News Headline
Americans spent $22.8 billion on DVDs in 2005
MUMBAI: Americans spent $22.8 billion renting and buying DVDs in 2005. The DEG: Digital Entertainment Group has come out with a report on DVD sales.
Consumer spending for DVDs was up around eight per cent. DVD retail sales grew five per cent to $16.3 billion in 2005, with unit sales up 10 per cent .
In addition, consumers also spent $6.5 billion renting DVDs, an increase of 14 per cent over last year. When including VHS sales and rental, the spend on home video was relatively flat from last year. Consumers spent $24.3 billion renting and buying DVD and VHS.
According to figures compiled by the DEG based on data from the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), retailers and manufacturers, an estimated 37 million DVD players were sold to U.S. consumers in 2005. Nearly 17 million DVD players sold in the fourth quarter alone
In the fourth quarter of 2005, 536.7 million DVDs shipped to retail. More than 1.6 billion software units shipped throughout 2005, a nine percent increase from 2004, bringing the total number of units shipped since launch to 5.6 billion discs.
Since launch, more than 164 million DVD players, including set-top and portable DVD players, home-theater systems, TV/DVD and DVD/VCR combination players, have sold to consumers, bringing the number of DVD households to 82 million (adjusting for households with more than one player). Fifty percent of DVD owners now have more than one player.
When accounting for computers with DVD capability and DVD-enabled video game consoles, an estimated 89 million households currently have the capability to play DVD (more than 80 per cent of US. TV households). Of these, less than 20 million (17 per cent) rely solely on the standard set-top box in the living room for watching DVDs. More than 80 per cent of DVD-capable households have either multiple players or alternative DVD devices, such a portable players, DD-enabled video game consoles or DVD-capable computers.
DEG: As an industry funded, nonprofit organisation, the Digital Entertainment Group serves to advocate and promote the many benefits associated with DVD while providing updated information regarding the format to both the media and the retail trade.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
