‘Superhero Abilities' of HDTV Prompting Sales, Says USA Today
May 17, 2004
Sarasota, FL - A special, pull-out "Bonus Section" of today’s USA Today spotlights America’s increasing interest in HDTV. The section's cover story notes that, “HDTV’s reception among the masses is brightening” due to the format’s "superhero abilities" to deliver superior widescreen quality at increasingly affordable prices, supported by the ever-expanding amount of HD programming now available.
The report cites figures from the Consumer Electronics Association showing “manufacturer-to-dealer digital TV sales for the first quarter of 2004 totaled 1.39 million, a 104% climb over the same period in 2003” and notes that some limited, non-widescreen “entry-level HD monitors can be found for as little as $450.”
“The fact that USA Today, America’s largest-selling daily newspaper, with a nationwide circulation of 2.28 million, is now featuring news on HD developments in a major way is another strong signal that HD is already spreading into the mainstream mindset. It also means professional wedding and event videographers need to start planning now for their own transition to HD and how it will affect their business,” said Roy Chapman, Chairman of the Wedding & Event Videographers Association International (WEVA). “With HD gaining a firm foothold in the market and continuing to advance, WEVA International will be exploring the impact of the new HD developments on professional wedding and event videography as part of WEVA EXPO 2004 in August,” he said.
Major camera manufacturers are already considering the impact of HD upon specific niche sectors of professional video. In opening remarks to the members of the media at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) show last month, John Scarcella, president of the Broadcast and Production Systems Division of Sony Electronics, said it is time now for “wedding and event videographers to prepare a strategy” for moving to high-definition, noting that “high-definition has reached what the market defines as critical mass.”
New HD cameras and other HD production gear expected from Panasonic, Sony, JVC and others is already poised to revolutionize the way professional wedding and event videographers shoot, edit, and deliver their final product.
“Since the production decisions of WEVA International members are largely determined by direct customer demand, WEVA has been carefully following the progress of HD in the general marketplace,” said Chapman. “As more consumers begin asking videographers about widescreen and HD delivery for social and corporate events, we are seeing more of our members becoming increasingly interested in gaining a better understanding of the issues involved in making the transition to HD, and anticipating the exciting new opportunities that HD will offer.”
WEVA International is the world’s largest trade association representing professional wedding and event videographers. The association is dedicated to advancing the professional interests of wedding and event videographers around the globe through continuing education, technical support, group benefits, advocacy committees and professional development training. For more information regarding professional videography and WEVA International educational conferences, activities, and membership, including WEVA EXPO 2004 (August 16-19), visit www.weva.com, or contact the association office at 941-923-5334 or email [email protected]. |
