Fan track invites all showgoers
Home Theater Forum, other enthusiast groups return to HME
By Susanne Ault -- Video Business, 6/23/2008
JUNE 23 | HOME MEDIA EXPO: Consumer members of the Home Theater Forum and other enthusiast groups will be back at Home Media Expo this year, with a program that’s now inclusive of retailers.
During the show last year, several suppliers put on presentations for HTF members that were not open, or at least not promoted as open, to retail attendees. For the 2008 event, all events are open to all show attendees.
In addition to HTF, DVD fan sites TVShowsOnDVD.com, FormatWarCentral.com and HighDefDiscNews.com are inviting their own members to the show.
After advertising EMA across these sites for the last several months, HTF co-owner Ron Epstein expects there will be about 50 consumers making the Las Vegas trek this year.
“We’ve been in constant talk with EMA, and the main goal was to have a good mix,” said Epstein. “People will have a choice if they want to attend EMA’s regular seminars or the HTF presentations.”
EMA leadership also is happy that everyone is included in the HTF track, as it should offer valuable consumer insights on such newer products as Blu-ray and digital copy.
“Last year, we arranged presentations for them, and they realized that they wanted it to be more open,” said Carrie Dieterich, VP of marketing and industry relations at EMA. “The sessions provide value to not only Forum members but also to our exhibitors and to retailers. They provide a different point of view and a different voice.”
With more than 40% of HTF members owning Blu-ray players, according to Epstein, studios will likely serve themselves well cozying up to the group. As DVD enthusiasts, HTF members frequently blog about their experiences, potentially helping studios win more fans to the format.
At press time, the HTF programming block featured Tuesday product presentations by indies Allumination FilmWorks and Summit Entertainment. That same day, 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment will roll out a session on digital copy.
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment will offer a tutorial on Web-enabled Blu-ray bonus features, collectively called BD Live. And Panasonic Hollywood Labs will hold a Blu-ray session on Wednesday. Expected, but not confirmed by press time, is a Warner Home Video product session on Tuesday.
“It’s so nice to have the companies come out so we can find out about their plans,” said Epstein. “This can be good press for the studios and helps consumers get excited about the titles.”
