NEW YORK, Dec. 21, 2006 – The rise of technology blogs such as Engadget, Gizmodo and TechCrunch are driving healthy annual growth in pre-show buzz surrounding the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), one of the largest and most influential global stages for new consumer-technology products. According to Nielsen BuzzMetrics, the global measurement standard in consumer-generated media, 2007 CES-related consumer discussion on Usenet, blogs and boards has increased nearly 20% in the six-week period ending December 12, 2006, compared with the same period last year.

 "Blogs continue to penetrate and shape the public conversation about consumer electronics, including major events like CES", said Pete Blackshaw, chief marketing officer of Nielsen BuzzMetrics.  "Our research finds that such buzz can greatly impact consumer purchase behavior and the success or failure of new product launches".

 Top Categories

Discussion about the "home theater/video" category again leads all categories, with about 35% of all consumer-generated media (CGM) posts (blogs, message boards, usenet, etc.), primarily about HD-DVD and Blu-Ray formats thanks to the increase in HDMI, HD-DVD and Blu-ray.  Although the "gaming" category shows a decrease in word-of-mouth volume from 2006, it is still the second most-discussed category along with audio. 

 Top Brands

Zune, Microsoft’s social networked MP3 player, contributed to a 4.5% increase in buzz for Microsoft from 2006, making it the most talked-about brand.  Interestingly, Apple holds the No. 2 slot for sheer volume of discussion, even though Apple does not participate in CES. The strong presence is accredited to Apple’s Macworld that is compared by consumers to CES and the explosion in the market for iPod accessories.  Sony shows healthy buzz levels as the third most-talked about brand, although there is a decline in buzz for the brand during 2007, primarily harnessed by the debut of PS3 in CES 2006. 

 Top Products

Even without a presence at CES 2007, Apple managed to be a major influencer of conversation because of its iPod and iPod accessories.  Xbox 360 and PS3 continue to show healthy buzz among CES products, although the initial announcements were made during last year’s show.  Microsoft products have strong representation, as five of its products account for the top 10 products by buzz volume. 

 Top Technologies

HDMI, (high-definition multimedia interface), the industry standard for connecting devices to HD displays, accounts for nearly 9% of all CES 2007 buzz.  In fact, HD protocols and formats dominate technology buzz volume, as HDMI, Blu-Ray and HD-DVD harness conversations.  Overall, 2007 consumers discussed technology more frequently around CES 2007 than in 2006.

 Top Sites

The site www.avsforum.com, which hosts discussions about high-end home entertainment systems, video, gaming and other CES topics, generated the most buzz.  Sites devoted to gaming and satellite radio, such as www.nintendo.com, www.ps3forums.com and www.satelliteguys.com, have limited discussions for CES 2007.  As a result of the anticipation of Blu-Ray, discussion on forum.blu-ray.com is up 2 percent.

 CES 2007 Custom Reports

Nielsen BuzzMetrics will offer custom reports focused on key areas such as competitive intelligence, emerging trends and other highlights surrounding the Consumer Electronics Show.  In doing so, clients will have the advantage of answering key questions while provide deeper analysis on particular brands, products and topics. 

Press Contact: Sandra Parrelli; Sandra.Parrelli@nielsen.com; 646-654-7772

Sales Inquiries: sales@buzzmetrics.com; 1.877.999.7335

About Nielsen Online:

Nielsen Online, a service of The Nielsen Company, delivers comprehensive, independent measurement and analysis of online audiences, advertising, video, consumer-generated media, word of mouth, commerce and consumer behavior, and includes products previously marketed under the Nielsen//NetRatings and Nielsen BuzzMetrics brands. With high quality, technology-driven products and services, Nielsen Online enables clients to make informed business decisions regarding their Internet, digital and marketing strategies. For more information, please visit www.nielsen-online.com.

About The Nielsen Company:

The Nielsen Company is a global information and media company with leading market positions in marketing information (ACNielsen), media information (Nielsen Media Research), online intelligence (NetRatings and BuzzMetrics), trade shows and business publications (Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, Adweek). The privately held company is active in more than 100 countries, with headquarters in Haarlem, the Netherlands, and New York, USA. For more information, please visit, www.nielsen.com.