The DEG: Digital Entertainment Group used its annual cocktail reception here Tuesday to honor 2013's top contributors to the field of digital video entertainment, led by Target as the nation's leading retailer.
Target was singled out for recognition for its efforts last year for in marketing and merchandising both playback devices and physical disc based movies and TV shows online and in stores and for launching from the ground up its own video streaming service, Target Ticket, said Amy Jo Smith, DEG president.
Smith said the DEG established its retailer awards to recognize excellence in merchandising and promoting new digital entertainment products for hardware devices, Blu-ray Disc, DVD and UltraViolet titles; in addition to merchandising sellthrough and/or rental content online.
"We applaud Target for aggressively going after the home entertainment category, and pushing the industry to evolve and add even more value to our products," said Ron Sanders, DEG board of directors chair and president of Warner Bros. Worldwide Home Entertainment Distribution. "They have taken the time to evaluate the opportunities within the digital marketplace and are making strategic moves to market to their customers."
Anne Stanchfield, Target Divisional Merchandise Manager of Entertainment, accepted the award for Target saying: "it has been a fantastic year for Target and for the launch of Target Ticket."
The DEG said Target continues to creatively merchandise Blu-ray Disc hardware and software, offering a broad range of products and purchasing opportunities. DEG members also said that Target Ticket made the UltraViolet system for multi-format content sales a key component in its offering.
Other winners of the DEG's Emiel N. Petrone Innovation Awards included, for hardware: Sony's XBR X850A series 4K Ultrad HD TV for Best Ultra HD TV; LG'E LAP340 Sound Plate for best Sound Bar; the Panasonic DMP-BDT330 for best connected Blu-ray Disc player; and the Samsung KN55S9C OLED HDTV for most innovative home entertainment product.
Winners of the DEG Creative Excellence Awards included: "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" (Warner Bros. Home Entertainment); Wizard of Oz (Warner), for Classic Title of the Year; "Life of Pi" (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment) for 3D Title of the Year; "Breaking Bad: The Complete Series" (Sony) for TV Title of the Year; and "Cabaret" (Warner) for Music Title of the Year.
