MUMBAI: More than 50 per cent of US households now own a digital television (DTV), according to new research released by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). As the nation transitions to digital television, consumers are adding DTV to their homes at a record pace.

“I am proud to announce our nation has hit this digital milestone. With 50 per cent of US homes able to experience the reality of digital television, we have crossed a critical threshold. 2008 will continue to demonstrate the growth and success of DTV, with nearly 32 million units forecasted to ship. Consumers are particularly keen to add HDTV to their homes, with high definition expected to account for 79 per cent of total DTV shipments in the US in 2008,” said CEA president and CEO Gary Shapiro.

According to new CEA sales projections, manufacturers will post 11 per cent revenue growth, to over $25 billion, from sales of digital televisions in 2007. CEA also forecasts 13 per cent revenue and 17 per cent unit sales growth for digital television in 2008.

This strong sales growth of DTV is reflected on the show floor and in conference sessions at the 2008 International CES®, the world’s largest consumer technology tradeshow, running 7 – 10 January in Las Vegas, Nevada. DTV and related products are prevalent throughout the record-setting 1.8 million net square feet of show floor space. Exhibitors are showcasing the world’s largest flat panel displays, next generation DTV products, technologies to enable consumers to view HDTV on the go and a host of other new products and technologies. In addition to the 2,700 exhibits on the show floor, DTV will be a hot topic at multiple events and conference sessions.

On Saturday, 5 January in The Venetian, Bellini 2105, Steve Koenig, CEA Industry Analyst and Shawn DuBravac, CEA Economist will present a complete analysis of the state of the industry. This presentation featuring CEA’s latest market research will include key trends and forecasts for various DTV and high definition product categories.

The Conversion to Digital TV: Government Coupon Program and Retailer Participation session, 7 January in the LVCC North Hall, Room N254, will focus on the details around the US government’s $40 converter box coupon program. Kyle Rogg, senior vice president, business development, CLC Services will present the requirements and the process for retailer participation in the program and ensure retailers understand their important role in this transition.

The Goodbye Analog, Hello DTV conference session, 7 January in the LVCC North Hall, Room N262, will bring together top leaders in the industry who will discuss the educational efforts underway to ensure consumers receive the necessary information to successfully transition to digital television. Moderated by Jason Oxman, Consumer Electronics Association, panelists include Acting Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information at NTIA Meredith Baker; Debra Berlyn, AARP; Jonathan Collegio, National Association of Broadcasters; Catherine Seidel, FCC; Rob Stoddard, National Cable and Telecommunication Association; and Tony Wilhelm, NTIA.

In a one-on-one conversation on 8 January, at 10:30 am in the LVCC North Hall, Room 255-257, FCC Chairman Kevin Martin and CEA’s Gary Shapiro will discuss their thoughts on the digital television transition, cable compatibility, spectrum allocation and other issues critical to the consumer electronics industry.