Rent-to-own News

Rent-to-own News - CEA offers digital transition tips to seniors, "Rabbit ears" contest

May 19, 2008

Over-the-air analog TV viewers now have a new, free, all-in-one resource at their fingertips to help prepare for February 17, 2009, when all full-power TV stations in the U.S. will broadcast exclusively in digital.

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) announced the publication of “Florence Henderson’s Digital Tips,” a brochure available for free by mail, as well as online, that explains in simple terms why the digital television transition is happening and what options and assistance are available for viewers.

The brochure is part of CEA’s ongoing “Convert Your Mom” public education effort featuring entertainer Florence Henderson, best known for her role as Carol Brady on TV’s “The Brady Bunch.”

The full-color tri-fold brochure features three simple, illustrated steps to install and use a digital converter box to receive free digital TV broadcasts on an older analog TV set. It also directs consumers to the federal coupon program which provides up to two $40 coupons per household to offset the cost of certified converter boxes.

Viewers can obtain “Florence Henderson’s Digital Tips” by sending a Self-Addressed, Stamped Envelope to “Digital Tips,” P.O. Box 73, Fanwood, NJ 07023, or easily download and print a copy online at www.DigitalTips.org.

“CEA and its member companies are doing everything possible to make sure that viewers make well-informed decisions and continue to enjoy their favorite channels after February 17, 2009,” said Gary Shapiro, CEA’s president and CEO. “We are rolling out several public awareness initiatives over the course of this year, and this brochure provides important information presented clearly and attractively to a targeted audience.”

Contest Hunts for Rabbit Ears Pioneers

CEA’s “Convert Your Mom” public education effort also features a nationwide contest in partnership with the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB). The “Rabbit Ears Pioneers” competition, launched May 1, seeks the most interesting stories, memories and anecdotes from individuals who receive over-the-air broadcast TV signals using an antenna on an older analog television set. The contest is designed to encourage “Pioneers” to get ready for the digital conversion.

Winners chosen in June, August, September and October will receive a digital converter box and digital reception antenna so they can continue using an existing TV set, as well as be entered into the grand prize competition. The grand prize winner will receive a home entertainment center including a flat screen high-definition TV, an HD Blu-ray disc player and a surround sound audio system. The grand prize winning entry will be announced in November to mark the 100-day countdown to the transition date.

More details on the Rabbit Ears Pioneers contest can be found at www.antennaweb.org.

About CEA:
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the $161 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. More than 2,200 companies enjoy the benefits of CEA membership, including legislative advocacy, market research, technical training and education, industry promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES – Where Entertainment, Technology and Business Converge. All profits from CES are reinvested into CEA’s industry services. Find CEA online at www.CE.org.

 

mevans@rtohq.org

About APRO
The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations is the official voice of the rent-to-own industry and the most accurate and trustworthy source of rent-to-own news in the industry. Founded in 1980, APRO is the national, nonprofit trade association advocating and representing the rent-to-own industry before the U.S. Congress, state legislatures, courts, media and the public.

For more information, visit www.rtohq.org.




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RTOHQ: The Magazine
RTOHQ: The Magazine is the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations' award-winning rent-to-own industry magazine, and it's available here.

Complete issue of RTOHQ: The Magazine | June - July 2008
Download the entire June- July 2008 issue of RTOHQ: The Magazine by clicking on the link above (PDF file size is approximately 11 MB). by APRO

 

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The education schedule at APRO’s 2008 Rent-to-Own Convention and Buying Show in St. Louis has been revamped to provide an entire day of great ideas that you can take back to your stores. Check out the complete schedule and seminar descriptions in this issue.

Association of Progressive Rental Organizations
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800/204-2776, ext. 103
Fax 512/794-0097