HDTV Still Proves Fuzzy for Many Consumers

Alan Breznick, Cable/Video Practice Leader, Light Reading

December 8, 2005

1 Min Read
HDTV Still Proves Fuzzy for Many Consumers

Consumer confustion about HDTV still runs rampant, according to a new study commissioned by Scientific-Atlanta. The telephone survey, released earlier this week, found that nearly half (49%) of all HDTV set owners don't get special HD reception equipment or subscribe to HD programming packages. The study also found that many consumers are still confused about what it takes to enjoy actual HDTV service. Specifically, some 28% of HDTV owners without the special equipment said they didn't get HD set-top boxes, CableCARDs or over-the-air antennas because their picture quality was already improved by the new set. Another 23% didn't buy the extra gear because of the messages that programmers use to identify their shows as HD. And 18% said they believed the HDTV set would provide HD channels without any additional equipment. As a result, S-A said it's working with cable operators to launch a new consumer awareness campaign about HDTV. The campaign, called "The True-Def of Hi-Def," will focus on the equipment that viewers need to fully experience HD.

About the Author(s)

Alan Breznick

Cable/Video Practice Leader, Light Reading

Alan Breznick is a business editor and research analyst who has tracked the cable, broadband and video markets like an over-bred bloodhound for more than 20 years.

As a senior analyst at Light Reading's research arm, Heavy Reading, for six years, Alan authored numerous reports, columns, white papers and case studies, moderated dozens of webinars, and organized and hosted more than 15 -- count 'em --regional conferences on cable, broadband and IPTV technology topics. And all this while maintaining a summer job as an ostrich wrangler.

Before that, he was the founding editor of Light Reading Cable, transforming a monthly newsletter into a daily website. Prior to joining Light Reading, Alan was a broadband analyst for Kinetic Strategies and a contributing analyst for One Touch Intelligence.

He is based in the Toronto area, though is New York born and bred. Just ask, and he will take you on a power-walking tour of Manhattan, pointing out the tourist hotspots and the places that make up his personal timeline: The bench where he smoked his first pipe; the alley where he won his first fist fight. That kind of thing.

Subscribe and receive the latest news from the industry.
Join 62,000+ members. Yes it's completely free.

You May Also Like