Digital televisions: A growing household commodity

According to the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), over 50 percent (approximately 57 million) of American households now own a digital TV. Figures are based on market and research data from the manufacturers of television and consumer electronics that compose the association as well as consumer research.

Revenue for digital TV sales is expected to grow by 11 percent to $25 billion in 2007; a number CEA predicts will increase an additional 13 percent in 2008

According to the President and CEO of CEA, Gary Shapiro:

“We have crossed a critical threshold. Consumers are particularly keen to add HDTV to their homes, with high definition expected to account for 79 percent of total DTV shipments in the U.S. in 2008.”

It is expected that television broadcasters will shift from analog to digital signals on February 17, 2009. The problem with this transition is that analog TV sets without digital set-top boxes will be rendered useless. The Governmental Accountability Office (GAO) issued a report earlier this month criticizing US regulators for not preparing viewers for this transition.

Shapiro and other CEA officials will appear on several DTV-related panels during the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas from January 7-10.

Read [PC Mag]