DEG Awards Laud Best Buy, Top DVD Releases
7 Jan, 2005 By: Stephanie PrangeBest Buy took Retailer of the Year for 2004 at DEG: The Digital Entertainment Group's second annual awards, announced at this year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
The retailer took top honors in both the content supplier and the consumer electronic/IT company voting categories.
“It is a true testament to Best Buy's accomplishments in the DVD industry that has earned them this honor from both our hardware and software members,” said Bob Chapek, president of both the DEG and Buena Vista Home Entertainment. “They have been very effective in reaching consumers and helping to shape the overall business as the industry evolves.”
In memory of the DEG's founding chairman Emiel N. Petrone, who passed away last year, the DEG membership created three awards to acknowledge 2004's most outstanding new digital entertainment products. Selected by a panel of key product reviewers from the industry's home theater enthusiast publications, the following three products were awarded top honors:
• Emiel N. Petrone Digital Innovation Award for Sight:
Sony Qualia 004 SXRD Projector
• Emiel N. Petrone Digital Innovation Award for Source:
Pioneer Elite DV-59AVI DVD Player
• Emiel N. Petrone Digital Innovation Award for Sound:
Denon AVR-5805 Receiver
The group also honored top DVD software releases with its Creative Excellence Awards. Winners were:
• Theatrical DVD Title of the Year:
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Extended Edition (New Line Home Entertainment)
• Catalog DVD Title of the Year:
Gone With the Wind: Collector's Edition (Warner Home Video)
• TV-on-DVD Title of the Year:
Seinfeld: Seasons 1 and 2 (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment)
• Direct-to-DVD Title of the Year:
The Lion King 1-1/2 (Buena Vista Home Entertainment)
• Music-on-DVD Title of the Year:
Bon Jovi — This Left Feels Right: Live (Universal Music Group)