RNS Number:6594B
Home Entertainment Corporation PLC
26 September 2002

News Release - Thursday, 26 September 2002


                       Home Entertainment Corporation PLC

                  2002 Annual General Meeting - Trading Update



At the Annual General Meeting of Home Entertainment Corporation PLC being held
at 1000hrs today, Chairman, Iain Muspratt, will make the following statement.



"I am pleased to say that the upward trend for the first 8 weeks of the current
financial year has been maintained with group turnover for the 16 weeks to 21
September 2002 rising by 18.4% to #30 million.  During that period, sell-thru
accounted for 48 per cent of sales (2001 - 41%) and the DVD proportion of video
rental grew to 44.8% (2001 - 20.7%).  This performance is in line with our
expectations at this stage although profitability is slightly ahead of budget.



"This very satisfactory start to the year was achieved despite the adverse
effect of the World Cup.  The all-important Christmas trading period lies ahead
which, subject only to events outside our control, we approach with confidence.



"We have laid the foundations for further growth in all areas of activity.



"The rental activities of Video Box Office are beginning to benefit from our
investment in DVD, and the sell-thru business of 'Movies', 'Games' and 'DVD
Collections' is growing rapidly ahead of the Christmas period.



"Since the year-end, Choices Video has successfully opened 5 new stores and a
further 6 are planned to be trading by Christmas.



"Choices Direct has benefited from its new web site and from a strong release
schedule including 'Lord of the Rings' and 'Monsters Inc'.



"Mosaic Entertainment has entered into an agreement with Warner Home Video
whereby Warner will distribute Mosaic titles for sell-thru.  Mosaic will
continue to handle distribution of its titles for rental, cinema and television.



"We have completed the new 32,000 square foot extension to our logistics centre
at Manasty Road, Peterborough, as planned.



"We are proud of the quality of service we provide our customers. The effort and
enthusiasm of all who work for us is one of our most valuable assets and I would
like to place on record my thanks for all they achieve."



-ENDS-



For further information contact:

Simon Bloomfield, Bankside Consultants: 0207 444 4140 (office) or 07771 758517
(mobile)




                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END

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