Survey: 61% of Analog TV Households Still Unaware of Digital Transition

Submitted by Mark Hefflinger on January 31, 2007 - 11:53am.

Washington - The majority of U.S. households that receive only over-the-air TV signals (61%) are still unaware that these analog transmissions will be shut off in February 2009, and compel an estimated 22 million households to make some sort of digital transition, according to a survey conducted by research firm ICR Media for the Association of Public Television Stations (APTS).

The survey found 10% of U.S. analog TV households had limited awareness of the digital TV transition, which will free up analog spectrum for emergency communications and other users, while 20% were somewhat aware or very aware.

Furthermore, 53% had no idea when the analog shut-off date is scheduled to fall.

While 45% said they plan to either "do nothing" or "don't know" what they'll do when the analog shut-off occurs, all of these households will be required to either purchase a converter or new digital TV, or upgrade to cable or satellite TV service.

The APTS plans to lobby Congress to designate targeted funding for consumer outreach on the switch from analog to digital.

"There are more than 21 million U.S. households that get their TV exclusively free and over the air, and we know these homes are heavy viewers of public television," said APTS president and CEO John Lawson. "That puts us, working with our partners, in a strong position to provide information about the digital transition to the people who need it most."