GECs
Sale of DTV sets increases by 45 per cent in the US
MUMBAI: Digital television (DTV) sales continue to rise in the US. This has been demonstrated by the latest factory-to-dealer sales released by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA).
According to the CEA 3.8 million units have been shipped from January through June of 2005, bringing the total dollar sales to date to more than $4.6 billion. These sales figures mark a 45 percent increase in unit sales and a 23 per cent increase in dollar sales over the same period in 2004.
The average factory-to-dealer decrease in price has been a driver in the continued adoption of DTV sets. The price since January has dropped more than $200 bringing the average factory-to-dealer sales price to $1,159 per DTV set. As the sales prices continue to drop, every month in 2005 has seen an increase in sales over the previous month.
CEA president and CEO Gary Shapiro says, “It is a great time to buy – the number of DTV products and the wide range of prices has created a truly competitive marketplace. There is increased competition among retailers, manufacturers and the technologies. More high-definition (HD) programming is announced each day and Congress continues to keep this issue a top priority. We are hopeful that a cut-off date will soon be established for analog broadcasting. To date, more than seven million devices are capable of receiving HD content.
“CEA continues to celebrate the successful transition to DTV. This year, it is predicted that consumers will buy more digital sets than analog. As consumers choose to go digital, 86 percent are choosing the best digital has to offer – HDTV. To date, seven million US households are capable of receiving HD programming via either over-the-air or cable. CEA has been a part of this transition since the first set was announced at the International CES and we look forward to continuing to take the necessary steps to ensure a rapid, consumer-friendly end to the DTV transition.”
The rise in sales comes as the US Congress considers setting a cutoff date for traditional analog television signals and requiring television stations to air only digital. Lawmakers are considering late 2008 or early 2009 as the deadline.
Congress’ investigative arm, the Government Accountability Office, estimates about 21 million homes rely solely on antennas to see television broadcasts and would have to get new television sets or converter boxes.
Lawmakers are pondering a subsidy to cover for some households the cost of a converter box, which would allow consumers to continue using existing television sets.
GECs
Asianet Television Awards 2026 celebrates women power in Malayalam TV
“She is the Colour” theme honours icons as ceremony airs on March 14 and 15 at 7 PM.
MUMBAI: If television lights up living rooms, this year Asianet decided to let women provide the colour. The Asianet Television Awards 2026 turned the spotlight firmly on women empowerment with the theme “She is the Colour”, celebrating the strength, resilience and achievements of women who continue to shape society and the Malayalam entertainment industry.
The ceremony honoured several distinguished personalities whose journeys have left a lasting cultural imprint. Among them was legendary playback singer Vimala Varma, widely recognised as the first Malayalam playback singer. The evening also paid tribute to Padma Shri awardees Devaki Amma and Vimala Menon for their exceptional contributions in their respective fields.
Leading women from the Malayalam film industry were also recognised during the event, including actor Shweta Menon, who currently serves as president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists, and National Award winning actor Surabhi Lakshmi.
The awards ceremony brought together a glittering lineup of actors and industry figures, including Jayasurya, Vijay Babu, Asha Sarath, Lena, Esther Anil, Anumol, Akhila Bhargavan, Sarayu Mohan, Prajod Kalabhavan, Gayathri Suresh, Sabumon Abdusamad, Swasika, Tini Tom, Sijoy Varghese, Kailash, Veena Nandakumar, Sabareesh Varma, Ansiba Hassan and Dinesh Prabhakar. Kishan Kumar, executive vice president Malayalam at JioStar, was also present at the event.
Beyond individual recognitions, the awards celebrated excellence across Malayalam television, acknowledging artists and technicians whose work continues to drive the industry forward.
The evening also offered plenty of spectacle, with elaborate dance performances, stunt acts and comedy skits performed by popular television and film personalities, turning the ceremony into a full fledged entertainment showcase.
Viewers will get to watch the celebrations when the Asianet Television Awards 2026 air on Asianet on March 14 and 15, Saturday and Sunday, from 7 pm onwards, bringing the star studded tribute to homes across Kerala and beyond.
