners will be announced this fall. The grand prize-winning entry will be announced in November as part of the 100-day countdown to the transition and in time to kick off the holiday season. Full entry details can be found at www.antennaweb.org.

By law, all full-power television stations must transition to all-digital broadcasting on February 17, 2009. Consumers who use an analog TV set to watch television over the air will need to take steps to upgrade to DTV. Their options include purchasing a DTV converter box or digital TV set, or subscribing to cable, satellite or another pay TV service to begin viewing digital television now.

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.

About NAB

The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association for America's broadcasters. As the voice of more than 8,300 radio and television stations, NAB advances their interests in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital age. Learn more at www.nab.org.