Move Over Men - New National Survey Reveals You're Not the Only Ones Who Want to Watch the Big Game on a Big Screen TV.

Circuit City's New Online 'Home Theater Headquarters' Brings Together Resources to Help Consumers Choose the Right Technology to Meet Their Needs

RICHMOND, Va., Jan. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- A new national survey from electronics retailer Circuit City has sidelined the widespread belief that only men are excited about watching the Super Bowl on a big screen TV.

Nearly 5,200 men and women responded to Circuit City's "Big Game, Big Screen TV Survey"* and one third of men said they would be more inclined to invite friends over to watch sports or the Super Bowl if they had a big screen TV. Contrary to popular belief, nearly the same number of women (29 percent) agreed with the men. While sporting events were the top reason for hosting a TV gathering, nearly 24 percent of men and women said having a large TV also would prompt get-togethers to watch movies.

Other survey findings:

Sixty-one percent of men believe they want a flat panel TV more than their significant other. However, when asked to describe their desire for a flat panel TV, two thirds of both men and women (69 percent men, 65 percent women) reported they were very interested, or wanted one "now."
More than two-thirds of all respondents said the most important reason for wanting a flat panel TV is for the better picture quality. Almost one-third cited sleek design as the critical factor, and a few admitted they wanted a flat panel TV to impress friends.
Fifty-seven percent are very interested in purchasing a flat panel TV. However, nearly 40 percent are unaware of the significant price drops for these TVs during the past year.
Respondents indicated that a new flat panel TV would be an opportunity for some redecorating. Thirty-seven percent said they would replace or remove their home entertainment center; 35 percent said they'd change the layout of the room where they watch TV; and 13 percent said they'd buy new furniture.
Almost three quarters (72 percent) reported they are somewhat or very confused about the different technologies and options available for new TVs.
Circuit City's Home Theater Headquarters: A new section on Circuit City's Web site is designed to help consumers choose the right technology to meet their home entertainment needs. The "Home Theater Headquarters" offers up-to-the-minute product information along with technology articles geared toward every level of expertise, from novice to seasoned electronics enthusiast.

The "Home Theater Headquarters" sections include:

Home Entertainment Discussion: Circuit City's Home Entertainment Forum provides a new and unique experience allowing consumers to get advice and answers from experienced Circuit City associates and, in many cases, other consumers. For those needing fast answers or those curious to learn, forum.circuitcity.com/ contains a long history of questions and answers, covering a wide variety of topics.
Click & Learn: From the beginner to the expert, consumers now have access to approximately 80 of the latest buying guides from CNET and Home Theater Magazine, including instructive videos from CNET.
Build Your Own: Circuit City suggests compatible products for consumers' specific needs, from how far you sit from the TV to what type of display technology you prefer. This section cuts through the clutter of home theater shopping and gives consumers great ideas on where to start.
Enthusiast's Corner: This section offers independent product reviews from Home Theater Magazine, as well as candid assessments from consumers who have used the products. The unbiased reviews reveal the good, the bad and an overall assessment of the product.
Product Assistance: The most commonly asked questions and answers are listed in this section. Consumers can also view diagrams on how to hook up and install products, as well as receive troubleshooting tips and warranty information for a wide variety of products.
*The Circuit City "Big Game, Big Screen TV" survey was commissioned by Circuit City Stores, Inc. and conducted on the Internet by Decision Analyst, Inc. of Arlington, Texas. The margin of error is plus-or-minus 2%.

About Circuit City Stores, Inc.
Circuit City Stores, Inc. (NYSE: CC) is a leading specialty retailer of consumer electronics. The domestic segment operates through 625 Superstores and six other locations in 157 U.S. markets. The international segment operates through more than 950 retail stores and dealer outlets in Canada. Circuit City also operates Web sites at http://www.circuitcity.com and at http://www.thesourcecc.ca.