Consumers In The Dark Over HDTV
Consumers are unaware of the true cost of switching to high definition television, with many of them unsure of the exact details of the technology, a survey by uSwitch.com has revealed.
The survey shows that 2.6 million households plan to make the switch to HD television, but many could be confusing the technology, which gives vastly improved picture quality by increasing the number of pixels on screen, with other television developments such as digital TV.
Under a quarter of those questioned had a realistic idea of the costs involved in switching to high definition viewing, with one in five not realising that they would need a new television to view HD broadcasts.
Less than one in five thought they would have to spend £100 or less to change to HD, despite the fact the likely true cost is in excess of £400. Early adopters of the technology could have to shell out as much as £1,900 to watch HD broadcasts.
Chris Williams, digital television product manager at uSwitch.com said: “Broadcasters and retailers need to educate consumers as to exactly what is required in order to benefit from HDTV. For many people the digital switchover is enough to contend with for now.”