June 11, 2008

DTV2009: Are We Ready Yet?

tv-transition(2).jpg The February 17, 2009 digital television transition is slowly creeping closer. Are you ready yet? Here's the latest numbers detailing how the nation's preparation is fairing.

84% of Americans are aware of the digital TV transition
50% of those that watch analog over-the-air channels don't have plans to address the problem
50% of Americans are aware of the TV Converter Box Coupon program
17% of those that are aware of the coupon program know how to get the boxes
33% of those that don't need converter boxes are applying for them anyway
464, 000 of the 800, 000 coupons that have already expired were never used
15.8 million households need a converter box or new digital TV to maintain service after the switch
adding in multiset households with one or more sets that receive analog over-the-air channels, the number that needs to take action is closer to 39 million households, 34% of all households in the US

It's interesting to note that all of the consumer education campaigns seem to be doing a good job of reaching those with only over-the-air analog reception, but failing to reach those with multiple TV's in the same household, one or more of those set to lose service come DTV2009.

Read-More Mixed DTV News From GAO
Read-Analog Turnoff Could Affect 34% of US Households

Read More in: Digital TV Transition 2009