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
Samsung TV Plus launches Kings of Comedy channel
New free FAST channel brings iconic Hindi comedy shows to millions of Samsung Smart TV owners.
MUMBAI: Samsung TV Plus has just turned up the laughter volume and it’s completely free. The leading free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) service in India has launched Kings of Comedy, a premium comedy channel featuring some of the country’s most beloved primetime shows. Available exclusively on Samsung TV Plus, the channel delivers back-to-back hits including Comedy Nights with Kapil, Khatra Khatra Khatra, and Comedy Nights Bachao, with no login or subscription required.
The launch marks a milestone for free streaming in India, offering audiences a dedicated comedy destination directly from their Samsung TV home screen. It arrives as Samsung TV Plus India celebrates its 5th anniversary, during which the service has grown its monthly active users by 42 per cent and more than doubled its total viewing hours. The platform now offers over 180 free channels across 14 languages.
Samsung TV Plus India general manager and head of business development Kunal Mehta said, “Comedy is the heartbeat of Hindi entertainment, and Kings of Comedy brings together the shows Indians already love, completely free on their Samsung TV. Our focus remains the same take the content people know and make it effortless to access.”
Globally, Samsung TV Plus has surpassed 100 million monthly active users across more than 4,500 channels, solidifying its position as one of the world’s leading free streaming services.
Kings of Comedy is now available on all compatible Samsung Smart TVs. For viewers seeking non-stop laughter without any cost, this new channel delivers a royal treat proving that sometimes the best entertainment really does come with no strings (or subscriptions) attached.
