New Set Buyers Believe HD Signals Come With DTV Transition

New buyers of high-definition TVs still are laboring under the misperception that the sets will deliver enhanced signals along with the digital TV transition next year, or feel they can't afford HD subscriptions after the initial outlay for the television, according to a newly released survey from Frank N. Magid Associates. Among the 12 % of U.S. households who purchased an HD set in the last year, 41% still need to acquire an HD service from cable or satellite companies. By comparison, 80% of homes who have owned an HD set for a longer period, now receive some HD signal source, according to the poll. Moreover, the majority of these homes have taken steps to prepare for the Feb.17 digital TV transition. Because of this misperception, cable and satellite operators have a business opportunity and should anticipate a rush in HDTV orders concurrent with the transition next year, the research firm said.