Consumers positive on U.S. Digital Television Transition.

Despite some initial confusion and delays, a majority of U.S. consumers think positively about tomorrow’s official digital television (DTV) transition, and many will likely switch to free over-the-air reception from fee-based cable or satellite subscriptions, according to a survey. The random survey of more than 1,000 consumers was sponsored by Harris Corporation.

The survey, completed earlier this week, found that a majority of people – 69 percent – feel the nationwide DTV transition will be good for them and their families. This is despite some earlier reports of consumer confusion caused by equipment requirements, converter box coupon issues, and a delay in the implementation until June 12, 2009.

More than half of the survey respondents – 55 percent – said they are somewhat or very likely to switch to antennas to receive free, over-the-air high-definition TV signals (HDTV), versus subscribing to cable or satellite subscriptions. The unique Advanced Television Systems Committee digital broadcast technology enables broadcasters to allocate more bandwidth to over-the-air HDTV, therefore providing higher quality pictures than most cable or satellite solutions.

The survey also showed that younger consumers – those under 24 years old – were most positive about the DTV transition, and also the most likely to consider switching to free over-the-air TV from subscription cable or satellite reception. This particular age group also is most likely to supplement their over-the-air reception with new on-line viewing alternatives.

“We commissioned this survey to check the pulse of the American public about the transition to digital television,” said Jay Adrick, vice president, broadcast technology, Harris Broadcast Communications. “We think the results clearly show that despite a few wrinkles during the transition, consumers are embracing this change, and appreciate the positive impact it will have on them.”

For more information at http://www.harris.com