Vision - January/February 2008 - (Page 22) DTV UPDATE] • [ by CARLOS M. GUTIERREZ Dear Consumer Electronics Show Participants: I am pleased to send warm greetings to all those attending the Consumer Electronics Show. This event reminds me how the industry you proudly represent embodies our dynamic American economy and the entrepreneurial spirit hard at work. Just five years ago, for example, purchasing a digital television was out of reach for many consumers, but DTVs, according to CEA, could be found in 53 percent of households as of December 2007, a number projected to grow to 67 percent by year’s end. While millions of Americans have already embraced the transition to digital television (according to CEA, over 50 percent of households have a digital television), consumers with an analog TV relying on over-the-air TV reception may prefer to continue to use their existing sets when all-digital broadcasting begins after February 17, 2009. To assist these consumers, the U.S. government is providing coupons toward the purchase of TV converter boxes, Between January 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009, U.S. households can request up to two $40 coupons from the Department of Commerce to help defray the cost of converter boxes so these analog sets will continue to function. I want to thank CEA and its members for taking a leadership role in the digital television transition. The ads CEA has been running and its consumer-friendly materials are helping make this an easy transition for consumers. The Department of Commerce greatly appreciates the efforts of CEA and its members within the DTV Transition Coalition to make sure no household loses television service because of a lack of information about the transition. NTIA has worked diligently with consumer electronics manufacturers and retailers to ensure that consumers will be able to obtain converter boxes conveniently during the transition period. For more information about the Coupon Program, retailers should visit www.ntiadtv.gov or call 1-866-296-1107. Consumers can go to www.mydtv2009.gov or call 1-888-388-2009 to order their coupons. Working together, I am confident that we can make the digital transition a success for all Americans. Sincerely, Carlos M. Gutierrez 22 January/February 2008 www.ce.org http://www.ntiadtv.gov http://www.mydtv2009.gov http://www.ce.org
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